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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 379 records · Page 21

Phenoxy Resins Containing Pendent Ethynyl Groups

Ethynyl-containing phenoxy resins have excellent shelf life in solution or in bulk. Cured ethynyl-containing phenoxy resins offer lower moisture absorption, higher use temperatures, and better thermal stability over stateof-the-art cross-linked phenoxy resins. Depending upon cross-link density, cured ethynyl-modified phenoxy resins are solvent resistant but still thermoformable and relatively tough. Modified resins show potential for use as adhesives, composite matrices, solvent-resistant coatings, membranes, insulators, and films.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗

Thermal-infrared spectral observations of geologic materials in emission

The thermal-infrared spectra of geologic materials in emission were studied using the prototype Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES). A variety of of processes and surface modifications that may influence or alter the spectra of primary rock materials were studied. It was confirmed that thermal emission spectra contain the same absorption features as those observed in transmission and reflection spectra. It was confirmed that the TES instrument can be used to obtain relevant spectra for analysis of rock and mineral composition.

Christensen, Philip R.↗

The contribution of ion-cyclotron waves to electron heating and SAR-arc excitation near the storm-time plasmapause

The potential role of ion-cyclotron waves in the electron heating process has been studied, using the HOTRAY code. It is demonstrated that ion-cyclotron waves can play an important role in both the energy transfer to plasmaspheric electrons and the subsequent downward heat conduction to SAR arc altitudes. In particular, such waves can experience enhanced path integrated amplification along the steep plasmapause density gradient. The latter tends to keep the wave normal angle small on several successive bounces across the equator, thus allowing cyclotron-resonant amplification leading to a total gain of up to 20 e-foldings. When the wave propagation vector becomes highly oblique, absorption occurs during Landau resonance with thermal plasmaspheric electrons, increasing the electron temperature in the direction parallel to the ambient field and leading directly to heat conduction into ionosphere.

Thorne, Richard M.↗

On the Nature of XTE J0421+560/CI Cam

We present the results of the analysis of RXTE, BATSE and optical/IR data of the 1998 outburst of the x-ray transient system XTE J0421+650. The x-ray outburst shows a very fast decay initial e-folding time approximately 0.5 days, slowing down to about 2.3 days). The X ray spectrum in the 2-25 keV band is thermal, softening considerably during decay. Intrinsic absorption is observed, also strongly variable. A strong iron line at around 6.7 keV is observed. No fast time variability is observed (<0.1 rms in the 1-4906 Hz band at peak). The analysis of optical/IR data suggest that the secondary is a b[e] star and place the system at a distance of about 2 kpc. At this distance the 2-25 keV luminosity is about 5 x 10(exp 37) erg/seconds. We compare the properties of this system with those of the Be/NS LMC transient A 0538-66 and suggest that CI cam is of a similar nature. The presence of strong radio emission during outburst indicates that the compact object could be a black hole.

Belloni, T.↗

Modeling Heat Flow In a Calorimeter Equipped With a Textured Solar Collector

Heat engines are being considered for generating electric power for minisatellite applications, particularly for those missions in high radiation threat orbits. To achieve this objective, solar energy must be collected and transported to the hot side of the heat engine. A solar collector is needed having the combined properties of high solar absorptance, low infrared emittance, and high thermal conductivity. To test candidate solar collector concepts, a simple calorimeter was designed, manufactured, and installed in a bench top vacuum chamber to measure heat flow. In addition, a finite element analysis model of the collector/calorimeter combination was made to model this heat flow. The model was tuned based on observations from the as-manufactured collector/calorimeter combination. In addition, the model was exercised to examine other collector concepts, properties, and scale up issues.

Jaworske, Donald A.↗

Humidity Testing for Human Rated Spacecraft

Determination that equipment can operate in and survive exposure to the humidity environments unique to human rated spacecraft presents widely varying challenges. Equipment may need to operate in habitable volumes where the atmosphere contains perspiration, exhalation, and residual moisture. Equipment located outside the pressurized volumes may be exposed to repetitive diurnal cycles that may result in moisture absorption and/or condensation. Equipment may be thermally affected by conduction to coldplate or structure, by forced or ambient air convection (hot/cold or wet/dry), or by radiation to space through windows or hatches. The equipment s on/off state also contributes to the equipment s susceptibility to humidity. Like-equipment is sometimes used in more than one location and under varying operational modes. Due to these challenges, developing a test scenario that bounds all physical, environmental and operational modes for both pressurized and unpressurized volumes requires an integrated assessment to determine the "worst-case combined conditions." Such an assessment was performed for the Constellation program, considering all of the aforementioned variables; and a test profile was developed based on approximately 300 variable combinations. The test profile has been vetted by several subject matter experts and partially validated by testing. Final testing to determine the efficacy of the test profile on actual space hardware is in the planning stages. When validation is completed, the test profile will be formally incorporated into NASA document CxP 30036, "Constellation Environmental Qualification and Acceptance Testing Requirements (CEQATR)."

