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At least 307 records · Page 17

Upper-atmosphere Aerosols: Properties and Natural Cycles

The middle atmosphere is rich in its variety of particulate matter, which ranges from meteorite debris, to sulfate aerosols, to polar stratospheric ice clouds. Volcanic eruptions strongly perturb the stratospheric sulfate (Junge) layer. High-altitude 'noctilucent' ice clouds condense at the summer mesopause. The properties of these particles, including their composition, sizes, and geographical distribution, are discussed, and their global effects, including chemical, radiative, and climatic roles, are reviewed. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are composed of water and nitric acid in the form of micron-sized ice crystals. These particles catalyze reactions of chlorine compounds that 'activate' otherwise inert chlorine reservoirs, leading to severe ozone depletions in the southern polar stratosphere during austral spring. PSCs also modify the composition of the polar stratosphere through complex physiocochemical processes, including dehydration and denitrification, and the conversion of reactive nitrogen oxides into nitric acid. If water vapor and nitric acid concentrations are enhanced by high-altitude aircraft activity, the frequency, geographical range, and duration of PSCs might increase accordingly, thus enhancing the destruction of the ozone layer (which would be naturally limited in geographical extent by the same factors that confine the ozone hole to high latitudes in winter). The stratospheric sulfate aerosol layer reflects solar radiation and increases the planetary albedo, thereby cooling the surface and possibly altering the climate. Major volcanic eruptions, which increase the sulfate aerosol burden by a factor of 100 or more, may cause significant global climate anomalies. Sulfate aerosols might also be capable of activating stratospheric chlorine reservoirs on a global scale (unlike PCSs, which represent a localized polar winter phenomenon), although existing evidence suggests relatively minor perturbations in chlorine chemistry. Nevertheless, if atmospheric concentrations of chlorine (associated with anthropogenic use of chlorofluorocarbons) continue to increase by a factor of two or more in future decades, aircraft emissions of sulfur dioxide and water vapor may take on greater significance.

Turco, Richard P.↗

Shock-turbulence interactions in a reacting flow

A specific reactive flow configuration, the interaction of a detonation wave with convected homogeneous isotropic weak turbulence (which can be constructed by a Fourier synthesis of small amplitude shear waves) is addressed. The effect of chemical heat release on the rms fluctuations downstream of the detonation is presented as a function of Mach number. In addition, for the particular case of the von Karman spectrum, the one dimensional power spectra of these flow quantities is given.

Jackson, T. L.↗

The impact of time step definition on code convergence and robustness

We have implemented preconditioning for multi-species reacting flows in two independent codes, an implicit (ADI) code developed in-house and the RPLUS code (developed at LeRC). The RPLUS code was modified to work on a four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. The performance of both the codes was tested, and it was shown that preconditioning can improve convergence by a factor of two to a hundred depending on the problem. Our efforts are currently focused on evaluating the effect of chemical sources and on assessing how preconditioning may be applied to improve convergence and robustness in the calculation of reacting flows.

Venkateswaran, S.↗

Evolution and seismology of Procyon

We have calculated an array of stellar models for Procyon A that are based on the best physics available to us, including the latest opacities and nuclear cross sections. The array of models spans the error space centered on Procyon's mass, chemical composition, effective temperature, and luminosity. We find that with OPAL opacities no convective overshoot is needed at the edge of the convective core to match Procyon's position in the H-R diagram. We discuss the discrepancy between the astrophysical mass and the astrometric mass, which is reduced by the more up-to-date physics in the models, and describe how oscillation data can be used to distinguish among the possible models and help resolve the discrepancy. We have calculated oscillation frequencies for the l = 0, 1, 2, and 3 p-modes and oscillation periods for the l = 1, 2, and 3 g-modes for several of these models.

Guenther, D. B.↗

Interaction of turbulence with a detonation wave

This paper addresses a specific reactive-flow configuration, namely, the interaction of a detonation wave with convected homogeneous isotropic weak turbulence (which can be constructed by a Fourier synthesis of small-amplitude vorticity waves). The effect of chemical heat release on the rms fluctuations downstream of the detonation is presented as a function of Mach number. In addition, for the particular case of the von Karman spectrum, the one-dimensional power spectra of these flow quantities are given.

