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At least 37 records · Page 2

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NASA NTRS1977

Reduced mental capacity and behavior of a rider of a bicycle simulator under alcohol stress or under dual task load

Experiments were carried out on a bicycle simulator with alcohol administration and a binary choice task in separate sessions, intending to reduce the subject's mental capacity. Before and after such sessions a visual evoked response measurement was done. The subject's performance was analyzed with describing function techniques. The results indicate that the alcohol affects the course-following task as well as the balancing task. The binary choice task is more specifically influencing the course-following task. The dual task shows a more pronounced effect on the recovery of the evoked response. The alcohol is delaying the recovery curve of the evoked response. A tentative explanation can be given which agrees with the performance data.

Soede, M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Three methods for in situ cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol films for application as ion-conducting membranes in potassium hydroxide electrolyte

Three methods of in situ cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol films are presented. They are: (1) acetalization with a dialdehyde such as glutaraldehyde, (2) acetalization with aldehyde groups formed by selective oxidative cleaving of the few percent of 1,2 diol units present in polyvinyl alcohol, and (3) cross-linking by hydrogen abstraction by reaction with hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals from irradiated water. For the third method, improvement in film conductivity in KOH solution at the expense of mechanical strength is obtained by the presence of polyacrylic acid in the polyvinyl alcohol films. Resistivities in 45 percent KOH are given for in situ cross-linked films prepared by each of the three methods.

Philipp, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1979

In situ self cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol battery separators

A battery separator was produced from a polyvinyl alcohol sheet structure which was subjected to an in situ, self crosslinking process by selective oxidation of the 1,2 diol units present in the polyvinyl alcohol sheet structure. The 1,2 diol units were cleaved to form aldehyde end groups which subsequently crosslink through acetalization of the 1,3 diol units of the polyvinyl alcohol. Selective oxidation was achieved using a solution of a suitable oxidizing agent such as periodic acid or lead tetraacetate.

Philipp, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Fumigation of Alcohol in a Light Duty Automotive Diesel Engine

A light-duty automotive Diesel engine was fumigated with methanol in amounts up to 35% and 50% of the total fuel energy respectively in order to determine the effect of alcohol fumigation on engine performance at various operating conditons. Engine fuel efficiency, emissions, smoke, and the occurrence of severe knock were the parameters used to evaluate performance. Raw exhaust particulate and its soluble organic extract were screened for biological activity using the Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay. Results are given for a test matrix made up of twelve steady-state operating conditions. For all conditions except the 1/4 rack (light load) condition, modest thermal efficiency gains were noted upon ethanol fumigation. Methanol showed the same increase at 3/4 and full rack (high load) conditions. However, engine roughness or the occurrence of severe knock limited the maximum amount of alcohol that could be fumigated. Brake specific nitrogen oxide concentrations were found to decrease for all ethanol conditions tested. Oxides of nitrogen emissions, on a volume basis, decreased for all alcohol conditions tested. Based on the limited particulate data analyzed, it appears that ethanol fumigation, like methanol fumigation, while lowering the mass of particulated emitted, does enhance the biological activity of that particulate.

Broukhiyan, E. M. H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Screening For Alcohol-Producing Microbes

Dye reaction rapidly identifies alcohol-producing microbial colonies. Method visually detects alcohol-producing micro-organisms, and distinguishes them from other microbial colonies that do not produce alcohol. Method useful for screening mixed microbial populations in environmental samples.

Schubert, Wayne W.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Effect of alcohol addition on shock-initiated formation of soot from benzene

Soot formation in benzene-methanol and benzene-ethanol argon-diluted mixtures was studied behind reflected shock waves by monitoring the attenuation of an He-Ne laser beam. The experiments were performed at temperatures 1580-2250 K, pressures 2.0-3.0 bar, and total carbon atom concentrations (2.0-2.7) x 10 to the 17th atoms/cu cm. The results obtained indicate that the addition of alcohol suppresses the formation of soot from benzene at all temperatures, and that the reduction in soot yields is increased with the amount of alcohol added. The analysis of the results indicates that the suppression effect is probably due to the oxidation of soot and soot precursors by OH and the removal of hydrogen atoms by alcohol and water molecules.

