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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 343 records · Page 19

Flow visualization of a rocket injector spray using gelled propellant simulants

A study was conducted at NASA-Lewis to compare the atomization characteristics of gelled and nongelled propellant simulants. A gelled propellant simulant composed of water, sodium hydroxide, and an acrylic acid polymer resin (as the gelling agent) was used to simulate the viscosity of an aluminum/PR-1 metallized fuel gel. Water was used as a comparison fluid to isolate the rheological effects of the water-gel and to simulate nongelled RP-1. The water-gel was injected through the central orifice of a triplet injector element and the central post of a coaxial injector element. Nitrogen gas flowed through the outer orifices of the triplet injector element and through the annulus of the coaxial injector element and atomized the gelled and nongelled liquids. Photographs of the water-gel spray patterns at different operating conditions were compared with images obtained using water and nitrogen. A laser light was used for illumination of the sprays. The results of the testing showed that the water sprays produced a finer and more uniform atomization than the water-gel sprays. Rheological analysis of the water-gel showed poor atomization caused by high viscosity of water-gel delaying the transition to turbulence.

Green, James M.↗

Flow visualization of a rocket injector spray using gelled propellant simulants

A study was conducted at NASA-Lewis to compare the atomization characteristics of gelled and nongelled propellant simulants. A gelled propellant simulant composed of water, sodium hydroxide, and an acrylic acid polymer resin (as the gelling agent) was used to simulate the viscosity of an aluminum/PR-1 metallized fuel gel. Water was used as a comparison fluid to isolate the rheological effects of the water-gel and to simulate nongelled RP-1. The water-gel was injected through the central orifice of a triplet injector element and the central post of a coaxial injector element. Nitrogen gas flowed through the outer orifices of the triplet injector element and through the annulus of the coaxial injector element and atomized the gelled and nongelled liquids. Photographs of the water-gel spray patterns at different operating conditions were compared with images obtained using water and nitrogen. A laser light was used for illumination of the sprays. The results of the testing showed that the water sprays produced a finer and more uniform atomization than the water-gel sprays. Rheological analysis of the water-gel showed poor atomization caused by high viscosity of water-gel delaying the transition to turbulence.

Green, James M.↗

The Effect of Fatty Acids to Protect Forward Osmosis Membranes from Damage

NASA has conducted research and development on forward osmosis (FO) membranes for wastewater reclamation in space since 1993. The lessons learned during operation of the International Space Station and FO based technologies on the ground taught us that reliability is a key limitation. Membranes are susceptible to organic fouling, oxidation and calcium scaling, and these factors tend to damage the membrane reducing their operating life and performance. The development of a Synthetic Biological Membrane (SBM), a membrane that mimics naturally occurring biological processes, will mitigate membrane damage and improve reliability. The SBM is a lipid-based membrane with a protective fatty acid layer configured for use in a FO water purification system. In this configuration, the protective layer on the surface of the lipid membrane is composed of fatty acids (FA). The FA interact with the chemicals found in the wastewater feed, and protect the membrane from damage. In this study, we conducted preliminary experiments to determine the feasibility of using fatty acids to alleviate damage from calcium scaling, oxidation and organic fouling.

Romero Mangado, Jaione↗

Diamonds in detonation soot

Diamonds 4 to 7 nm in diameter have been identified and partially isolated from soot formed in detonations of carbon-forming composite explosives. The morphology of the soot has been examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the identity of the diamond has been established by the electron diffraction pattern of the TEM samples and by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the isolated solid. Graphite is also present in the form of ribbons of turbostatic structure with a thickness of 2 to 4 nm. A fraction, about 25 percent of the soot by weight, was recovered from the crude soot after oxidation of the graphite with fuming perchloric acid. This fraction showed a distinct XRD pattern of diamond and the diffuse band of amorphous carbon. The IR spectrum of these diamonds closely matches that of diamonds recovered from meteorites (Lewis et al., 1987), perhaps indicating similar surface properties after the oxidation. If these diamonds are produced in the detonation itself or during the initial expansion, they exhibit a phenomenal crystal growth rate (5 nm/0.00001 s equal 1.8 m/hr) in a medium with a very low hydrogen/carbon ratio. Because the diamonds will be carried along with the expanding gases, they will be accelerated to velocities approaching 8 km/s.

