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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 415 records · Page 23

Degradation mechanisms of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds during thermal stability testing of model fuels

The degradation behavior of n-dodecane (singly or in combination with S- and N-containing dopants) was studied using a modified Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester facility between 200 and 400 C. The products were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The soluble products consisted mainly of n-alkanes and 1-alkenes, aldehydes, tetrahydrofuran derivatives, dodecanol and dodecanone isomers, C21-C24 alkane isomers, and dodecylhydroperoxide (ROOH) decomposition products. The major products were always the same, with and without dopants, but their distributions varied considerably. The 3,4-dimercaptotoluene and dibutylsulfide dopants added individually to n-dodecane interferred with the hydrocarbon oxidation at the alkylperoxy radical and the alkylhydroperoxide link, respectively, while the 2,5-dimethylpyrrole dopant inhibited ROOH formation. Pyridine, pyrrole, and dibenzothiophene added individually showed few significant effects.

Reddy, K. T.↗

Light hydrocarbons from plasma discharge in H2-He-CH4 - First results and Uranian auroral chemistry

The production of light hydrocarbons by precipitating magnetospheric electrons in the Uranian stratosphere is simulated in laboratory experiments. The products of continuous-flow glow discharges of H2-He-CH4 mixtures containing 0.0012 or 0.022 mol pct CH4 at pressures 0.63-57 mbar are trapped at 77 K, measured manometrically, and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy; the results are presented in tables and characterized in detail. The globally averaged rate for the production of higher hydrocarbons by this mechanism on Uranus is estimated as 3 x 10 to the 6th C/sq cm sec and shown to be similar to that for photochemical production, while the local rate for the auroral zones is significantly higher than the corresponding photochemical rate. A decrease in yield with increasing molecular complexity is also noted.

Thompson, W. Reid↗

Modified reaction mechanism of aerated n-dodecane liquid flowing over heated metal tubes

The degradation mechanism of the n-dodecane was studied using a modified jet fuel thermal oxidation tester containing a sample withdrawal system as a reaction vessel. The reaction products were identified using gas chromatography and mass spectorometry. The soluble products were found to consist mainly of C5-C10 n-alkanes and 1-alkenes, C7-C10 aldehydes, tetrahydrofuran derivatives, dodecanol and dodecanone isomers, dodecyl hydroperoxide (ROOH) decomposition products, and C24 alkane isomers. The data from the experiments agreed with those of Hazlett et al. (1977). It was found that alkyl peroxide radical reactions dominate in the autooxidation temperature regime (at T not above 300 C); the dominant path is for the alkyl peroxyl radical to react bimolecularly with fuel to yield primarily alkyl hydroperoxides. The alkyl peroxide radical also undergoes self-termination and unimolecular isomerization and decomposition reactions, to yield smaller amounts of C12 alcohol plus ketone products and tetrahydrofuran derivatives, respectively.

Reddy, K. T.↗

Calibration-Tube Dewar

Container maintains reference material for gas chromatography at constant temperature for extended periods. Developed for holding peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN), material unstable at room temperature but stable at 0 degree C. Keeps vial of PAN at this temperature by immersing in mixture of water and ice. Perforated tube surrounds vial, protects from damage by ice but allows cold water to circulate around. Plug with handle removable so ice added through filler tube. O-rings seal joints around removable parts. Substances undergoing phase changes at other temperatures substituted for ice and water if different reference materials and storage temperatures used. Used on research aircraft collecting and analyzing air samples in troposphere and stratosphere.

Herlth, Donald B.↗

The search for and identification of amino acids, nucleobases and nucleosides in samples returned from Mars

An investigation of the returned Mars samples for biologically important organic compounds, with emphasis on amino acid, the puring and pyrimidine bases, and nucleosides is proposed. These studies would be conducted on subsurface samples obtained by drilling past the surface oxidizing layer with emphasis on samples containing the larges quantities of organic carbon as determined by the rover gas chromatographic mass spectrometer (GCMS). Extraction of these molecules from the returned samples will be performed using the hydrothermal extraction technique described by Cheng and Ponnamperuma. More rigorous extraction methods will be developed and evaluated. For analysis of the extract for free amino acids or amino acids present in a bound or peptidic form, aliquots will be analyzed by capillary GCMS both before and after hydrolysis with 6N hydrochloric acid. Establishment of the presence of amino acids would then lead to the next logical step which would be the use of chiral stationary gas chromatography phases to determine the enatiomeic composition of the amino acids present, and thus potentially establish their biotic or abiotic origin. Confirmational analyses for amino acids would include ion-exchange and reversed-phase liquid chromatographic analysis. For analyses of the returned Mars samples for nucleobases and nucleosides, affinity and reversed-phase liquid chromatography would be utilized. This technology coupled with scanning UV detection for identification, presents a powerful tool for nucleobase and nucleoside analysis. Mass spectrometric analysis of these compounds would confirm their presence in samples returned form Mars.