Frenklach, Michael↗

NASA NTRS1939

Compression-ignition engine performance with undoped and doped fuel oils and alcohol mixtures

Several fuel oils, doped fuel oils, and mixtures of alcohol and fuel oil were tested in a high-speed, single-cylinder, compression-ignition engine to determine power output, fuel consumption, and ignition and combustion characteristics. Fuel oils or doped fuel oils of high octane number had shorter ignition lags, lower rates of pressure rise, and gave smoother engine operation than fuel oils or doped fuel oils of low octane number. Higher engine rotative speeds and boost pressures resulted in smoother engine operation and permitted the use of fuel oils of relatively low octane number. Although the addition of a dope to a fuel oil decreased the ignition lag and the rate of pressure rise, the ensuing rate of combustion was somewhat slower than for the undoped fuel oil so that the effectiveness of combustion was practically unchanged. Alcohol used as an auxiliary fuel, either as a mixture or by separate injection, increased the rates of pressure rise and induced roughness. In general, the power output decreased as the proportion of alcohol increased and, below maximum power, varied with the heating value of the total fuel charge.

Moore, Charles S↗

NASA NTRS1945

Effect of Water-Alcohol Injection and Maximum Economy Spark Advance on Knock-Limited Performance and Fuel Economy of a Large Air-Cooled Cylinder

An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of a coolant solution of 25 percent ethyl alcohol, 25 percent methyl alcohol, and 50 percent water by volume and maximum-economy spark advance on knock-limited performance and fuel economy of a large air-cooled cylinder. The knock-limited performance of the cylinder at engine speeds of 2100 and 2500 rpm was determined for coolant-fuel ratios of 0.0, 0.2, and 0.4. The effect of water-alcohol injection on fuel economy was determined in constant charge-air flow tests. The tests were conducted at a spark advance of 20 deg B.T.C. and maximum-economy spark advance.

Heinicke, Orville H.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Microgravity Compatible Reagentless Instrumentation for Detection of Dissolved Organic Acids and Alcohols in Potable Water

The Organic Acid and Alcohol Monitor (OAAM) program has resulted in the successful development of a computer controlled prototype analyzer capable of accurately determining aqueous organic acids and primary alcohol concentrations over a large dynamic range with high sensitivity. Formic, acetic, and propionic acid were accurately determined at concentrations as low as 5 to 10 micrograms/L in under 20 minutes, or as high as 10 to 20 mg/L in under 30 minutes. Methanol, ethanol, and propanol were determined at concentrations as low as 20 to 100 micrograms/L, or as high as 10 mg/L in under 30 minutes. Importantly for space based application, the OAAM requires no reagents or hazardous chemicals to perform these analyses needing only power, water, and CO2 free purge gas. The OAAM utilized two membrane processes to segregate organic acids from interfering ions. The organic acid concentration was then determined based upon the conductiometric signal. Separation of individual organic acids was accomplished using a chromatographic column. Alcohols are determined in a similar manner after conversion to organic acids by sequential biocatalytic and catalytic oxidation steps. The OAAM was designed to allow the early diagnosis of under performing or failing sub-systems within the Water Recovery System (WRS) baselined for the International Space Station (ISS). To achieve this goal, several new technologies were developed over the course of the OAAM program.

Akse, James R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Ambient cure polyimide foams prepared from aromatic polyisocyanates, aromatic polycarboxylic compounds, furfuryl alcohol, and a strong inorganic acid

Flame and temperature resistant polyimide foams are prepared by the reaction of an aromatic dianhydride, e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride, with an aromatic polyisocyanate, e.g., polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate (PAPI) in the presence of an inorganic acid and a lower molecular weight alcohol, e.g., dilute sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid and furfuryl alcohol. The exothermic reaction between the acid and the alcohol provides the heat necessary for the other reactants to polymerize without the application of any external heat. Such mixtures, therefore, are ideally suited for in situ foam formation, especially where the application of heat is not practical or possible.