Greiner, N. Roy↗

Periventricular anteroventral third ventricle lesions diminish the pressor response produced by systemic injection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801

This study examined whether electrolytic ablation of the periventricular anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) would affect the increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in conscious rats produced by systemic injection of the centrally acting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion-channel blocker, (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine (MK-801; 250 microgram/kg, i.v.). MK-801 produced a smaller increase in MAP in rats with AV3V lesions than in sham-lesion rats (+36+/-2% vs. +52+/-5%, respectively, P<0.05). In contrast, MK-801 produced similar increases in HR in the AV3V- and sham-lesion rats (+28+/-3% vs. +22+/-4%, respectively, P>0.05). These findings demonstrate that the MK-801-induced pressor response is dependent upon the integrity of the AV3V region, whereas the MK-801-induced tachycardia is not. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology↗

AV3V lesions attenuate the cardiovascular responses produced by blood-borne excitatory amino acid analogs

Systemic injections of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) analogs, kainic acid (KA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), produce a pressor response in conscious rats that is caused by a centrally mediated activation of sympathetic drive and the release of arginine vasopressin (AVP). This study tested the hypothesis that the tissue surrounding the anteroventral part of the third ventricle (AV3V) plays a role in the expression of the pressor responses produced by systemically injected EAA analogs. Specifically, we examined whether prior electrolytic ablation of the AV3V region would affect the pressor responses to KA and NMDA (1 mg/kg iv) in conscious rats. The KA-induced pressor response was smaller in AV3V-lesioned than in sham-lesioned rats (11 +/- 2 vs. 29 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). After ganglion blockade, KA produced a pressor response in sham-lesioned but not AV3V-lesioned rats (+27 +/- 3 vs. +1 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). The KA-induced pressor response in ganglion-blocked sham-lesioned rats was abolished by a vasopressin V1-receptor antagonist. Similar results were obtained with NMDA. The pressor response to AVP (10 ng/kg iv) was slightly smaller in AV3V-lesioned than in sham-lesioned ganglion-blocked rats (45 +/- 3 vs. 57 +/- 4 mmHg; P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that the pressor responses to systemically injected EAA analogs are smaller in AV3V-lesioned rats. The EAA analogs may produce pressor responses by stimulation of EAA receptors in the AV3V region, or the AV3V region may play an important role in the expression of these responses.

Non-NASA Center↗

The Formation and Stability of Carbonic Acid on Outer Solar System Bodies

The radiation chemistry, thermal stability, and vapor pressure of solid-phase carbonic acid (H2CO3) have been studied with mid-infrared spectroscopy. A new procedure for measuring this molecule's radiation stability has been used to obtain intrinsic IR band strengths and half-lives for radiolytic destruction. Results are compared to literature values. We report, for the first time, measurements of carbonic acid's vapor pressure and its heat of sublimation. We also report the first observation of a chemical reaction involving solid-phase carbonic acid. Possible applications of these findings are discussed, with an emphasis on the outer Solar System.

Peeters, Z.↗

Chemical consequences of major impact events on earth

Violent cometary or asteroidal impact events comparable to that which terminated the Cretaceous era must produce large amounts of nitrogen oxides, sufficient to provide NOx mole fractions much larger than 100 ppm over areas of millions of square kilometers. Rapid production of NO2, and subsequent rainout of HNO3 and other strong acids can acidify surface waters, selectively destroying CaCO3 shells. This scenario holds the promise of explaining both the scope of Cretaceous biological extinctions and their extraordinary selectivity.

Lewis, J. S.↗

Sensor arrays for detecting analytes in fluids

A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising at least first and second chemically sensitive resistors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus, wherein each of the chemically sensitive resistors comprises a mixture of nonconductive material and a conductive material. Each resistor provides an electrical path through the mixture of nonconductive material and the conductive material. The resistors also provide a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising an analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with an analyte at a second different concentration. A broad range of analytes can be detected using the sensors of the present invention. Examples of such analytes include, but are not limited to, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, dienes, alicyclic hydrocarbons, arenes, alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, carbonyls, carbanions, polynuclear aromatics, organic derivatives, biomolecules, sugars, isoprenes, isoprenoids and fatty acids. Moreover, applications for the sensors of the present invention include, but are not limited to, environmental toxicology, remediation, biomedicine, material quality control, food monitoring and agricultural monitoring.

Lewis, Nathan S.↗

Metal-olsalazine coordination polymers for medical applications

Olsalazine (H 4 olz), a prodrug of the anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid, is used as a ligand to synthesize a suite of M(H 2 olz) and M 2 (olz) materials, where M is a dication (e.g. Mg, Ca, Sr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn). A family of metal olsalazine coordination polymers, coordination solids, and metal organic frameworks are described, which include 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional structures. The materials resist degradation at acidic pH and release olsalazine preferentially at neutral pH. The mesoporous M 2 (olz) frameworks exhibit high surface areas with hexagonal pore apertures that are approximately 27 Å in diameter and contain coordinatively unsaturated metal sites. Biologically active molecules containing a Lewis-basic functional group can be grafted directly to the open metal sites of the frameworks. Dissolution of the frameworks under physiological conditions releases olsalazine (H 4 olz) and the grafted molecules so that multiple therapeutic components can be delivered together at different rates.