Gehrke, Charles W.↗

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) detection of active oxygen species and organic phases in Martian soils

The presence of active oxygen species (O(-), O2(-), O3(-)) and other strong oxidants (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) was invoked in interpretations of the Viking biological experiments and a model was also suggested for Martian surface chemistry. The non-biological interpretations of the biological results gain futher support as no organic compounds were detected in the Viking pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCSM) experiments at concentrations as low as 10 ppb. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measures the absorption of microwaves by a paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic center in the presence of an external field. In many instances, ESR has the advantage of detailed submicroscopic identification of the transient species and/or unstable reaction intermediates in their environments. Since the higly active oxygen species (O(-), O2(-), O3(-), and R-O-O(-)) are all paramagnetic in nature, they can be readily detected in native form by the ESR method. Active oxygen species likely to occur in the Martian surface samples were detected by ESR in UV-irradiated samples containing MgO. A miniaturized ESR spectrometer system can be developed for the Mars Rover Sample Return Mission. The instrument can perform the following in situ Martian samples analyses: detection of active oxygen species; characterization of Martian surface chemistry and photooxidation processes; and searching for organic compounds in the form of free radicals preserved in subsoils, and detection of microfossils with Martian carbonate sediments.

Tsay, Fun-Dow↗

Thematic Conference on Remote Sensing for Exploration Geology, 6th, Houston, TX, May 16-19, 1988, Proceedings. Volumes 1 & 2

Papers concerning remote sensing applications for exploration geology are presented, covering topics such as remote sensing technology, data availability, frontier exploration, and exploration in mature basins. Other topics include offshore applications, geobotany, mineral exploration, engineering and environmental applications, image processing, and prospects for future developments in remote sensing for exploration geology. Consideration is given to the use of data from Landsat, MSS, TM, SAR, short wavelength IR, the Geophysical Environmental Research Airborne Scanner, gas chromatography, sonar imaging, the Airborne Visible-IR Imaging Spectrometer, field spectrometry, airborne thermal IR scanners, SPOT, AVHRR, SIR, the Large Format camera, and multitimephase satellite photographs.

Source record↗

Concentrating Gaseous Contaminants For Monitoring

Apparatus concentrates contaminants outgassing from specimens in vacuum and passes concentrated contaminants to gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry system for analysis. Cold wall of collection chamber adsorbs gases from specimen in isothermal cell. When wall heated, plate desorbs gases so they can be analyzed. Collection chamber maintained at low pressure throughout adsorption and desorption process. Determines whether candidate materials for use in vacuum environments generate harmful substances.

Mahone, William C.↗

Proton irradiation of simple gas mixtures: Influence of irradiation parameters

In order to get information about the influence of irradiation parameters on radiolysis processes of astrophysical interest, methane gas targets were irradiated with 6.5 MeV protons at a pressure of 1 bar and room temperature. Yields of higher hydrocarbons like ethane or propane were found by analysis of irradiated gas samples using gas chromatography. The handling of the proton beam was of great experimental importance for determining the irradiation parameters. In a series of experiments current density of the proton beam and total absorbed energy were shown to have a large influence on the yields of produced hydrocarbons. Mechanistic interpretations of the results are given and conclusions are drawn with regard to the chemistry and the simulation of various astrophysical systems.

Sack, Norbert J.↗

Identification of the methylhopanes in sediments and petroleum

Three C31 mehylhopanes were synthesized from diplopterol and its 2-alpha-methyl (Me), 2-beta-Me, and 3-beta-Me analogs. These synthetic methylhopanes were then compared with hopanoids from a variety of bitumens by means of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, demonstrating that all three C31 hydrocarbons may occur in the ancient sediments. The most common type of hopanes, which eluted very close to the corresponding hopane in the mature sediments and oils was the 2-alpha-Me series.

Summons, Roger E.↗

An intercomparison of airborne PAN measurements

Results are reported on the performance of the NASA and NCAR PAN measurement instruments during the NASA Global Tropospheric Experiment Chemical Instrumentation Test and Evaluation 2 (CITE 2) mission in August-September 1986. Both PAN instruments employ the electron-capture gas chromatography approach for detection and are calibrated using a liquid PAN standard in a diffusion tube. Details of the instrument design, experimental protocols, and CITE 2 test flights are discussed, and the results are presented in extensive tables and graphs. It is found that the NASA and NCAR instruments agreed to within about 17 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) when the PAN mixing ratio was below 100 pptv and to within about 25 percent when the mixing ratio was 100-300 pptv.

Gregory, Gerald L.↗

Aliphatic hydrocarbons of the Murchison meteorite

Hydrocarbon fractions from the Murchison meteorite were prepared using benzene-methanol as the extraction solvent, fractionated on silica gel columns, and analyzed using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry and IR and NMR techniques. Results indicate that the most abundant aliphatic hydrocarbon components of the Murchison meteorite are C15 to C30 branched-alkyl-substituted mono-, di-, and tricyclic alkanes. It is shown that the n-alkanes, methyl alkanes, and isoprenoid alkanes that are sometimes found in extracts of the Murchison meteorite are terrestrial contaminants.

