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At least 289 records · Page 16

Regenerative fuel cell systems for mid- to high-orbit satellites

An assessment of the present and projected capabilities of selected hydrogen-oxygen and hydrogen-halogen fuel cell and electrolyzer combinations for energy storage systems (ESS) in configurations useful for spacecraft missions operating in the 10- to 50-kW range for many years in midaltitude to geosynchronous orbits has recently been completed. Results of the study indicate that regenerative fuel cell ESS are feasible for the intended application. A computer model was used to provide tradeoff analyses for optimizing the various ESS fuel cell concepts. When appropriately configured to be compatible with the mission needs of the selected model spacecraft, the specific energy for these ESS are intermediate between that presently available for nickel-hydrogen batteries and that expected for the newly emerging sodium-sulfur technology.

Taenaka, R. K.↗

Stratospheric trace gases in the spring 1986 Antarctic atmosphere

The atmospheric absorption features of over 500 infrared solar spectra recorded at McMurdo Station have been analyzed to determine the vertical column abundances of trace gases crucial to understanding of the 'ozone hole' phenomenon. The techniques used to retrieve the column abundances are described. Results are reported for ozone, nitrogen species, and halogen sinks and reservoirs.

Farmer, C. B.↗

Extrapolation of earth-based solar irradiance measurements to exoatmospheric levels for broad-band and selected absorption-band observations

Techniques for extrapolating earth-based spectral band measurements of directly transmitted solar irradiance to equivalent exoatmospheric signal levels were used to aid in determining system gain settings of the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) sunsensor being developed for the NASA Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite and for the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas (SAGE) 2 instrument on the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite. A band transmittance approach was employed for the HALOE sunsensor which has a broad-band channel determined by the spectral responsivity of a silicon detector. A modified Langley plot approach, assuming a square-root law behavior for the water vapor transmittance, was used for the SAGE-2 940 nm water vapor channel.

Reagan, John A.↗

A transportable hemispherical illumination system for making reflectance factor measurements

An artificial source of stable, hemispherical illumination has been developed to facilitate the collection of reflectance factor measurements of targets of interest in a laboratory environment. The light source consists of a 76 cm (30 in.) aluminum hemisphere which has been coated internally with barium sulfate paint. Illumination is provided by two banks of lamps, each consisting of eight 62-W quartz halogen bulbs which have tungsten filaments. An internal baffle precludes the viewing of any direct beam of light. A simple metal structure has been developed to hold the hemisphere and all peripheral equipment, such as spectrometers, radiometers, and cameras, in place during data collection. The entire setup can be easily disassembled and packed in airline approved shipping cases to facilitate transportation to remote laboratory facilities. This illumination system has been used during the past three years to collect spectral reflectance factor data of tree branch samples and seedlings in support of an on-going study to investigate the effect of acidic deposition on forest vegetation.

Williams, Darrel L.↗

Antarctic stratospheric chemistry of chlorine nitrate, hydrogen chloride, and ice - Release of active chlorine

The reaction rate between atmospheric hydrogen chloride (HCl) and chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) is greatly enhanced in the presence of ice particles; HCl dissolves readily into ice, and the collisional reaction probability for ClONO2 on the surface of ice with HCl in the mole fraction range from about 0.003 to 0.010 is in the range from about 0.05 to 0.1 for temperatures near 200 K. Chlorine is released into the gas phase on a time scale of at most a few milliseconds, whereas nitric acid (HNO3), the other product, remains in the condensed phase. This reaction could play an important role in explaining the observed depletion of ozone over Antarctica; it releases photolytically active chlorine from its most abundant reservoir species, and it promotes the formation of HNO3 and thus removes nitrogen dioxide from the gas phase. Hence it establishes the necessary conditions for the efficient catalytic destruction of ozone by halogenated free radicals.

Molina, Mario J.↗

Chemistry of the Antarctic stratosphere

Interferometric measurements of HCl, ClNO3, HNO3, NO2, and NO obtained over the Antarctic in 1986 are used to model the chemistry of the atmosphere in the region of the Ozone Hole. The low abundance noted in stratospheric HCl is attributed to incorporation of HCl in polar stratospheric clouds and subsequent reaction of HCl with ClNO3. The results point to a net loss of HNO3 from the stratosphere and to the suppression of the abundance of odd nitrogen at high altitudes in the vortex. O3 loss is suggested to be due to the catalytic influence of halogen radicals.

Mcelroy, Michael B.↗

Characterization of directionally solidified lead chloride

A directionally solidified PbCl2 material was prepared and analyzed and subsequently used to grow single crystals. It was found that silicon, halogens, sulfur, magnesium, and phosphorus were the hardest impurities to remove by the single-pass directional freezing. Single crystals grown from the purified material displayed good scattering beam quality and showed no absorption peaks between 0.30 to 20 microns. Direct photographic observations of the solid-liquid interface at several G/V (denoting the temperature gradient and the translation velocity, respectively) ratio values showed that, as the G/V ratio decreased, the interface varied from a smooth convex surface to dendritic.

