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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Gravity and animal embryos

Out of more than 4,500 rat hours in space there was only one experimental attempt (Cosmos 1129) at mating with an apparent absence of fertilization, implantation and subsequent development to term and partuition. Portions of this process were successfully flown, however, including the major portion of organogenesis in the rat (Cosmos 1524). These observations show that the cellular and molecular events underlying morphogenesis and differentiation in a small mammal can proceed normally in-utero under microgravity and other conditions encountered during short-duration flight. However, it is not known whether this situation will hold for larger mammals over several generations during extended missions that venture outside of near Earth. Furthermore, it is not understood why the previous attempt at obtaining copulation, fertilization and implantation in orbit failed but may be related to limitations of the rat habitat for meeting the preconditions for reproductive behavior. With respect to mammalian development it is important to appreciate that fertilization and development occur internally within the female and take a long time to complete and their success will, therefore, be contingent upon the maternal response to the space environment. One process central to development (the establishment of cell lines) is initiated prior to implantation by environmental asymmetries preceived by progenitor cells. These asymmetries appear to result from the formation of asymmetric cell-cell contacts and the concommitant development of an electrical axis across the progenitor cells. Other asymmetries were also documented. It is not known whether any of the known asymmetries perceived by progenitor cells are influenced by gravity vectors and/or by the maternal response to microgravity and other conditions encountered in space.

Wiley, Lynn M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Sudbury project (University of Muenster-Ontario Geological Survey): New investigations on Sudbury breccia

Sudbury breccias occur as discordant dike breccias within the footwall rocks of the Sudbury structure, which is regarded as the possible remnant of a multiring basin. Exposures of Sudbury breccias in the North Range are known up to a radial distance of 60-80 km from the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC). The breccias appear more frequent within a zone of 10 km adjacent to the SIC and a further zone located about 20-33 km north of the structure. From differences in the structure of the breccias, as for example the size of the breccia dikes, contact relationships between breccia and country rock as well as between different breccia dikes, fragment content, and fabric of the ground mass, as seen in this section, the Sudbury Breccias have been classified into four different types. (1) Early breccias with a clastic/crystalline matrix comprise small dikes ranging in size from approx. 1 cm to max. 20 cm. (2) Polymict breccias with a clastic matrix represent the most common type of Sudbury breccia. The thickness of the dikes varies from several tens of centimeters to a few meters but can also extend to more than 100 m in the case of the largest known breccia dike. Contacts with country rock are sharp or gradational. Heterogenous matrix consisting of a fine-grained rock flour displays nonoriented textures as well as extreme flow lines. Chemical analysis substantiates at least some mixing with allochthonous material. (3) Breccias with a crystalline matrix are a subordinate type of Sudbury breccia. According to petrographical and chemical differences, three subtypes have been separated. (4) Late breccias with a clastic matrix are believed to represent the latest phase of brecciation. Two subtypes have been distinguished due to differences in the fragment content.

Mueller-Mohr, V.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Coordinated Radio, Electron, and Waves Experiment (CREWE) for the NASA Comet Rendezvous and Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) instrument

The Coordinated Radio, Electron, and Waves Experiment (CREWE) was designed to determine density, bulk velocity and temperature of the electrons for the NASA Comet Rendezvous and Asteroid Flyby Spacecraft, to define the MHD-SW IMF flow configuration; to clarify the role of impact ionization processes, to comment on the importance of anomalous ionization phenomena (via wave particle processes), to quantify the importance of wave turbulence in the cometary interaction, to establish the importance of photoionization via the presence of characteristic lines in a structured energy spectrum, to infer the presence and grain size of significant ambient dust column density, to search for the theoretically suggested 'impenetrable' contact surface, and to quantify the flow of heat (in the likelihood that no surface exists) that will penetrate very deep into the atmosphere supplying a good deal of heat via impact and charge exchange ionization. This final report provides an instrument description, instrument test plans, list of deliverables/schedule, flight and support equipment and software schedule, CREWE accommodation issues, resource requirements, status of major contracts, an explanation of the non-NASA funded efforts, status of EIP and IM plan, descope options, and Brinton questions.