Jackson, T. L.↗

Aerothermodynamics of a MESUR Martian entry

Computational fluid dynamics models for the thermodynamics and transport properties used in an equilibrium version of the Langley Aerothermodynamics Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA) for Martian Atmospheric entries are described. In addition, the physical models used in a nonequilibrium version of LAURA for Martian-entry flows are described. Uncertainties exist in defining constants used in the transport properties for the equilibrium model and in many of the physical models for the nonequilibrium version. Solutions from the two codes using the best available constants are examined at the Martian-entry conditions characteristic of the Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) mission. While the flowfields are near thermal equilibrium, chemical nonequilibrium effects are present in the entry cases examined. Convective heating at the stagnation point for these flows (assuming fully catalytic wall boundary conditions) is approximately 100 W/sq cm. Radiative heating is negligible.

Mitcheltree, R. A.↗

Research activity at the shock tube facility at NASA Ames

The general design and operating conditions of NASA Ames's electric arc drive shock tube facility are described, and the measurements conducted at the facility to support the development of a theoretical model of the effects of chemical nonequilibrium over a hypersonic vehicle are summarized. In particular, attention is given to the results of measurements at a shock velocity of 6.20 km/s in 1 Torr nitrogen and measurements at a shock velocity of 10.2 km/s in 0.1 Torr air. The discussion covers reaction rate measurement, the use of holographic interferometry, and measurements of vibrational populations using Raman scattering.

Sharma, Surendra P.↗

Simulations of diffusion-reaction equations with implications to turbulent combustion modeling

An enhanced diffusion-reaction reaction system (DRS) is proposed as a statistical model for the evolution of multiple scalars undergoing mixing and reaction in an isotropic turbulence field. The DRS model is close enough to the scalar equations in a reacting flow that other statistical models of turbulent mixing that decouple the velocity field from scalar mixing and reaction (e.g. mapping closure model, assumed-pdf models) cannot distinguish the model equations from the original equations. Numerical simulations of DRS are performed for three scalars evolving from non-premixed initial conditions. A simple one-step reversible reaction is considered. The data from the simulations are used (1) to study the effect of chemical conversion on the evolution of scalar statistics, and (2) to evaluate other models (mapping-closure model, assumed multivariate beta-pdf model).

Girimaji, Sharath S.↗

A large eddy simulation scheme for turbulent reacting flows

The recent development of the dynamic subgrid-scale (SGS) model has provided a consistent method for generating localized turbulent mixing models and has opened up great possibilities for applying the large eddy simulation (LES) technique to real world problems. Given the fact that the direct numerical simulation (DNS) can not solve for engineering flow problems in the foreseeable future (Reynolds 1989), the LES is certainly an attractive alternative. It seems only natural to bring this new development in SGS modeling to bear on the reacting flows. The major stumbling block for introducing LES to reacting flow problems has been the proper modeling of the reaction source terms. Various models have been proposed, but none of them has a wide range of applicability. For example, some of the models in combustion have been based on the flamelet assumption which is only valid for relatively fast reactions. Some other models have neglected the effects of chemical reactions on the turbulent mixing time scale, which is certainly not valid for fast and non-isothermal reactions. The probability density function (PDF) method can be usefully employed to deal with the modeling of the reaction source terms. In order to fit into the framework of LES, a new PDF, the large eddy PDF (LEPDF), is introduced. This PDF provides an accurate representation for the filtered chemical source terms and can be readily calculated in the simulations. The details of this scheme are described.

Gao, Feng↗

Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference: Exectutive summary

The mandated elimination of CFC's, Halons, TCA, and other ozone depleting chemicals and specific hazardous materials has required changes and new developments in aerospace materials and processes. The aerospace industry has been involved for several years in providing product substitutions, redesigning entire production processes, and developing new materials that minimize or eliminate damage to the environment. These activities emphasize replacement cleaning solvents and their application verifications, compliant coatings including corrosion protection systems, and removal techniques, chemical propulsion effects on the environment, and the initiation of modifications to relevant processing and manufacturing specifications and standards. The papers from this conference are being published in a separate volume as NASA CP-3298.

Whitaker, A. F.↗

Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference

The mandated elimination of CFC's, Halons, TCA, and other ozone depleting chemicals and specific hazardous materials has required changes and new developments in aerospace materials and processes. The aerospace industry has been involved for several years in providing product substitutions, redesigning entire production processes, and developing new materials that minimize or eliminate damage to the environment. These activities emphasize replacement cleaning solvents and their application verifications, compliant coatings including corrosion protection systems, and removal techniques, chemical propulsion effects on the environment, and the initiation of modifications to relevant processing and manufacturing specifications and standards. The Executive Summary of this Conference is published as NASA CP-3297.