Singh, Narsingh Bahadur↗

Influence of polar stratospheric clouds on the depletion of Antarctic ozone

Precipitation of nitrate in polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) can provide a significant sink for Antarctic stratospheric odd nitrogen. It is argued that the depth of the Ozone Hole is sensitive to the occurrence of temperatures below about 196 K. An increase in the prevalence of temperatures below 196 K would enhance ozone loss by increasing the spatial extent and persistence of PSCs, and by decreasing the level of HNO3 that remains following PSC evaporation. Concentrations of halogen gases in the 1960s and earlier were insufficient to support major ozone loss, even if thermal conditions were favorable.

Salawitch, Ross J.↗

Effects Of Pyrotechnically Generated Shocks

Research program provides better understanding of pyrotechnic phenomenon for design purposes. Evaluating potential for damage to spacecraft by activation of pyrotechnic mechanisms, pyrotechnic-shock tests conducted on three configurations: pin pullers on orthogonal double Hopkinson bar arrangement; pin pullers on mockup of Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) structure; and section of separation joint on single Hopkinson bar. Strains and accelerations measured. Strains converted to output stresses, forces, and moments. Acceleration shock-response spectra obtained for both acceleration and force signals. Results of research useful to designers in making comparison and evaluation tests before committing to costly spacecraft hardware.

Bement, Laurence J.↗

Modelling the Antarctic lower stratosphere

Results form modeling studies of the Antarctic lower stratosphere which have attempted to simulate the large springtime ozone losses and corresponding changes in other trace constituents are given. These studies were carried out in a photochemical box model, a one-dimensional model without transport and in a two-dimensional photochemical-dynamical-radiation model. The photochemical studies have investigated inter alia the sensitivity of ozone to inclusion in the model of heterogeneous chemistry, and to the inclusion of the ClO dimer. When both of these are incorporated in the model, ozone depletions resembling whose found in Halley Bay in 1987 (J.C. Farman, Nature, 329, 1987) can be reproduced. The temporal variations (both diurnal and during the August to October period) of a number of important tracers including HCl, ClONO2, OClO and BrO are discussed. The two-dimensional study concentrated on the difficulty of establishing in the model the dynamical preconditioning of the lower polar stratosphere - low temperatures, low N2O, etc., high ClOx. Calculations are presented to show: (1) the depletion of ozone during the springtime season, (2) the effect of large ozone losses on lower latitudes, and (3) the longer term (multi-year) variations of ozone in Antarctica, assuming realistic increases in the atmospheric halogen burden.

Chipperfield, M. P.↗

Improved high-temperature resistant matrix resins

A study was performed with the objective of developing matrix resins that exhibit improved thermo-oxidative stability over state-of-the-art high temperature resins for use at temperatures up to 644 K (700 F) and air pressures up to 0.7 MPa (100 psia). The work was based upon a TRW discovered family of polyimides currently licensed to and marketed by Ethyl Corporation as EYMYD(R) resins. The approach investigated to provide improved thermo-oxidative properties was to use halogenated derivatives of the diamine, 2, 2-bis (4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl) hexafluoropropane (4-BDAF). Polyimide neat resins and Celion(R) 12,000 composites prepared from fluorine substituted 4-BDAF demonstrated unexpectedly lower glass transition temperatures (Tg) and thermo-oxidative stabilities than the baseline 4-BDAF/PMDA polymer.

Green, H. E.↗

Assessment of the atmospheric impact of volcanic eruptions

The dominant global impact of volcanic activity is likely to be related to the effects of volcanic gases on the Earth's atmosphere. Volcanic gas emissions from individual volcanic arc eruptions are likely to cause increases in the stratospheric optical depth that result in surface landmass temperature decline of 2 to 3 K for less than a decade. Trachytic and intermediate magmas are much more effective in this regard than high-silica magmas, and may also lead to extensive ozone depletion due to effect of halogens and magmatic water. Given the assumed relationship between arc volcanism and subduction rate, and the relatively small variation in global spreading rates in the geologic record, it is unlikely that the rates of arc volcanism have varied greatly during the Cenozoic. Hotspot related basaltic fissure eruptions in the subaerial environment have a higher mass yield of sulfur, but lofting of the valcanic aerosol to levels above the tropopause is required for a climate impact. High-latitude events, such as the Laki 1783 eruption can easily penetrate the tropopause and enter the stratosphere, but formation of a stratospheric volcanic aerosol form low-latitude effusive basaltic eruptions is problematical, due to the elevated low-latitude tropopause. Due to the high sulfur content of hotspot-derived basaltic magmas, their very high mass eruption rates and the episodic behavior, hotspots must be regarded as potentially major modifiers of Earth's climate through the action of their volcanic volatiles on the chemistry and physics of the atmosphere.

