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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Variations in Cathodoluminescent Intensity of Spacecraft Materials Exposed to Energetic Electron Bombardment

Many contemporary spacecraft materials exhibit cathodoluminescence when exposed to electron flux from the space plasma environment. A quantitative, physics-based model has been developed to predict the intensity of the glow as a function of incident electron current density and energy, temperature, and intrinsic material properties. We present a comparative study of the absolute spectral radiance for several types of dielectric and composite materials based on this model which spans three orders of magnitude. Variations in intensity are contrasted for different electron environments, different sizes of samples and sample sets, different testing and analysis methods, and data acquired at different test facilities. Together, these results allow us to estimate the accuracy and precision to which laboratory studies may be able to determine the response of spacecraft materials in the actual space environment. It also provides guidance as to the distribution of emissions that may be expected for sets of similar flight hardware under similar environmental conditions.

orders of magnitude↗
NASA NTRS1978

Self-sterilizing canister

Canister, originally conceived for remote sterilization of spacecraft packages, could be used terrestrially to handle samples in biologically hazardous environments. Multiwalled canister includes inner layer of pyrotechnic powder. For sterilization, electrically activated squib ignites powder, raising temperature of outer surface of canister to 230 degrees centigrade for several minutes. Thermal-buffer inner layer prevents inside temperature for exceeding 100 degrees centigrade to protect contents from damage. Samples in field hospitals and other emergency situations could also be handled by equipment.

Yang, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Microgravity ignition experiment

The purpose of this project is to develop a flight-ready apparatus of the microgravity ignition experiment for the GASCAN 2 program. The microgravity ignition experiment is designed to study how a microgravity environment affects the time to ignition of a sample of alpha-cellulose paper. A microgravity environment will result in a decrease in the heat transferred from the sample due to a lack of convection currents, which would decrease time to ignition. A lack of convection current would also cause the oxygen supply at the sample not to be renewed, which could delay or even prevent ignition. When this experiment is conducted aboard GASCAN 2, the dominant result of the lack of ignition will be determined. The experiment consists of four canisters containing four thermocouples and a sensor to detect ignition of the paper sample. This year the interior of the canister was redesigned and a mathematical model of the heat transfer around the sample was developed. This heat transfer model predicts an ignition time of approximately 5.5 seconds if the decrease of heat loss from the sample is the dominant factor of the lack of convection currents.

Motevalli, Vahid↗
NASA NTRS1993

Contamination measurements on experiment M0003

The contamination monitors on the M0003 experiment consisted of passive sample collectors to measure molecular and particulate deposition. The collectors were placed in the leading and trailing edge trays of M0003. The objective was to quantify the contaminants and determine how contamination affected the other materials in the trays. Duplicate collectors were placed inside the vacuum canisters that provided protection from the launch, ascent, deployment, and recovery environments. Analyses of the samples show small quantities of molecular deposition on both the leading and trailing edge trays. Silicone deposits are negligible. The aluminized fused silica, second surface mirrors showed small changes in solar absorptances. This is consistent with the small quantities of molecular deposits deduced from the FTIR measurements. The results of particle deposition, light scatter, and a micrometeoroid (or debris) impact are presented.

Borson, Eugene N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optical effects module

The possible degradation of optical samples exposed to the effluent gases and particulate matter emanating from the payload of the space transportation system during orbital operations may be determined by measuring two optical parameters for five samples exposed to this environment, namely transmittance and diffuse reflectance. Any changes detected in these parameters as a function of time during the mission are then attributable to surface contamination or to increased material absorption. These basic functions are attained in the optical effects module by virtue of the following subsystems which are described: module enclosure; light source with collimator and modulator; sample wheel with holders and rotary drive; photomultipliers for radiation detection; processing and sequencing electronic circuitry; and power conditioning interfaces. The functions of these subsystems are reviewed and specified.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2026

Direct and rapid uranium isotopic analysis of environmental sample swipes via microextraction – LS-APGD/Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Accurate and precise isotopic analysis of actinides collected on environmental sample swipes from within nuclear facilities is an important safeguarding measure for detecting undeclared materials and activities. Traditional isotope ratio (IR) analysis of actinides using a bulk digestion approach can be laborious and time-consuming. Recently, direct analysis of environmental swipe samples using a microextraction approach has been explored as an alternative to conventional bulk digestion methods. The present study further evaluates this approach for accurate and precise isotopic analysis of uranium (U) in cotton swipe samples using the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD)/Orbitrap-FTMS Booster detection system. The instrumental parameters were optimized, and quantitative capabilities were demonstrated through excellent linearity (R2 = 0.99) across a deposited mass range of 1 to 500 ng, with a limit of detection of 90 pg (in a 2 × 4 mm region) for total U; well below typical U concentrations (ng–mg range) in environmental sample swipes. The 235U/238U ratio showed excellent accuracy (−0.3% relative difference from the certificate value), with ∼20× improvement over previous microextraction-Orbitrap methods. Precision (∼1% relative standard deviation) was also greatly enhanced by ∼5×. This study also demonstrates that figures of merit achieved with neat U solution were not highly degraded when various external interfering elements/matrices were introduced. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to analyze practical swipe samples representative of laboratory and outdoor environments. The presented figures of merit and applicability to practical samples further validate the capability of the platform for rapid analysis (<7 minutes) of environmental swipe samples.