Scudder, Jack D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Flux-flow voltages during guided flux collapse from hollow superconducting cylinders

Voltages across diametrically opposite contact pairs on the outer surface of superconducting Nb tubes are found to depend dramatically upon the spatial configuration of the voltage-measuring leads relative to the positions of the moving magnetic flux lines. Experiments have been conducted to study these voltages for different wall thicknesses and for a variety of arrangements of the leads when flux in the hole and the wall of the Nb tube is made to exit or enter, completely or partially, by applying heat at a narrow strip along its length. Using the critical-state concept, a model for the change of flux and the resulting electric fields in the Nb tube on application of a heat pulse is presented. The resulting time-dependent and time-integrated voltages are calculated in excellent quantitative agreement with the experimental results. These results show that the flux-flow voltages across two contact points on a superconductor arise from the generation of an induced electric field over a chosen path in the superconductor between the contact points and from a change of magnetic flux through the surface bounded by the measuring leads and the chosen path in the superconductor.

Khanna, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Tele-Autonomous control involving contact

Object localization and its application in tele-autonomous systems are studied. Two object localization algorithms are presented together with the methods of extracting several important types of object features. The first algorithm is based on line-segment to line-segment matching. Line range sensors are used to extract line-segment features from an object. The extracted features are matched to corresponding model features to compute the location of the object. The inputs of the second algorithm are not limited only to the line features. Featured points (point to point matching) and featured unit direction vectors (vector to vector matching) can also be used as the inputs of the algorithm, and there is no upper limit on the number of the features inputed. The algorithm will allow the use of redundant features to find a better solution. The algorithm uses dual number quaternions to represent the position and orientation of an object and uses the least squares optimization method to find an optimal solution for the object's location. The advantage of using this representation is that the method solves for the location estimation by minimizing a single cost function associated with the sum of the orientation and position errors and thus has a better performance on the estimation, both in accuracy and speed, than that of other similar algorithms. The difficulties when the operator is controlling a remote robot to perform manipulation tasks are also discussed. The main problems facing the operator are time delays on the signal transmission and the uncertainties of the remote environment. How object localization techniques can be used together with other techniques such as predictor display and time desynchronization to help to overcome these difficulties are then discussed.

Shao, Lejun↗
NASA NTRS1991

Five-Segment Interconnection For Electromigration Tests

Proposed integrated-circuit conductive pattern intended for use in electromigration lifetime testing of interconnection lines of integrated circuits. Designed for collection of statistics on electromigration from smallest possible area. Includes 5 interconnection segments with Kelvin voltage taps, with total of 12 contact pads, and provides for simultaneous measurements on all of segments. Attempts to minimize thermal gradients within each segment and conforms to guidelines on electromigration test structures promulgated by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Hannaman, David J.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Surface Acoustic Wave Monitor for Deposition and Analysis of Ultra-Thin Films

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) based thin film deposition monitor device and system for monitoring the deposition of ultra-thin films and nanomaterials and the analysis thereof is characterized by acoustic wave device embodiments that include differential delay line device designs, and which can optionally have integral reference devices fabricated on the same substrate as the sensing device, or on a separate device in thermal contact with the film monitoring/analysis device, in order to provide inherently temperature compensated measurements. These deposition monitor and analysis devices can include inherent temperature compensation, higher sensitivity to surface interactions than quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) devices, and the ability to operate at extreme temperatures.

Hines, Jacqueline H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Optimization of tapered busses for solar cell contacts

Some fraction of the power produced by a solar cell is necessarily lost by series resistance associated with the metallized contact grid and by shadowing of cell active area by the grid. There are several approaches to reducing these losses, such as choosing a more efficient pattern, optimizing line spacing, and using tapered buses. The present paper analyzes tapered lines and derives from this analysis a theoretical lower bound to metallization power loss, independent of pattern chosen.