Whitaker, A. F.↗

Aerothermodynamic methods for a Mars environmental survey Mars entry

Computational fluid dynamics models for the thermodynamics and transport properties used in an equilibrium version of the Langley aerothermodynamics upwind relaxation algorithm (LAURA) for Mars atmospheric entries are described. In addition, the physical models used in a nonequilibrium version of LAURA for Mars-entry flows are described. Uncertainties exist in defining constants used in the transport properties for the equilibrium model and in many of the physical models for the nonequilibrium version. Solutions from the two codes using the best available constants are examined at the Mars-entry conditions characteristics of the Mars environmental survey mission. While the flowfields are near thermal equilibrium, chemical nonequilibrium effects are present in the entry cases examined. Convective heating at the stagnation point for these flows (assuming fully catalytic wall boundary conditions) is approximately 100 W/cm(exp 2). Radiative heating is negligible.

AEROTHERMODYNAMIC METHODS↗

Neutron-capture Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36, and Sm-150 in large chondrites: Evidence for high fluences of thermalized neutrons

We have measured significant concentrations of Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36 from decay of Cl-36, and Sm-150 produced from the capture of thermalized neutrons in the large Chico L6 chondrite. Activities of Cl-36 and Ca-41, corrected for a high-energy spallogenic component and a terrestrial age of approximately 50 ka, give average neutron-capture production rates of 208 atoms/min/g-Cl and 1525 atoms/min/kg-Ca, which correspond to thermal neutron (n) fluxes of 6.2 n/sq cm/s and 4.3 n/sq cm/s, respectively. If sustained for the approximately 65 Ma single-stage, cosmic ray exposure age of Chico, these values correspond to thermal neutron fluences of approximately 1.3 x 10(exp 16) and 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm for Cl-36 and Ca-41, respectively. Stepwise temperature extraction of Ar in Chico impact melt shows Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios as large as approximately 9. The correlation of high Ar-36/Ar-38 with high Cl/Ca phases in neutron-irradiated Chico indicates that the excess Ar-36 above that expected from spallation is due to decay of neutron-produced Cl-36. Excess Ar-36 in Chico requires a thermal neutron fluence of 0.9-1.7 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Decreases in Sm-149/Sm-152 due to neutron-capture by Sm-149 correlate with increases in Sm-150/Sm-152 for three samples of Chico, and one of the Torino H-chondrite. The 0.08% decrease in Sm-149 shown by Chico corresponds to a neutron fluence of 1.23 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. This fluence derived from Sm considers capture of epithermal neutrons and effects of chemical composition on the neutron energy distribution. Excess Ar-36 identified in the Arapahoe, Bruderheim, and Torino chondrites and the Shallowater aubrite suggest exposure to neutron fluences of approximately 0.2-0.2 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Depletion of Sm-149 in Torino and the LEW86010 angrite suggest neutron fluences of 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm and 0.25 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm, respectively. Neutron fluences of approximately 10(exp 16) n/sq cm in Chico are almost as large as those previously observed for some lunar soils. Consideration of exposure ages suggests that the neutron flux in Chico may have been greater than that in many lunar soils.

Bogard, D. D.↗

Numerical Investigation of Slag Behavior for RSRM

It is known that the flow field of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) is very complicated due to the complex characteristics of turbulent multi-phase flow, chemical reaction, particle combustion, evaporation, breakup and agglomeration etc. It requires multi-phase calculations, chemical reaction simulation, and particle combustion, evaporation, and breakup models to obtain a better understanding of thermophysics for the RSRM design using numerical methods. Also, the slag buildup due to the molten particles is another factor affecting the performance of the RSRM. To achieve this goal, the volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to capture the free surface motion so as to simulate the accumulation of the molten particles (slag) of the RSRM. A finite rate chemistry model is used to simulate the chemical reaction effects. For multi-phase calculations, the Hermsen combustion model is used for the aluminum particle combustion analysis and the Taylor Analogy Breakup (TAB) model is used for the particle breakup analysis. An interphase mas-exchange model introduced by Spalding is used for the evaporation calculation. The particle trajectories are calculated using a one-step implicit method for several groups of particle sizes by which the drag forces and heat fluxes are then coupled with the gas phase equations. The preliminary results predicted a reasonable physical simulation of the particle effects using a simple two dimensional solid rocket motor configuration. It shows that the AL/AL2O3 particle sizes are reduced due to the combustion, evaporation, and breakup. The flow field is disturbed by the particles. Mach number distributions in the nozzle are deformed due to the effect of particle concentrations away from the center line.