Shrestha, Suraj [Clemson University, SC]↗
NASA NTRS2010

Thermal Control Materials on MISSE-6 with Comparison to Earlier Flight Data

This slide presentation reviews the results of exposing thermal control materials as studied during Materials International Space Station Experiment-6 (MISSE-6). It discusses the location of the materials, and the type of environmental exposure. It then reviews the effect on the various types of coatings, showing the results with graphs and photos of the samples after the experimental exposure to the low earth orbital environment for comparison with the control sample and with earlier flights.

Finckenor, Miria M.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring the Ion Solvation Environments in Solid-State Polymer Electrolytes through Free-Energy Sampling

The success of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in solid-state polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries is well established. Recently, in order to understand this success and to explore possible alternatives, we studied polyacetal electrolytes to deepen the understanding of the effect of the local chemical structure on ion transport. Advanced molecular dynamics techniques using newly developed, tailored interaction potentials have helped elucidate the various coordination environments of ions in these systems. In particular, the competition between cation-Anion pairing and coordination by the polymer has been explored using free-energy sampling (metadynamics). At equivalent reduced temperatures, with respect to the polymer-specific glass-Transition temperature, two-dimensional free-energy plots reveal the existence of multiple coordination environments for the lithium (Li) ions in these systems and their relative stabilities. Furthermore, we observe that the Li-ion movement in PEO follows a serial, stepwise pathway when moving from one coordination state to another, whereas this happens in a more continuous and concerted fashion in a polyacetal such as poly(1,3-dioxalane) [P(EO-MO)]. The implication is that interconversion between coordination states of the Li ions may be easier in P(EO-MO). However, the overarching observation from our free-energy analysis is that Li-ion coordination is dominated by the polymer (in either case) and contact-ion pairs are rare. We rationalize the observed higher increase in glass-Transition temperature (Tg) with salt loading in polyacetals as due to intermolecular Li-ion coordination involving multiple polymer chains, rather than just one chain for PEO-based electrolytes. This interchain coupling in the polyacetals, resulting in the higher Tg, works against any gains due to variations in Li-ion coordination that might enhance transport processes over PEO. Further research is required to overcome the interdependence between local coordination and macroscopic properties to compete with PEO electrolytes at the same absolute working temperature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

The ancestral environment of teosinte populations shapes their root microbiome

Summary Background The composition of the root microbiome affects the host’s growth, with variation in the host genome associated with microbiome variation. However, it is not known whether this intra-specific variation of root microbiomes is a consequence of plants performing targeted manipulations of them to adapt to their local environment or varying passively with other traits. To explore the relationship between the genome, environment and microbiome, we sampled seeds from teosinte populations across its native range in Mexico. We then grew teosinte accessions alongside two modern maize lines in a common garden experiment. Metabarcoding was performed using universal bacterial and fungal primers to profile their root microbiomes. Results The root microbiome varied between the two modern maize lines and the teosinte accessions. We further found that variation of the teosinte genome, the ancestral environment (temperature/elevation) and root microbiome were all correlated. Multiple microbial groups significantly varied in relative abundance with temperature/elevation, with an increased abundance of bacteria associated with cold tolerance found in teosinte accessions taken from high elevations. Conclusions Our results suggest that variation in the root microbiome is pre-conditioned by the genome for the local environment (i.e. non-random). Ultimately, these claims would be strengthened by confirming that these differences in the root microbiome impact host phenotype, for example, by confirming that the root microbiomes of high-elevation teosinte populations enhance cold tolerance.