Sawko, Paul M.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Increased Dependence on Saccades for Ocular Tracking with Low Dose Alcohol

Previous studies have shown that certain features of oculomotor performance are impaired at or slightly below the legal limit for driving in most U.S. States (0.08% Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC). Specifically, alcohol impairs saccadic velocity and steady-state tracking at levels between 0.04% and 0.1% BAC. Here we used a suite of standardized oculometric measures to examine the effect of ultra-low levels of alcohol (down to 0.01% BAC) on steady-state tracking. Our high-uncertainty tracking task reveals that the smooth pursuit system is highly sensitive to BAC, with impairmentextrapolating back to BAC levels at or below 0.01%. BAC generates a dose dependent increase in reliance on the saccadic system that maintains overall steady-state tracking effectiveness at least up to 0.08% BAC, albeit with a significant decrease in smoothness.

Tyson, Terence L.↗

NASA NTRS1961

Kinetics of the Reaction Between Alcohols and Isocyanates Catalyzed by Ferric Acetylacetonate

The rate and temperature dependence of reaction for the ferric acetylacetonate catalyzed reaction between a-naphthyl, ortho-tolyl, and para-tolyl isocyanates and n-butyl alcohol are investigated. The effect of substituents on the reactivity of isocyanate and hydroxyl group are reported and for substituted isocyanates are correlated by means of the Hammett equation. Several metal chelates were studied and their catalytic activity was compared to that of ferric acetylacetonate. All rate data are interpreted in terms of a mechanism involving simultaneous second-order uncatalyzed and catalyzed reactions between alcohol and isocyanate.

ACETONE↗

NASA NTRS2020

Polyvinyl Alcohol and Medium Density Polyethylene Composite Materials for Neutron Radiation Shielding

Manned spacecraft venturing beyond the Earth’s Van Allen Belts will be subjected to high levels of radiation from both energetic particles emanating from the sun and from galactic atomic events, such as supernovae. The metal shell of a spacecraft offers some protection from gamma radiation and high energy particles originating from both the sun and cosmic sources. The interaction of these high energy particles and radiation with the spacecraft hull create secondary radiation and neutrons, additional hazards for astronauts and electronic systems. Shielding of neutrons is the most challenging of the high energy radiation, since neutrons have zero charge and are least affected by electrical fields, magnetic fields, and atomic forces. Previous studies showed that polyethylene is an effective neutron shielding material, due to its high hydrogen content. High energy neutrons are slowed to thermal neutrons through multiple collisions with the hydrogen atoms, increasing the effectiveness of neutron capture by boron-10 atoms. This study discusses the fabrication and testing of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) samples as a neutron shielding material, with comparison to medium density polyethylene (MDPE) composite samples to be used for neutron shielding for spacecraft. PVOH, an aqueous polymer, was chosen for hydrogen content and for enabling the use of organic reinforcement such as cellulose for secondary structural composites. OLTARIS (On-Line Tool for the Assessment of Radiation in Space) was used for radiation shielding simulation and compared with experimental data. Modeling indicates that the most effective shielding from radiation was in an aluminum layer backed by a polymer layer, either MDPE or PVOH. Cross-linked PVOH was also included in the OLTARIS modeling. All 3 polymer cases showed shielding improvement over aluminum alone, with similar dose equivalent reduction for galactic cosmic radiation(GCR)and for radiation from a solar particle event (SPE). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was used to confirm the cross-linking in the PVOH sample and to determine the uniformity through the thickness. PVOH, cross-linked PVOH, and MDPE samples were tested for neutron shielding effectiveness using a 1 curie Americium-Beryllium neutron source. Test results indicated the most shielding in the cross-linked PVOH, followed by the pristine PVOH, and MDPE. Neutron testing suggests that polyvinyl alcohol is a good alternative to polyethylene for neutron shielding. The neutron shielding materials, PVOH and cross-linked PVOH developed under this research will enable the safe operation of spacecraft beyond the Earth’s protective Van Allen Radiation Belts. It will be crucial for NASA’s manned missions to the Moon or Mars to protect the health of astronauts and equipment from the harmful effects of excessive radiation.