Landis, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The November 1987 eclipse of the zeta-Aur system HR 2554

It is confirmed that HR 2554 (G6 II + A0 V) is an atmospheric eclipsing system of the zeta-Aur type. The IUE observations of the Nov. 1987 eclipse indicate that the eclipse of the A star lasts 4 days and is not total. Absorption lines due to the extended atmosphere of the primary can be seen a day before and after the eclipse and are missing 2 days from first and 4th contact. Thus the outer envelope of the primary extends to less than 1 stellar radius beyond the photosphere. Compared to 22 Vul (G3 Ib-II + B9 V), where the absorption can be traced to a few stellar radii, HR 2554 is a more moderate case of mass outflow, which implies there is reduced interaction of the secondary within the wind from the primary as is seen in the other zeta-Aur systems.

Ake, Thomas B., III↗
NASA NTRS1994

Ultra-High-Frequency Capacitive Displacement Sensor

Improved class of compact, high-resolution capacitive displacement sensors operates at excitation frequency of 915 MHz and measures about 7.5 by 4 by 2 centimeters. Contains commercially available 915-MHz oscillator and transmission-line resonator. Resonator contains stripline inductor in addition to variable capacitor. Ultrahigh excitation frequency offers advantages of resolution and frequency response. Not deleteriously affected by mechanical overdriving, or contact between electrodes.

Vanzandt, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2009

Tech Briefs are short announcements of innovations originating from research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. They emphasize information considered likely to be transferable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. Topics covered include: Measuring Low Concentrations of Liquid Water in Soil; The Mars Science Laboratory Touchdown Test Facility; Non-Contact Measurement of Density and Thickness Variation in Dielectric Materials; Compact Microwave Fourier Spectrum Analyzer; InP Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor Amplifiers to 255 GHz; Combinatorial Generation of Test Suites; In-Phase Power-Combined Frequency Tripler at 300 GHz; Electronic System for Preventing Airport Runway Incursions; Smaller but Fully Functional Backshell for Cable Connector; Glove-Box or Desktop Virtual-Reality System; Composite Layer Manufacturing with Fewer Interruptions; Improved Photoresist Coating for Making CNT Field Emitters; A Simplified Diagnostic Method for Elastomer Bond Durability; Complex Multifunctional Polymer/Carbon-Nanotube Composites; Very High Output Thermoelectric Devices Based on ITO Nanocomposites; Reducing Unsteady Loads on a Piggyback Miniature Submarine; Ultrasonic/Sonic Anchor; Grooved Fuel Rings for Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engines; Pulsed Operation of an Ion Accelerator; Autonomous Instrument Placement for Mars Exploration Rovers; Mission and Assets Database; TCP/IP Interface for the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP); Trajectory Calculator for Finite-Radius Cutter on a Lathe; Integrated System Health Management Development Toolkit.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

Electronic Dipstick

Lake-Tronic's Negative Thermistor Coefficients (NTC) prevent engine nozzles in the Space Shuttle Orbiter from swinging from side to side changing the thrust line. This technology has been adapted to an Electronik Dipstick, used to automatically monitor automotive fluid levels. NTC's are placed at predetermined levels in the dipstick and heated. Contact with fluids dissipates the heat creating a resistance change, which is analyzed by a microprocessor. Installation is simple, and additional applications are under consideration. This product is no longer manufactured.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2002

Caustics and Caustic-Interference in Measurements of Contact Angle and Flow Visualization Through Laser Shadowgraphy

As one of the basic elements of the shadowgraphy optical system, the image of the far field from the droplet implicates plentiful information on the droplet profile. An analysis of caustics by wave theory shows that a droplet with a cylindrically symmetric Gaussian-hill-type profile produces a circular directional caustic in far field, which arises from the singularities (inflection line on the surface). The sessile liquid droplets, which profiles are restricted by surface tension, usually have a 'protruding foot' where the surface inflects. Simple geometrical optics indicates that the circular caustic stemming from the surface inflection at the protruding-foot takes the shape of the outmost ring on the image of the far field. It is the diameter of the outmost ring that is used as one of the key parameters in the measurements of contact angle through the laser shadowgraphic method. Different surface characteristics of the droplets produce different type of caustics, and therefore, the shape of the caustics can be used to determine the surface property of the sessile droplets. The present paper describes the measurement method of contact angIe using the circular caustics and the estimation of the protruding-foot height through the caustic interference.