Levine, Dana A.↗

Bidentate Lewis Base Ligand-Mediated Surface Stabilization and Modulation of the Electronic Structure of CsPbBr 3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

The desorption of conventional ligands from the surface of halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) often causes their structural instability and the deterioration of the optoelectronic properties. To address this challenge, we present an approach of using a bidentate Lewis base ligand, namely, 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (DBPP), for the synthesis of CsPbBr 3 NCs. The phosphine group of DBPP has a strong interaction with PbBr 2 precursor, forming a highly crystalline intermediate complex during the reaction. In the presence of oleic acid, the uncoordinated phosphine group of DBPP is converted into the phosphonium cation, which strongly binds with the surface bromide of the formed CsPbBr 3 NCs through hydrogen bonding. Density functional theory calculations suggest that DBPP can strongly bind to the undercoordinated lead and surface bromide ions of CsPbBr 3 NCs through its unprotonated and protonated phosphine groups, respectively. The robust binding of DBPP with the surface of perovskite NCs helps to preserve their structural integrity under various environmental stresses. Moreover, the electron density and energy levels are regulated in DBPP-capped CsPbBr 3 NCs via the efficient transfer of electrons from the ligands to the NCs, resulting in their improved photocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential of using bidentate ligands to stabilize the surface of perovskite NCs and modulate their optical and electronic properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Detection of Polar Compounds Condensed on Particulate Matter Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry

A new analytical method to aid in the understanding of the organic carbon (OC) phase of particulate matter (PM) from advanced compression ignition (ACI) operating modes, is presented. The presence of NO2 and unburned fuel aromatics in ACI emissions, and the low exhaust temperatures that result from this low temperature combustion strategy, provide the right conditions for the formation of carboxylic acids and nitroaromatic compounds. These polar compounds contribute to OC in the PM and are not typically measured using nonpolar solvent extraction methods such as the soluble organic fraction (SOF) method. The new extraction and detection method employs capillary electrophoresis with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CE-ESI MS) and was specifically developed to determine polar organic compounds in the ACI PM emissions. The new method identified both nitrophenols and aromatic carboxylic acids in the ACI PM. The ACI air-fuel stratification mode and NOx emissions were found to correlate with the presence and amount of the individual polar species identified.

Lewis Sr, Samuel↗

Catalysis of the Oxygen-Evolution Reaction in 1.0 M Sulfuric Acid by Manganese Antimonate Films Synthesized via Chemical Vapor Deposition

Manganese antimonate (Mn y Sb 1–y O x ) electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition. Mn-rich rutile Mn 0.63 Sb 0.37 O x catalysts on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) supports drove the OER for 168 h (7 days) at 10 mA cm –2 with a time-averaged overpotential of 687 ± 9 mV and with >97% Faradaic efficiency. Time-dependent anolyte composition analysis revealed the steady dissolution of Mn and Sb. Extended durability analysis confirmed that Mn-rich Mn y Sb 1–y O x materials are more active but dissolve at a faster rate than previously reported Sb-rich Mn y Sb 1–y O x alloys.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Alternative to Nitric Acid Passivation Project Overview

The standard practice for protection of stainless steel is a process called passivation. This procedure results in the formation of a metal oxide layer to prevent corrosion. Typical passivation procedures call for the use of nitric acid which exhibits excellent corrosion performance; however, there are a number of environmental, worker safety, and operational issues associated with its use. The longtime military specification for the passivation of stainless steel was cancelled in favor of newer specifications which allow for the use of citric acid in place of nitric acid. Citric acid offers a variety of benefits that include increased safety for personnel, reduced environmental impact, and reduced operational costs. There have been few studies, however, to determine whether citric acid is an acceptable alternative for NASA and DoD. This paper details activities to date including development of the joint test plan, on-going and planned testing, and preliminary results.

Lewis, Pattie L.↗

VIZARD: analysis of Affymetrix Arabidopsis GeneChip data

SUMMARY: The Affymetrix GeneChip Arabidopsis genome array has proved to be a very powerful tool for the analysis of gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana, the most commonly studied plant model organism. VIZARD is a Java program created at the University of California, Berkeley, to facilitate analysis of Arabidopsis GeneChip data. It includes several integrated tools for filtering, sorting, clustering and visualization of gene expression data as well as tools for the discovery of regulatory motifs in upstream sequences. VIZARD also includes annotation and upstream sequence databases for the majority of genes represented on the Affymetrix Arabidopsis GeneChip array. AVAILABILITY: VIZARD is available free of charge for educational, research, and not-for-profit purposes, and can be downloaded at http://www.anm.f2s.com/research/vizard/ CONTACT: moseyko@uclink4.berkeley.edu.

Non-NASA Center↗

Gas cooled fuel cell systems technology development

The work performed during the Second Logical Unit of Work of a multi-year program designed to develop a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) for electric utility power plant application is discussed. The Second Logical Unit of Work, which covers the period May 14, 1983 through May 13, 1984, was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology Center, and managed by the NASA Lewis Research Center.

Feret, J. M.↗