Johnson, Gary B.↗

Spectroscopic Characterization of Mineralogy Across Vesta: Evidence of Different Lithologies

The average spectrum of Vesta, obtained by VIR in the range 0.25-5.1 microns, shows clear evidence of absorption bands due to pyroxenes and thermal emissions beyond 3.5 11m. Vesta shows considerable variability across its surface in terms of spectral reflectance and emission, band depths, bands widths and bands centers, reflecting a complex geological history. Vesta's average spectrum and inferred mineralogy resemble those of howardite meteorites. On a regional scale, significant deviations are seen: the south polar 500km Rheasilvia impact crater has a higher diogenitic component, and equatorial regions show a higher eucritic component. This lithologic distribution, with a concentration of Mg-pyroxenes in the Rheasilvia area, reinforces the hypothesis of a deeper diogenitic crust excavated by the impact that formed the Rheasilvia crater, and an upper eucritic crust, whose remnants are seen in the equatorial region. This scenario has implications for Vesta differentiation, consistent with magma ocean models. However, serial magmatism models could also have concentrated pyroxene cumulates in plutons emplaced within the lower crust,

De Sanotis, M. C.↗

Space Environmental Testing at GSFC

One critical piece of information needed in the thermal design of all spacecraft are the thermal properties of the coatings and the determination of how those properties change due to the space environmental over the lifetime of a spacecraft. At the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) we have the ability to measure the beginning of life (BOL) thermal properties of thermal control coatings such as solar absorptance, emittance as a function of temperature, conductivity and we can also determine how those properties will change over the lifetime of the spacecraft.

Kauder, Lonny R.↗

A Realistic Roadmap to Formation Flying Space Interferometry

The ultimate astronomical observatory would be a formation flying interferometer in space, immune to atmospheric turbulence and absorption, free from atmospheric and telescope thermal emission, and reconfigurable to adjust baselines according to the required angular resolution. Imagine the near/mid-infrared sensitivity of the JWST and the far-IR sensitivity of Herschel but with ALMA-level angular resolution, or imagine having the precision control to null host star light across 250m baselines and to detect molecules from the atmospheres of nearby exo-Earths. With no practical engineering limit to the formation’s size or number of telescopes in the array, formation flying interferometry will revolutionize astronomy and this White Paper makes the case that it is now time to accelerate investments in this technological area. Here we provide a brief overview of the required technologies needed to allow light to be collected and interfered using separate spacecrafts. We emphasize the emerging role of inexpensive smallSat projects and the excitement for the LISA Gravitational Wave Interferometer to push development of the required engineering building-blocks. We urge the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee to highlight the need for a small-scale formation flying space interferometer project to demonstrate end-to-end competency with a timeline for first stellar fringes by the end of the decade.

Gioia Rau↗

Solar Absorptivity Degradation of Spacecraft Materials Due to UV and Charged Particles in the Gateway Environment

The Gateway Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Group has identified charged particle and UV degradation of Gateway materials as a knowledge gap for the Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) and transit environment. Candidate materials and coatings were subjected to expected mission UV and charged particle environments at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In situ change in reflectivity was observed at specified intervals during testing such that change in solar absorptivity could be plotted as a function of time of solar exposure. Gateway will be an outpost in cislunar space designed to survive a 15-year mission to support human moon landings and future deep space exploration. The Gateway Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Group has identified charged particle and UV degradation of potential Gateway materials as a knowledge gap for the Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) and transit environment, especially the slow spiral transit planned for the first two modules. Solar absorptivity degradation is important to quantify because the end-of-life absorptivity impacts thermal performance of the system. To address this, ground testing is being completed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in which potential Gateway materials, including radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), and structural materials are subjected to the expected transit plus 15-year on-orbit charged particle fluence (9.86x1015 protons/cm2 at 2.5 keV and 3.1x1016 electrons/cm2 at 10 keV) and up to 5000 Equivalent Solar Hours (ESH). Reflectivity of a single sample of each material was measured in atmosphere and in vacuum inside the chamber after exposure to incremental levels of ESH and charged particle fluence. Increase in absorptivity of most samples were seen throughout the test including large differences in absorptivity of materials of the same category. Future testing will validate these results and include additional materials of interest.

materials in the space environment↗

Principles of thermal remote sensing

The remote sensing of temperature is performed by sensing radiation emitted from solids, liquids, and gases in the thermal infrared region of the spectrum, in which thermal emission is dominant over reflected solar energy. For Earth resources applications, thermal sensing of solids and liquids is performed in two ""windows'' of the atmosphere where atmospheric absorption and emission are at a minimum. Temperature measurement, intrinsic thermal properties, factors in interpreting thermal data, the use of thermal inertia, and the measurements obtained by the heat capacity mapping radiometer are discussed.