Liaw, P.↗

Second Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference

The mandated elimination of CFC's, Halons, TCA, and other ozone depleting chemicals and specific hazardous materials has required changes and new developments in aerospace materials and processes. The aerospace industry has been involved for several years in providing product substitutions, redesigning entire production processes, and developing new materials that minimize or eliminate damage to the environment. These activities emphasize replacement cleaning solvents and their application verifications, compliant coatings including corrosion protection systems, and removal techniques, chemical propulsion effects on the environment, and the initiation of modifications to relevant processing and manufacturing specifications and standards.

Whitaker, A. F.↗

Second Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference

The mandated elimination of CFC'S, Halons, TCA, and other ozone depleting chemicals and specific hazardous materials has required changes and new developments in aerospace materials and processes. The aerospace industry has been involved for several years in providing product substitutions, redesigning entire production processes, and developing new materials that minimize or eliminate damage to the environment. These activities emphasize replacement cleaning solvents and their application, verification, compliant coatings including corrosion protection system and removal techniques, chemical propulsion effects on the environment, and the initiation of modifications to relevant processing and manufacturing specifications and standards.

A F Whitaker↗

Partial Least Squares and Neural Networks for Quantitative Calibration of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBs) of Geologic Samples

The ChemCam instrument [1] on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover will be used to obtain the chemical composition of surface targets within 7 m of the rover using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). ChemCam analyzes atomic emission spectra (240-800 nm) from a plasma created by a pulsed Nd:KGW 1067 nm laser. The LIBS spectra can be used in a semiquantitative way to rapidly classify targets (e.g., basalt, andesite, carbonate, sulfate, etc.) and in a quantitative way to estimate their major and minor element chemical compositions. Quantitative chemical analysis from LIBS spectra is complicated by a number of factors, including chemical matrix effects [2]. Recent work has shown promising results using multivariate techniques such as partial least squares (PLS) regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict elemental abundances in samples [e.g. 2-6]. To develop, refine, and evaluate analysis schemes for LIBS spectra of geologic materials, we collected spectra of a diverse set of well-characterized natural geologic samples and are comparing the predictive abilities of PLS, cascade correlation ANN (CC-ANN) and multilayer perceptron ANN (MLP-ANN) analysis procedures.

Anderson, R. B.↗

Coating Carbon Fibers With Platinum

A process for coating carbon fibers with platinum has been developed. The process may also be adaptable to coating carbon fibers with other noble and refractory metals, including rhenium and iridium. The coated carbon fibers would be used as ingredients of matrix/fiber composite materials that would resist oxidation at high temperatures. The metal coats would contribute to oxidation resistance by keeping atmospheric oxygen away from fibers when cracks form in the matrices. Other processes that have been used to coat carbon fibers with metals have significant disadvantages: Metal-vapor deposition processes yield coats that are nonuniform along both the lengths and the circumferences of the fibers. The electrical resistivities of carbon fibers are too high to be compatible with electrolytic processes. Metal/organic vapor deposition entails the use of expensive starting materials, it may be necessary to use a furnace, and the starting materials and/or materials generated in the process may be hazardous. The present process does not have these disadvantages. It yields uniform, nonporous coats and is relatively inexpensive. The process can be summarized as one of pretreatment followed by electroless deposition. The process consists of the following steps: The surfaces of the fiber are activated by deposition of palladium crystallites from a solution. The surface-activated fibers are immersed in a solution that contains platinum. A reducing agent is used to supply electrons to effect a chemical reduction in situ. The chemical reduction displaces the platinum from the solution. The displaced platinum becomes deposited on the fibers. Each platinum atom that has been deposited acts as a catalytic site for the deposition of another platinum atom. Hence, the deposition process can also be characterized as autocatalytic. The thickness of the deposited metal can be tailored via the duration of immersion and the chemical activity of the solution.

Effinger, Michael R.↗