Sigurdsson, H.↗

Flight calibration source development

An important element in monitoring the sensitivity of flight instrumentation throughout a flight is a reliable reference. Tungsten filament quartz halogen and deuterium UV sources were tested for this purpose. All three types were obtained from available commercial supplies and were tested against various mission requirements, particularly long term stability characteristics. Stability tests were made before and after thermal vacuum and vibration tests.

Glicker, S.↗

Chlorine-hydrocarbon photochemistry in the marine troposphere and lower stratosphere

The role of chlorine atoms in the oxidation of methane and nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in the marine troposphere and lower stratosphere was investigated using a one-dimensional photochemical model that incorporated the chemistry of CH4, NMHCs, NO(x), O(x), and HO(x), as well as organic and inorganic halogens in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. The model predicted that chlorine atoms are present in the marine troposphere at the concentrations of about 1000/cu cm, mostly as a product of the reaction between OH and HCl released from sea spray. The results indicate that Cl atoms cause 20 to 40 percent of NMHC oxidation in the troposphere and 40 to 90 percent in the lower stratosphere. At 15 km, the NMHC-Cl reactions account for nearly 80 percent of the PAN produced. Where available, experimental data confirmed the model predictions.

Singh, H. B.↗

Nonaqueous chemical etch for YBa2Cu3O(7-x)

A nonaqueous chemical etch, with Br as the active ingredient, is described which removes the insulating hydroxides and carbonates that form on high-temperature superconductor surfaces as a result of atmospheric exposure. X-ray photoemission spectra have been recorded before and after etching YBa2Cu3O(7-x) films. It is found that, after the etch, the high binding energy O 1s and Ba 3d peaks associated with surface contaminants are greatly reduced, the Y:Ba:Cu ratio is close to the expected 1:2:3, and the oxidation state of the Cu(2+) is not affected. The resistance of an etched film reaches zero at 78 K, compared to 81 K for a similar unetched film. The suitability of other nonaqueous halogen-based etches is discussed, as is the applicability of this etch to other high-Tc superconductors.

Vasquez, R. P.↗

Acquisition of spectral reflectance data using an artificial source of hemispherical illumination

An integrating hemisphere illumination system has been developed to facilitate the collection of spectral reflectance factor measurements of targets of interest in a laboratory environment. One of the most significant advantages associated with such an illumination source is that repeated measurements can be made over an extended period of time, for a variety of targets, under nearly identical illumination and viewing angle conditions. The illumination system consists of a 76 cm (30 in.) aluminum hemisphere coated internally with barium sulfate paint. Illumination is provided by sixteen 62 watt quartz halogen bulbs with tungsten filaments. A simple metal structure has been developed to hold the hemisphere and all peripheral equipment, such as spectrometers, radiometers, and cameras, in place during data collection. The entire set up can be easily disassembled and packed in airline-approved shipping cases to facilitate transportation to laboratory facilities located near any study area. The illumination system is described briefly, and numerous plots of radiance and spectral reflectance are provided to illustrate the performance and utility of the apparatus.

Williams, Darrel L.↗

Changing composition of the global stratosphere

The current understanding of stratospheric chemistry is reviewed with particular attention to the influence of human activity. Models are in good agreement with measurements for a variety of species in the mid-latitude stratosphere, with the possible exception of ozone (O3) at high altitude. Rates calculated for loss of O3 exceed rates for production by about 40 percent at 40 kilometers, indicating a possible but as yet unidentified source of high-altitude O3. The rapid loss of O3 beginning in the mid-1970s at low altitudes over Antarctica in the spring is due primarily to catalytic cycles involving halogen radicals. Reactions on surfaces of polar stratospheric clouds play an important role in regulating the abundance of these radicals. Similar effects could occur in northern polar regions and in cold regions of the tropics. It is argued that the Antarctic phenomenon is likely to persist: prompt drastic reduction in the emission of industrial halocarbons is required if the damage to stratospheric O3 is to be reversed.

Mcelroy, Michael B.↗

Evidence for a decline in the atmospheric accumulation rate of CHClF2 (CFC-22)

CHClF2 (CFC-22) is a promising substitute for atmospheric ozone damaging, fully halogenated hydrocarbons. Atmospheric CFC-22 measurements derived from ground-based solar spectra recorded between December 1980 and May 1988 are reported which show that the CFC-22 total column increased at an average annual exponential rate of 7.8 percent + or - 1.0 percent (2 sigma). Compared with other atmospheric data, these measurements indicate that CFC-22 is increasing at a more rapid rate than either CFC-11 or CFC-12, the two most abundant chlorofluorocarbons, but that the rate of CFC-22 increase is likely to have declined over the past few years.

Rinsland, Curtis P.↗