Genetics & Heredity↗
NASA NTRS2017

Ballooning for Biologists: Mission Essentials for Flying Experiments on Large NASA Balloons

Despite centuries of scientific balloon flights, only a handful of experiments have produced biologically-relevant results. Yet unlike orbital spaceflight, it is much faster and cheaper to conduct biology research with balloons, sending specimens to the near space environment of Earths stratosphere. Samples can be loaded the morning of a launch and sometimes returned to the laboratory within one day after flying. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) flies large, unmanned scientific balloons from all over the globe, with missions ranging from hours to weeks in duration. A payload in the middle portion of the stratosphere (approx. 35 km above sea level) will be exposed to an environment similar to the surface of Mars: temperatures generally around -36 C, atmospheric pressure at a thin 1 kPa, relative humidity levels <1%, and a harsh illumination of ultraviolet (UV) and cosmic radiation levels (about 100 W/sq m and 0.1 mGy/d, respectively) that can be obtained nowhere else on the surface of the Earth, including environmental chambers and particle accelerator facilities attempting to simulate space radiation effects. Considering the operational advantages of ballooning and the fidelity of space-like stressors in the stratosphere, researchers in aerobiology, astrobiology, and space biology can benefit from balloon flight experiments as an intermediary step on the extraterrestrial continuum (ground, low Earth orbit, and deep space studies). Our presentation targets biologists with no background or experience in scientific ballooning. We will provide an overview of large balloon operations, biology topics that can be uniquely addressed in the stratosphere, and a roadmap for developing payloads to fly with NASA.

Smith, David J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Effect of the space environment on materials flown on the EURECA/TICCE-HVI experiment

The primary benefit of accurately quantifying and characterizing the space environmental effects on materials is longer instrument and spacecraft life. Knowledge of the limits of materials allows the designer to optimize the spacecraft design so that the required life is achieved. Materials such as radiator coatings that have excellent durability result in the design of smaller radiators than a radiator coated with a lower durability coating. This may reduce the weight of the spacecraft due to a more optimum design. Another benefit of characterizing materials is the quantification of outgassing properties. Spacecraft which have ultraviolet or visible sensor payloads are susceptible to contamination by outgassed volatile materials. Materials with known outgassing characteristics can be restricted in these spacecraft. Finally, good data on material characteristics improves the ability of analytical models to predict material performance. A flight experiment was conducted on the European Space Agency's European Retrievable Carrier (EuReCa) as part of the Timeband Capture Cell Experiment (TICCE). Our main objective was to gather additional data on the dust and debris environments, with the focus on understanding growth as a function of size (mass) for hypervelocity particles 1E-06 cm and larger. In addition to enumerating particle impacts, hypervelocity particles were to be captured and returned intact. Measurements were performed post-flight to determine the flux density, diameters, and subsequent effects on various optical, thermal control and structural materials. In addition to these principal measurements, the experiment also provided a structure and sample holders for the exposure of passive material samples to the space environment, e.g., the effects of thermal cycling, atomic oxygen, etc. Preliminary results are presented, including the techniques used for intact capture of particles.

Maag, Carl R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Visible and Near-IR Reflectance Spectra for Smectite, Sulfate And Perchlorate under Dry Conditions for Interpretation of Martian Surface Mineralogy

Visible and near-IR (VNIR) spectral data for the martian surface obtained from orbit by the MRO-CRISM and OMEGA instruments are interpreted as having spectral signatures of H2O/OH-bearing phases, including smectites and other phyllosilicates, sulfates, and high-SiO2 phases [e.g., 1-4]. Interpretations of martian spectral signatures are based on and constrained by spectra that are obtained in the laboratory on samples with known mineralogical compositions and other physicochemical characteristics under, as appropriate, Mars-like environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, and humidity). With respect to environmental conditions, differences in the absolute concentration of atmospheric H2O can effect the hydration state and therefore the spectra signatures of smectite phyllosilicates (solvation H2O) and certain sulfates (hydration H2O) [e.g., 5-7]. We report VNIR spectral data acquired under humid (laboratory air) and dry (dry N2 gas) environments for two natural smectites (nontronite API-33A and saponite SapCa-1) to characterize the effect of solvation H2O on spectral properties. We also report spectral data for the thermal dehydration products of (1) melanterite (FeSO4.7H2O) in both air and dry N2 gas and (2) Mg-perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2.6H2O) in dry N2 environments. Spectral measurements for samples dehydrated in dry N2 were made without exposing them to humid laboratory air.