Chao, David F.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Extracellular calcium (Ca2+(o))-sensing receptor in a murine bone marrow-derived stromal cell line (ST2): potential mediator of the actions of Ca2+(o) on the function of ST2 cells

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays key roles in extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+(o)) homeostasis by mediating the actions of Ca2+(o) on parathyroid gland and kidney. Bone marrow stromal cells support the formation of osteoclasts from their progenitors as well as the growth of hematopoietic stem cells by secreting humoral factors and through cell to cell contact. Stromal cells also have the capacity to differentiate into bone-forming osteoblasts. Bone resorption by osteoclasts probably produces substantial local increases in Ca2+(o) that could provide a signal for stromal cells in the immediate vicinity, leading us to determine whether such stromal cells express the CaR. In this study, we used the murine bone marrow-derived, stromal cell line, ST2. Both immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, using an antiserum specific for the CaR, detected CaR protein in ST2 cells. We also identified CaR transcripts in ST2 cells by Northern analysis using a CaR-specific probe and by RT-PCR with CaR-specific primers, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplified products. Exposure of ST2 cells to high Ca2+(o) (4.8 mM) or to the polycationic CaR agonists, neomycin (300 microM) or gadolinium (100 microM), stimulated both chemotaxis and DNA synthesis in ST2 cells. Therefore, taken together, our data strongly suggest that the bone marrow-derived stromal cell line, ST2, possesses both CaR protein and messenger RNA that are very similar if not identical to those in parathyroid and kidney. Furthermore, as ST2 cells have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, the CaR in stromal cells could participate in bone turnover by stimulating the proliferation and migration of such cells to sites of bone resorption as a result of local, osteoclast-mediated release of Ca2+(o) and, thereafter, initiating bone formation after their differentiation into osteoblasts.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1986

Laser-assisted solar cell metallization processing

The status of the laser-assisted solar cell metallization processing is described. Metallo-organic silver films were spun-on by argon ion laser beam pyrolysis. The metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) film was spun-on an evaporated Ti/Pd film to produce tood adhesion. In a maskless process, the argon ion laser writes the contact pattern. The film is then built up to obtain the required conductivity using conventional silverplating process. The Ti/Pd film in the field is chemically etched using the plated silver film as the mask. The width of the contact pattern is determined by the power of the laser. Widths as thin as 20 microns were obtained using 0.66 W of laser power. Cells fabricated with the 50 micron line widths of 4 ohm-cm floating zone (Fz) silicon-produced efficiencies of 16.6% (no passivation) which were equivalent to the best cells using conventional metallization/lithography and no passivation.

Meier, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Testing EKG electrodes on-line

Simple test instrument allows electrocardiograph operator to check individual electrodes while they are attached to subject. Simply by rotating switch and observing meter, operator verifies that each electrode is not short-circuited or open-circuited and does not present excessive contact resistance at its interface with skin. Instrument also makes it convenient to check electrode cables that are subject to frequent bending and wear, such as cables used on patients who are exercising.

Crosier, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Hollow-Sphere Production Line

After initial formation, spheroids processed without contaminating touch of solid objects. Spheroid in process supported by acoustic levitation at each work station and transported between stations by combination of acoustic levritation and acoustic propulsion. Automatic sequence of target-pellet fabication allows no contact of solid ojbect with spheroids in process. Potential for manufacture of precise microcapsules for catalysts and medications.

Lee, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Time variant analysis of large scale constrained rotorcraft systems dynamics - An exploitation of IBM-3090 vector-processor's pipe-lining feature

A generalized algorithmic procedure is presented for handling the constraints in transmissions, which are treated as a multibody system of interconnected rigid/flexible bodies. The type of constraints are classified based on the interconnection of the bodies, assuming one or more points of contact to exist between them. The method is explained through flow charts and configuration/interaction tables. A significant increase in speed of execution is achieved by vectorizing the developed code in computationally intensive areas. The study of an example consisting of two meshing disks rotating at high angular velocity is carried out. The dynamic behavior of the constraint forces associated with the generalized coordinates of the system are plotted by selecting various modes. Applications are intended for the study of dynamic and subsequent prediction of constraint forces at the gear teeth contacting points in helicopter transmissions with the aim of improving performance dependability.

Amirouche, F. M. L.↗