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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

Boron-Based Neutron Scintillator Screens for Neutron Imaging

In digital neutron imaging, the neutron scintillator screen is a limiting factor of spatial resolution and neutron capture efficiency and must be improved to enhance the capabilities of digital neutron imaging systems. Commonly used neutron scintillators are based on 6 LiF and gadolinium oxysulfide neutron converters. This work explores boron-based neutron scintillators because 10 B has a neutron absorption cross-section four times greater than 6Li, less energetic daughter products than Gd and 6 Li, and lower γ-ray sensitivity than Gd. These factors all suggest that, although borated neutron scintillators may not produce as much light as 6 Li-based screens, they may offer improved neutron statistics and spatial resolution. This work conducts a parametric study to determine the effects of various boron neutron converters, scintillator and converter particle sizes, converter-to-scintillator mix ratio, substrate materials, and sensor construction on image quality. The best performing boron-based scintillator screens demonstrated an improvement in neutron detection efficiency when compared with a common 6 LiF/ZnS scintillator, with a 125% increase in thermal neutron detection efficiency and 67% increase in epithermal neutron detection efficiency. The spatial resolution of high-resolution borated scintillators was measured, and the neutron tomography of a test object was successfully performed using some of the boron-based screens that exhibited the highest spatial resolution. For some applications, boron-based scintillators can be utilized to increase the performance of a digital neutron imaging system by reducing acquisition times and improving neutron statistics.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Exploring Mixed Ionic–Electronic-Conducting PVA/PEDOT:PSS Hydrogels as Channel Materials for Organic Electrochemical Transistors

Here, we report the preparation and evaluation of PVA/PEDOT:PSS-conducting hydrogels working as channel materials for OECT applications, focusing on the understanding of their charge transport and transfer properties. Our conducting hydrogels are based on crosslinked PVA with PEDOT:PSS interacting via hydrogen bonding and exhibit an excellent swelling ratio of ~180–200% w/w. Our electrochemical impedance studies indicate that the charge transport and transfer processes at the channel material based on conducting hydrogels are not trivial compared to conducting polymeric films. The most relevant feature is that the ionic transport through the swollen hydrogel is clearly different from the transport through the solution, and the charge transfer and diffusion processes govern the low-frequency regime. In addition, we have performed in operando Raman spectroscopy analyses in the OECT devices supported by first-principle computational simulations corroborating the doping/de-doping processes under different applied gate voltages. The maximum transconductance (gm~1.05 μS) and maximum volumetric capacitance (C*~2.3 F.cm -3 ) values indicate that these conducting hydrogels can be promising candidates as channel materials for OECT devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Erosion, transportation and the nature of the Maria

Lunar Orbiter and Apollo photographs of the moon and laboratory simulations of a surface transportation mechanism are discussed. Studies of shoulders at junctions of old mountains with flat mare surfaces show that the crater density in the shoulder is lower than that in the neighboring ground. The crisscross pattern is very pronounced on the mountain slope, is on the shoulder in a smaller scale, and is absent on the mare surface. It is concluded that the material forming the shoulders came there as a consequence of a surface transportation mechanism, and that the shoulders reached their present configuration later than the final shaping of the mare surface. Seismic signal transmission and mascon distribution data indicate that the filling of mare basins did not occur in a similar manner. An electrostatic mechanism for surface transportation was studied experimentally by bombarding material with electrons. An electric field resulted which was capable of dislodging and moving grains. It was also found that the junction line between different materials remains sharp, and materials do not mix even when the junction line itself moves.

Gold, T.↗

Solid propellant processing factor in rocket motor design

The ways are described by which propellant processing is affected by choices made in designing rocket engines. Tradeoff studies, design proof or scaleup studies, and special design features are presented that are required to obtain high product quality, and optimum processing costs. Processing is considered to include the operational steps involved with the lining and preparation of the motor case for the grain; the procurement of propellant raw materials; and propellant mixing, casting or extrusion, curing, machining, and finishing. The design criteria, recommended practices, and propellant formulations are included.

Source record↗

Volatile-element systematics and green glass in Apollo 15 lunar soils

A number of volatiles in Apollo 15 soils correlate with each other and with decreasing distance from the Apennine Front. These correlations can be understood in terms of a deposition of green glass and cogenetic volatiles on the flanks of the Front followed by addition of secondary magmatic volatiles including excess Ar-40. Mixing of these materials with mare-type regolith resulted in the observed volatile-element patterns. The absence of an increase in siderophilic element content with decreasing distance from the Front probably resulted from the failure of the steeply sloping front to develop a highlands-type mature regolith. Breccia 15015 has a siderophilic element signature typical of a mature Apollo 15 soil, which tends to rule out its transport to the site as part of an Autolycus or Aristillus ray.