Morris, R.V.↗
NASA NTRS2013

MESSENGER at Mercury: Early Orbital Operations

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, launched in August 2004 under NASA's Discovery Program, was inserted into orbit about the planet Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER's three flybys of Mercury in 2008-2009 marked the first spacecraft visits to the innermost planet since the Mariner 10 flybys in 1974-1975. The unprecedented orbital operations are yielding new insights into the nature and evolution of Mercury. The scientific questions that frame the MESSENGER mission led to the mission measurement objectives to be achieved by the seven payload instruments and the radio science experiment. Interweaving the full set of required orbital observations in a manner that maximizes the opportunity to satisfy all mission objectives and yet meet stringent spacecraft pointing and thermal constraints was a complex optimization problem that was solved with a software tool that simulates science observations and tracks progress toward meeting each objective. The final orbital observation plan, the outcome of that optimization process, meets all mission objectives. MESSENGER's Mercury Dual Imaging System is acquiring a global monochromatic image mosaic at better than 90% coverage and at least 250 m average resolution, a global color image mosaic at better than 90% coverage and at least 1 km average resolution, and global stereo imaging at better than 80% coverage and at least 250 m average resolution. Higher-resolution images are also being acquired of targeted areas. The elemental remote sensing instruments, including the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer and the X-Ray Spectrometer, are being operated nearly continuously and will establish the average surface abundances of most major elements. The Visible and Infrared Spectrograph channel of MESSENGER's Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer is acquiring a global map of spectral reflectance from 300 to 1450 nm wavelength at a range of incidence and emission angles. Targeted areas have been selected for spectral coverage into the ultraviolet with the Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS). MESSENGER's Mercury Laser Altimeter is acquiring topographic profiles when the slant range to Mercury's surface is less than 1800 km, encompassing latitudes from 20 deg. S to the north pole. Topography over the remainder of the southern hemisphere will be derived from stereo imaging, radio occultations, and limb profiles. MESSENGER's radio science experiment is determining Mercury's gravity field from Doppler signals acquired during frequent downlinks. MESSENGER's Magnetometer is measuring the vector magnetic field both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar wind environment at an instrument sampling rate of up to 20 samples/s. The UVVS is determining the three-dimensional, time-dependent distribution of Mercury's exospheric neutral and ionic species via their emission lines. During each spacecraft orbit, the Energetic Particle Spectrometer measures energetic electrons and ions, and the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer measures the energies and mass per charge of thermal plasma components, both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar-wind environment. The primary mission observation sequence will continue for one Earth year, until March 2012. An extended mission, currently under discussion with NASA, would add a second year of orbital observations targeting a set of focused follow-on questions that build on observations to date and take advantage of the more active Sun expected during 2012-2013. MESSENGER's total primary mission cost, projected at $446 M in real-year dollars, is comparable to that of Mariner 10 after adjustment for inflation.

mercury↗
NASA NTRS2012

MESSENGER at Mercury: Early Orbital Operations

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, launched in August 2004 under NASA's Discovery Program, was inserted into orbit about the planet Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER's three flybys of Mercury in 2008-2009 marked the first spacecraft visits to the innermost planet since the Mariner 10 flybys in 1974-1975. The unprecedented orbital operations are yielding new insights into the nature and evolution of Mercury. The scientific questions that frame the MESSENGER mission led to the mission measurement objectives to be achieved by the seven payload instruments and the radio science experiment. Interweaving the full set of required orbital observations in a manner that maximizes the opportunity to satisfy all mission objectives and yet meet stringent spacecraft pointing and thermal constraints was a complex optimization problem that was solved with a software tool that simulates science observations and tracks progress toward meeting each objective. The final orbital observation plan, the outcome of that optimization process, meets all mission objectives. MESSENGER's Mercury Dual Imaging System is acquiring a global monochromatic image mosaic at better than 90%coverage and at least 250 m average resolution, a global color image mosaic at better than 90%coverage and at least 1 km average resolution, and global stereo imaging at better than 80%coverage and at least 250 m average resolution. Higher-resolution images are also being acquired of targeted areas. The elemental remote sensing instruments, including the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer and the X-Ray Spectrometer, are being operated nearly continuously and will establish the average surface abundances of most major elements. The Visible and Infrared Spectrograph channel of MESSENGER's Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer is acquiring a global map of spectral reflectance from 300 to 1450 nm wavelength at a range of incidence and emission angles. Targeted areas have been selected for spectral coverage into the ultraviolet with the Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS). MESSENGER's Mercury Laser Altimeter is acquiring topographic profiles when the slant range to Mercury's surface is less than 1800 km, encompassing latitudes from 201S to the north pole. Topography over the remainder of the southern hemisphere will be derived from stereo imaging, radio occultations, and limb profiles. MESSENGER's radio science experiment is determining Mercury's gravity field from Doppler signals acquired during frequent downlinks. MESSENGER's Magnetometer is measuring the vector magnetic field both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar wind environment at an instrument sampling rate of up to 20 samples/s. The UVVS is determining the three-dimensional, time-dependent distribution of Mercury's exospheric neutral and ionic species via their emission lines. During each spacecraft orbit, the Energetic Particle Spectrometer measures energetic electrons and ions, and the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer measures the energies and mass per charge of thermal plasma components, both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar-wind environment. The primary mission observation sequence will continue for one Earth year, until March 2012. An extended mission, currently under discussion with NASA, would add a second year of orbital observations targeting a set of focused follow-on questions that build on observations to date and take advantage of the more active Sun expected during 2012-2013. MESSENGER's total primary mission cost, projected at $446 M in real-year dollars, is comparable to that of Mariner 10 after adjustment for inflation.