Source record↗

Impact of Thermochromic Coatings on Thermal Management for Human Spacecraft Applications

Thermochromic variable emittance coatings (VECs) allow for passive, dynamic thermal management of space vehicles due to their temperature dependent optical properties. Ideally, a thermochromic material should exhibit low mid-IR emissivity for lower temperatures and switch to high mid-IR emissivity for higher temperatures; one promising material that demonstrates these characteristics is Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (LSM). The transition temperatures of LSM are dependent on the Lanthanum-to-Strontium ratio x, La1-xSrxMnO3. La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, which has an emittance of 0.5 for < 270 K, then a linear increase in emittance to 0.8 over an increase of 70 K where it will saturate at ~340K, is commonly utilized but this is tunable by changing the Sr concentration. The tunability of the transition temperature range of LSM motivates a need to understand the optimal thermal transition range for human spacecraft. Additionally, LSM has high solar absorptance and to combat this issue the VEC will be micropatterned on top of a highly solar reflective layer of Barium Sulfate (BaSO4). Consequently, this work will elucidate the tradeoffs between solar absorptance and variable emittance for this technology since the micropattern adversely couples the solar absorptance to the mid-IR emittance. This work develops a computational model using Thermal Desktop to study the utility of VECs on human spacecraft, such as Orion, subjected to mission phases such as lunar transit and Gateway docking. The model considers both external heat loads, from solar irradiation and planetary IR, as well as vehicle heat loads, from avionics and crew, as an input into the body mounted thermochromic radiators. There are several design targets for VECs, i.e. achieving the largest change in emittance, finding the optimal temperature range for the transition, and achieving the highest emittance in the high temperature phase. This work prioritizes these design targets for LSM to achieve the optimal heat rejection for a human spacecraft. The VECs are compared with static emittance coatings and the efficiency gains are quantified. Thermochromic VECs will ultimately lead to simplifications of active cooling systems which synergistically correlates to mass reduction and less energy consumption for space vehicles.

Joseph Peoples↗

Development of improved lithium tantalate pyroelectric detectors

A program was undertaken to increase the detectivity of LiTaO3 pyroelectric detectors to meet a performance requirement of D star (500 K, 15 Hz)=4x10 to the 9th power cm Hz1/2W-1. Emphasis was placed on reduction of the thermal conductance of the detector element to its surroundings, thinning the detector wafer to a thickness less than 3 micrometers, and increasing the absorptivity of the standard metallic film coatings. During the program, thermal conductance was reduced 41 percent through the use of reticulated (slotted) structures. Self-supported detector wafers less than 2 micrometers thick were fabricated. Multiple layer coatings, including an AR coating, with 16 percent more absorptance, were designed and fabricated. Later refinements in the multilayer design program have absorptivities of 75-80 percent, but detectors with these coatings had to be more than 2 micrometers thick because of a mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients with LiTaO3.

Byer, N. E.↗

Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus

An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver's wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves and a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.

Buckley, Theresa M.↗

Phase change material thermal capacitor clothing

An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver's wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves and a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.

Buckley, Theresa M.↗

On the He-H2 thermal opacity in planetary atmospheres.

The pressure-induced absorption coefficient for He-H2 mixtures is poorly known for the range of physical conditions in the atmospheres of the major planets, largely because of the uncertainty in the overlap parameter of the induced dipole moment. We have reduced this uncertainty by examining the extent to which the published measurements and the existing theory specify this parameter. Furthermore, we show that this parameter should be quite accurately determined if laboratory measurements of this opacity are extended to frequencies below 300/cm.

Trafton, L.↗

Io's Thermal Regions and Non-SO2 Spectral Features

Several absorptions have been identified in the Galileo NIMS spectra of Io that are not related to SO2. [1,2]. These absorptions have band centers at 2.97, 3.15, 3.85, and 3.91 microns. There are also broad absorptions in the regions 1-1.3 and 3- 3.4 microns. Patterning noise in wavelength registration, arising from the pushbroom imaging and grating motion of the NIMS instrument have previously inhibited reliable mapping of weak absorptions. Recent improvements in techniques to remove the coherent pattern noise from the NIMS dataset have been made by Soderblom. This greatly improves the signal to noise ratio and enables mapping of weak spectral signatures such as the 3.15 micron absorption on Io.

Smythe, W. D.↗