Chou, C.-L.↗

Metallic phases in the Luna 24 soil samples

The metal and sulfide phases in the Luna 24 soil samples were studied with the optical microscope and the electron microprobe. The compositions of the metal particles fall into three groups based on their Ni and Co contents: (1) Samples of meteoritic composition which have undergone metamorphism on the lunar surface. (2) Samples of submeteoritic, low Ni and low Co contents, including most of the metal particles observed. These particles are contained in glass and agglutinate particles and were probably formed by the mixing of meteoritic metal with lunar metal produced by the reduction of silicates during shock-impact. (3) Samples of high-CO content probably formed by mixing of meteoritic material with high-Co metal from the mare basalt or by fractional crystallization from a metal silicate melt. The sulfide minerals were also studied. These are almost pure FeS, and crystallized from a late stage liquid in the mare basalt. Three high-Ni sulfides were also found in the glass phase of agglutinates.

Friel, J. J.↗

The Sr and Nd isotopic record of Apollo 12 basalts - Implications for lunar geochemical evolution

Alkali, alkaline earth, and rare earth element data are reported for several Apollo 12 basalts which are representative of the four Apollo 12 magma types. Results confirm the heterogeneity of the lunar mantle and show that the Sm/Nd ratio of at least the Apollo 12 ilmenite basalts was decreased by 13-24% during magma genesis. In addition, whole mare basalt Sm-Nd data are not collinear on an isochron diagram; thus it is no longer possible to explain these data via mixing of 'primitive material' and 'early differentiates' as in the hybridization and assimilation models.

Nyquist, L. E.↗

Radial accretion of H-rich material onto a He white dwarf

The nova outburst is modeled by spherically accreting H-rich material onto a 1 solar mass He white dwarf at a rate of 10 to the -8th solar mass/yr. The star accretes for 5848 years, when the nuclear reactions run away near the base of the accreted envelope. The nuclear-energy generation rate rises to 4.6(8) solar luminosities, and the envelope expands in response to it. However, nova-like mass ejection does not occur because the envelope is of insufficient mass, the base of the envelope is only mildly electron degenerate, and there is no enrichment of the CNO abundance. To overcome these limiting conditions, it is suggested that the H-rich material be accreted either more slowly than 10 to the -10th solar mass/yr or with angular momentum. Outbursts resulting in the former case should be similar to the nova models computed by Starrfield, Truran, and Sparks. Outbursts in the latter case should be strengthened, and novae might result because the H-rich material will be mixed into the surface layers of the white dwarf, as first suggested by Kippenhahn and Thomas (1978).

Kutter, G. S.↗

The ionization structure of planetary nebulae. 3: NGC 7009

Spectrophotometric observations of emission line intensities were made in 8 positions in the planetary nebula NGC 7009. For the 6 brightest positions, the coverage is from 1400 A to 10,000 A. Standard equations used to correct for the existence of elements in other than the optical observable ionization stages give results over a wide range of ionization that are consistent and agree with abundances calculated using ultraviolet lines. This result is particularly gratifying for N because previously the standard formula gave inconsistent abundances in NGC 7009. The major outstanding problem is that the lambda 4267 CII line implies a C(2+) abundance as much as 12 times greater than that determined from the UV lines. This discrepancy is greatest nearest the central star, as is the case in the planetary nebula NGC 6720. The logarithmic abundances (relative to H=12.00) are: He=11.07, 0=8.68, N=8.10, Ne=8.16, C=8.18, Ar=6.36, and S=7.12. The average of the Ne, Ar, and S abundances agrees to within 5% of that for NGC 6720, but the O, N, nd C abundances average 1.9 times lower in NGC 7009, suggesting that here may have been mixing of processed material in the planetary precursor in NGC 6720.

Barker, T.↗

Elastomeric Cathode Binder

Soluble copolymer binder mixed with cathode material and solvent forms flexible porous cathode used in lithium and Ni/Cd batteries. Cathodes prepared by this process have lower density due to expanding rubbery binder and greater flexibility than conventional cathodes. Fabrication procedure readily adaptable to scaled-up processes.

Yen, S. P. S.↗

Relative Elevation Determination from LANDSAT Imagery

In LANDSAT imagery, spectral and spatial information can be used to detect the drainage network as well as the relative elevation model in mountainous terrain. To do this, the mixed information of material reflectance and topographic modulation in the original LANDSAT imagery must be first separated. From the material reflectance information, big visible rivers can be detected. From the topographic modulation information, ridges and valleys can be detected and assigned relative elevations. Finally, a relative elevation model can be generated by interpolating values for nonridge and nonvalley pixels.