neutron, shielding, radiation, polyvinyl alcohol, ↗

NASA NTRS2020

Dose-Dependent Sensorimotor Impairment in Human Ocular Tracking After Acute Low-Dose Alcohol Administration

Changes in oculomotor behaviours are often used as metrics of sensorimotor disruption due to ethanol (EtOH); however, previous studies have focused on deficits at blood-alcohol concentrations (BACs) above about 0.04%.We investigated the dose dependence of the impairment in oculomotor and ocular behaviours caused by EtOH administration across a range of ultra-low BACs (≤0.035%).We took repeated measures of oculomotor and ocular performance from sixteen participants, both pre- and post-EtOH administration. To assess the neurological impacts across a wide range of brain areas and pathways, our protocol measured 21 largely independent performance metrics extracted from a range of behavioural responses ranging from ocular tracking of radial step-ramp stimuli, to eccentric gaze holding, to pupillary responses evoked by light flashes. Our results show significant impairment of pursuit and visual motion processing at 0.015% BAC, reflecting degraded neural processing within extrastriate cortical pathways. However, catch-up saccades largely compensate for the tracking displacement shortfall caused by low pursuit gain, although there still is significant residual retinal slip and thus degraded dynamic acuity. Furthermore, although saccades are more frequent, their dynamics are more sluggish (i.e. show lower peak velocities) starting at BAC levels as low as 0.035%. Small effects in eccentric gaze holding and no effect in pupillary response dynamics were observed at levels below 0.07%, showing the higher sensitivity of the pursuit response to very low levels of blood alcohol, under the conditions of our study.

visual motion processing↗

NASA NTRS1972

New type of trifunctional alcohol

New type of trifunctional alcohol was synthesized from commercially available trimer acid. Trifunctional alcohol is hydrocarbon with widely separated terminal hydroxyl groups, and was expressly developed as crosslinking agent for preparation of polyurethane propellants, binders and case liners.

Marsh, H. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

In-situ cross linking of polyvinyl alcohol

A method of producing a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol structure, such as a battery separator membrane or electrode envelope is described. An aqueous solution of a film-forming polyvinyl alcohol is admixed with an aldehyde crosslinking agent a basic pH to inhibit crosslinking. The crosslinking agent, perferably a dialdehyde such as glutaraldehyde, is used in an amount of from about 1/2 to about 20% of the theoretical amount required to crosslink all of the hydroxyl groups of the polymer. The aqueous admixture is formed into a desired physical shape, such as by casting a sheet of the solution. The sheet is then dried to form a self-supporting film. Crosslinking is then effected by immersing the film in aqueous acid solution. The resultant product has excellent properties for use as a battery separator.

Philipp, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Polyvinyl alcohol battery separator containing inert filler

A cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol battery separator is disclosed. A particulate filler, inert to alkaline electrolyte of an alkaline battery, is incorporated in the separator in an amount of 1-20% by weight, based on the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol, and is dispersed throughout the product. Incorporation of the filler enhances performance and increases cycle life of alkaline batteries when compared with batteries containing a similar separator not containing filler. Suitable fillers include titanates, silicates, zirconates, aluminates, wood floor, lignin, and titania. Particle size is not greater than about 50 microns.

Sheibley, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol and method of making same

A film-forming polyvinyl alcohol polymer is mixed with a polyaldehyde-polysaccharide cross-linking agent having at least two monosaccharide units and a plurality of aldehyde groups per molecule, perferably an average of at least one aldehyde group per monosaccharide units. The cross-linking agent, such as a polydialdehyde starch, is used in an amount of about 2.5 to 20% of the theoretical amount required to cross-link all of the available hydroxyl groups of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Reaction between the polymer and cross-linking agent is effected in aqueous acidic solution to produce the cross-linked polymer. The polymer product has low electrical resistivity and other properties rendering it suitable for making separators for alkaline batteries.

Hsu, L. C.↗