Planetary Science↗
NASA NTRS1996

Biodegradation of Trihalomethanes and Other Halogenated Aliphatic Compounds

The biological dehalogenation of common water pollutants such as trichloromethane (chloroform) and other halogenated aliphatic compounds was the subject of this project. Samples from diverse water environments such as from groundwater contaminated with halogenated compounds and wastewaters from regional treatment plants were studied to identify conditions that favor certain dehalogenation reactions over others. Gene probe analyses of DNA extracted from the dichlormethane-degrading wastewater indicated the presence of the gene coding for dichloromethane dehalogenase, indicating the genetic basis for the dechlorination activity observed. These studies indicate that methanogenic bacteria are the organisms responsible for the chloroform dechlorination. Dechlorination of a common chlorofluorocarbon (CFC-11) was identified in samples taken from a regional aquifer contaminated with halogenated aliphatic compounds.

HALOGENATED ALIPHATC HYDROCARBONS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Extensions to models of the galaxy–halo connection

ABSTRACT We explore two widely used empirical models for the galaxy–halo connection, subhalo abundance matching (SHAM) and the halo occupation distribution (HOD), and compare them with the hydrodynamical simulation IllustrisTNG (TNG) for multiple statistics quantifying the galaxy distribution at $n_{\rm gal}\approx 1.3\times 10^{-3}\, ({\rm Mpc}\,h^{-1})^{-3}$. We observe that in their most straightforward implementations, both models fail to reproduce the two-point clustering measured in TNG. We find that SHAM models that use the relaxation velocity, Vrelax, and the peak velocity, Vpeak, perform best, and match the clustering reasonably well, although neither captures adequately the one-halo clustering. Splitting the total sample into sub-populations, we discover that SHAM overpredicts the clustering of high-mass, blue, star-forming, and late-forming galaxies and underpredicts that of low-mass, red, quiescent, and early-forming galaxies. We also study various baryonic effects, finding that subhaloes in the dark-matter-only simulation have consistently higher values of their SHAM-proxy properties than their full-physics counterparts. We then consider a 2D implementation of the HOD model augmented with a secondary parameter (environment, velocity anisotropy, σ2Rhalf-mass, and total potential) tuned so as to match the two-point clustering of the IllustrisTNG galaxies on large scales. We analyse these galaxy populations adopting alternative statistical tools such as galaxy–galaxy lensing, void–galaxy cross-correlations, and cumulants of the density field, finding that the hydrodynamical galaxy distribution disfavours σ2Rhalf-mass and the total potential as secondary parameters, while the environment and velocity anisotropy samples are consistent with full physics across all statistical probes examined. Our results demonstrate the power of examining multiple statistics for determining the secondary parameters that are vital for understanding the galaxy–halo connection.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Advanced Real-Time Optical Imaging: Part I

Materials research is significantly assisted by information gathered from imaging. Images may be macroscopic or microscopic; different imaging techniques ranging from conventional microscopes to synchrotron tomography are selected for various research purposes and goals. While most materials imaging is performed in static environments at room temperature because of its appropriateness (or due to device limitations), simple optical imaging may transform into a powerful tool if it is dynamically captured during materials treatments, processing, or physical/chemical exposures. Real-time observations this way provide researchers with vital information on materials behaviors under controlled but various conditions. In the field of energy materials, it is not uncommon to require materials studies under high-temperature, high-pressure, and/or corrosive conditions. In gasifiers, for example, investigations of sensor alloy degradation, slag-refractory reactions, and coal agglomeration require samples to undergo severe environments where direct imaging would be difficult using conventional experimental methods. Finally, while post mortem analysis often provides critical information, interpretation may sometimes be complicated without confirming such occurrences under those conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2013

Rockballer Sample Acquisition Tool

It would be desirable to acquire rock and/or ice samples that extend below the surface of the parent rock or ice in extraterrestrial environments such as the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids. Such samples would allow measurements to be made further back into the geologic history of the rock, providing critical insight into the history of the local environment and the solar system. Such samples could also be necessary for sample return mission architectures that would acquire samples from extraterrestrial environments for return to Earth for more detailed scientific investigation.

Giersch, Louis R.↗