Cronin, John R.↗

Plasma discharge in N2 + CH4 at low pressures - Experimental results and applications to Titan

Results are reported from laboratory continuous-flow plasma-discharge experiments designed to simulate the formation of hydrocarbons and nitriles from N2 and CH4 in the atmosphere of Titan. Gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometry data were obtained in experiments lasting up to 100 h at temperature 295 K and pressure 17 or 0.24 mbar, modeling (1) cosmic-ray-induced processes in the Titan troposphere and (2) processes related to stratospheric aurorae excited by energetic electrons and ions from the Saturn magnetosphere, respectively. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs, and the 0.24-mbar yields are incorporated into an eddy-mixing model to give stratospheric column abundances and mole fractions in good agreement with Voyager IRIS observations.

Thompson, W. Reid↗

Cryogenic focussing, ohmically heated on-column trap

A procedure is described for depositing a conductive layer of gold on the exterior of a fused-silica capillary used in gas chromatography. By subjecting a section of the column near the inlet to a thermal cycle of cryogenic cooling and ohmic heating, volatile samples are concentrated and subsequently injected. The performance of this trap as a chromatographic injector is demonstrated. Several additional applications are suggested and the unique properties of this device are discussed.

Springston, Stephen R.↗

The photolysis of NH3 in the presence of substituted acetylenes - A possible source of oligomers and HCN on Jupiter

An NMR spectral study is presently conducted of NH3 photolysis in the presence of substituted acetylenes with NMR spectra and gas chromatography. Quantum yields and percentage conversions to products are reported. It is shown that acetylenic hydrocarbons generated during methane photolysis in Jupiter's stratosphere can react with radicals formed by NH3 photolysis to yield nonvolatile, yellow-brown polymers, alkylnitriles, and in due course, HCN, as observed on Jupiter.

Ferris, James P.↗

Sensitive, Selective Test For Hydrazines

Derivatives of hydrazines formed, then subjected to gas chromatography and detected via chemiluminescence. In method of detecting and quantifying hydrazine vapors, vapors reacted with dinitro compound to enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Hydrazine (HZ), monomethyl hydrazine, (MMH), and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, either alone or in mixtures. Vapors collected and reacted with 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde, (DNB), making it possible to concentrate hydrazine in derivative form, thereby increasing sensitivity to low initial concentrations. Increases selectivity because only those constituents of sample reacting with DNB concentrated for analysis.

Roundbehler, David↗

Combustion of LOX with H2(sub g) under subcritical, critical, and supercritical conditions and experimental observation of dense spray and mixing of impinging jets

Progress made during the period of February 1 to October 15, 1992 is reported. The overall objective of Task 1 of the investigation is to achieve a better understanding of the combustion processes of liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen under subcritical, critical, and supercritical conditions. Specific objectives of the research program are: (1) to determine the evaporation- and burning-rate characteristics of LOX in hydrogen/helium environments under broad ranges of operating conditions; (2) to measure species concentration profile and surface temperature of LOX employing the gas chromatography and fine-wire thermocouples under non-reacting flow situations; (3) to perform a fugacity-based multicomponent thermodynamic phase equilibrium analysis for examining the high-pressure vapor-liquid equilibrium behavior at the liquid surface of LOX; (4) to formulate and solve a theoretical model for simulating the evaporation and combustion processes in a LOX/H2/He system; and (5) to validate the theoretical model with the measured experimental data. Task 2 of the investigation is described. Observation of a like-on-like injector element in the near-injector region performed in the previous phase of this project has identified the existence of a high Reynolds number regime in which the pre-impingement jets are fully turbulent and undergoing surface breakup. The new spray regime, which has not been observed by previous investigators, is characterized by the presence of many fine droplets and the disappearance of the well-defined liquid breakup wave pattern in the post-impingement region. It is speculated that a cavitating region may be present within the orifice so that it could induce strong turbulence, leading to an onset of atomization of the jets prior to impingement. To further investigate the dense spray behavior of the impinging jets in the high Reynolds number region, experiments were conducted using Plexiglas injector components for direct internal flow observation. The main objective is to determine under what conditions a cavitating region would form and whether or not the cavitation is reponsible for the development of the high Reynolds number spray regime. The procedure and major findings of the injector cavitation study are described.

Kuo, Kenneth K.↗

Model for the formation of silicon carbide from the pyrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane in hydrogen. I - Silicon formation from chlorosilanes. II - Silicon carbide formation from silicon and methane

In the first part of this work, a model is developed for the deposition of silicon from the reduction of silicon tetrachloride with hydrogen in a tubular reactor at 700-1100 C, at atmospheric pressure. The model is based on gas chromatography of the volatile products of the reaction, followed by gravimetric analysis of total Si deposition on the tube. In the second part of this work, a model is developed for the case of SiC deposition from the pyrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane in hydrogen under the same reactor conditions. The rate constants derived from a nonlinear regression analysis are reported.

Cagliostro, Domenick E.↗