Haralick, R. M.↗

Spatial reasoning to determine stream network from LANDSAT imagery

In LANDSAT imagery, spectral and spatial information can be used to detect the drainage network as well as the relative elevation model in mountainous terrain. To do this, mixed information of material reflectance in the original LANDSAT imagery must be separated. From the material reflectance information, big visible rivers can be detected. From the topographic modulation information, ridges and valleys can be detected and assigned relative elevations. A complete elevation model can be generated by interpolating values for nonridge and non-valley pixels. The small streams not detectable from material reflectance information can be located in the valleys with flow direction known from the elevation model. Finally, the flow directions of big visible rivers can be inferred by solving a consistent labeling problem based on a set of spatial reasoning constraints.

Haralick, R. M.↗

Lunar origin: role of giant impacts

The explanation that lunar origin involved giant impacts remains attractive. Large planetesimals are consistent with current accretion models, and may have been widely scattered in the early solar system; their existence is a reasonable, assumption in Moon origin models. Isotopic data require the Moon's formation primarily from local material resembling Earth's upper mantle, not material from elsewhere in the solar system. Giant impacts are stochastic, class predictable events that would provide the required type of ejected Earth mantle material without requiring large moons to form near other planets (a problem with less stochastic processes). Such material may have mixed with incoming meteorites during lunar formation, affecting lunar chemistry.

Hartmann, W. K.↗

Lunar Origin: Role of Giant Impacts

The explanation that lunar origin involved giant impacts remains attractive. Large planetesimals are consistent with current accretion models, and may have been widely scattered in the early solar systems; their existence is a reasonably, assumption in Moon origin models. Isotopic data require the Moon's formation primarily from local material resembling Earth's upper mantle, not material from elsewhere in the solar system. Giant impacts are stochastic, class predictable events that would provide the required type of ejected Earth mantle material without requiring large moons to form near other planets (a problem with less stochastic processes). Such material may have mixed with incoming meteorites during lunar formation, affecting lunar chemistry.

Hartmann, W. K.↗

The ionization structure of planetary nebulae. IV - NGC 6853

Upgraded UV and IR data were taken of the planetary nebula NGC 6853 in the same region as previous optical data to improve the data base on various ionized species in the nebula. The spectral range 1400-9600 A was scanned, and good agreement was obtained between UV and optical ionization abundance data, although the 4267 A C II line yielded a C(2+) abundance larger than indicated by the UV data. The discrepancy concentrated around the central star. Ionization abundances were determined for He, O, N, NC, C, Ar, and S relative to H, and the causes of discrepancies in the abundances compared to those of previous investigators are discussed. It is noted that, as in the planetary nebula NGC 6720, lighter element abundances are higher than solar values, which suggests mixing of processed materials in the envelope of the two nebulae.

Barker, T.↗

Titanium isotopic anomalies in hibonites from the Murchison carbonaceous chondrite

The isotopic compositions of titanium in eight grains of hibonite (CaAl12O19) from the carbonaceous chondrite Murchison have been determined by high precision secondary ion mass spectrometry using an ion microprobe. The titanium in the hibonites varies greatly in Ti-50 from about -42 to +8 permil (relative to terrestrial) with smaller (up to 4 permil), but clearly resolvable, effects in Ti-46 and Ti-48. These results confirm the presence of widespread negative anomalies suggested by the results of Hutcheon et al. (1983) on hibonites from Murchison. The magnitude of these variations seems explicable only in terms of nucleogenic processes which produced extremely variable titanium isotopic abundances in the hibonite source materials. The hibonites evidently did not participate to the same extent as most material in the mixing and homogenisation processes that accompanied the formation and later evolution of the solar system.

Ireland, T.↗

An imaging observation of SN 1987A at gamma-ray energies

The Caltech imaging gamma-ray telescope was launched by balloon from Alice Springs, Australia for observations of SN 1987A during November 1987. The preliminary results presented here are derived from 8200 s of instrument live time on the supernova and 2500 s on the Crab Nebula and pulsar at a float altitude of 36 km. Images of the SN 1987A region at gamma-ray energies confirming that the bulk of the gamma-ray emission comes from the supernova and not from LMC X-1. These flux measurements are compared to recent predictions concerning the distribution of Co-56 in the supernova ejecta. The data are consistent with models invoking moderate mixing of core material into the envelope.

Cook, W. R.↗

Accretion discs around young stellar objects and the proto-sun

Observed IR and UV excesses have widely been interpreted as signatures for accretion disks around young stellar objects. Analyses of the observed properties of these disks are important for the investigation of star formation as well as the dynamics of the protoplanetary disk out of which the solar system was formed. Accretion-disk theories suggest that evolution of protoplanetary disks is determined by the efficiency of angular momentum transport. During the formation stages, the disk dynamics are regulated by mixing of infalling material and disk gas. In the outermost regions of the disk, self-gravity may promote the growth of nonaxisymmetric perturbations which can transfer angular momentum outwards. After infall has ceased, convectively driven turbulence can redistribute angular momentum with an evolutionary timescale of 0.1 - 1 Myr. Convection in protoplanetary disks may eventually be stabilized by surface heating as the disk material is depleted.

Lin, D. N. C.↗