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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Spectral measurements of ocean-dumped wastes tested in the marine upwelled spectral signature laboratory

Transmission and inherent upwelled radiance measurements were made of various mixtures of three ocean-dumped industrial plant wastes in artificial seawater. Laboratory analyses were made of the physical and chemical properties of the various mixtures. These results and the laboratory measurements of beam attenuation and inherent upwelled radiance indicate a variety of chemical and spectral responses when industrial wastes are added to artificial seawater. In particular, increased levels of turbidity did not always cause increased levels of inherent reflectance.

Witte, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

End-to-End Information System design at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Recognizing a pressing need of the 1980s to optimize the two-way flow of information between a ground-based user and a remote space-based sensor, an end-to-end approach to the design of information systems has been adopted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The objectives of this effort are to ensure that all flight projects adequately cope with information flow problems at an early stage of system design, and that cost-effective, multi-mission capabilities are developed when capital investments are made in supporting elements. The paper reviews the End-to-End Information System (EEIS) activity at the Laboratory, and notes the ties to the NASA End-to-End Data System program.

Hooke, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Laboratory studies of in vivo fluorescence of phytoplankton

A lidar system is developed that uses four selected excitation wavelengths to induce chlorophyll 'a' fluorescence which is indicative of both the concentration and diversity of phytoplankton. The operating principles of the system and the results of measurements of phytoplankton fluorescence in a controlled laboratory environment are presented. A comparative study of results from lidar fluorosensor laboratory tank tests using representative species of phytoplankton in single and multispecies cultures from each of four color groups reveals that (1) there is good correlation between the fluorescence of chlorophyll 'a' remotely simulated and detected by the lidar system and in-situ measurements using four similar excitation wavelengths in a flow-through fluorometer; (2) good correlation exists between the total chlorophyll 'a' calculated from lidar-fluorosensor data and measurements obtained by the Strickland-Parsons method; and (3) the lidar fluorosensor can provide an index of population diversity.

Brown, C. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Magnetic suspension system for a laboratory model annular momentum control device

Feasibility of the annular momentum control device (AMCD) for the control and stabilization of spacecraft is presented. The AMCD is momentum storage equipment consisting of a thin rim, magnetically suspended and rotated by noncontacting electromagnetic actuators. The laboratory model AMCD, the rim, and the magnetic suspension system are described, along with their evaluation tests. Because it utilizes permanent magnet flux biased magnetic bearing elements, the original laboratory model magnetic suspension system produced control limitations, and a new suspension system which used zero flux bias was designed and fabricated. Tests of the improved system show that a medium control loop bandwidth is required to achieve stability at low rim velocities, but at higher rim speed the bandwidth of the control loop interacts with bending modes of the rim and causes instability. Decreasing the bandwidth by changing to a precession control mode is discussed, and the results of such a computer simulation are presented.

Groom, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A numerical cloud model for the support of laboratory experimentation

A numerical cloud model is presented which can describe the evolution of a cloud starting from moist aerosol-laden air through the diffusional growth regime. The model is designed for the direct support of cloud chamber laboratory experimentation, i.e., experiment preparation, real-time control and data analysis. In the model the thermodynamics is uncoupled from the droplet growth processes. Analytic solutions for the cloud droplet growth equations are developed which can be applied in most laboratory situations. The model is applied to a variety of representative experiments.

Hagen, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Preliminary test results with a Stirling Laboratory Research Engine

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has designed, assembled, and initiated testing of a Stirling Laboratory Research Engine (SLRE). This preprototype engine provides a research tool to support the development of a broad range of analytical modeling and experimental efforts. The SLRE is a horizontally opposed, two-piston, single-acting Stirling engine with a split crankshaft drive mechanism. The paper discusses the preliminary results obtained during engine motoring tests and compares these results with two different analytical prediction models. Comparisons are made between experiment, the classical Schmidt analysis, and the JPL Stirling Cycle Analysis Model (SCAM). SCAM is a computerized one-dimensional, cyclic, compressible flow model of the SLRE and consists of a compilation of individual component subroutines. The formulation and current state of development of the SCAM program is briefly described.

Hoehn, F. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Hydrogen maser implementation in the Deep Space Network at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The Frequency Standard Test Laboratory and its activities are described. The test laboratory has the capability to measure the frequency stability of five frequency standards including environmental parameters. Nine frequency standards may be evaluated simultaneously upon completion of the current instrumentation expansion program. Frequency stability measurements and environmental data on five H-masers are presented.

Kuhnle, P. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Optical polarimetry of asteroids and laboratory samples

Interpretations of astronomical polarization data for more than 100 minor planets are summarized with reference to laboratory data for lunar, meteoritic, and terrestrial samples. All observed asteroids, including objects only a few kilometers in diameter, have microscopically intricate surfaces. Detailed comparisons between laboratory measurements of basaltic achondrites and telescopic results for Vesta show that its surface is particulate with a broad range of particle sizes, including a component of fine (1-5 micron) dust. The surface soils have not, however, undergone marked optical alterations as is the case for the lunar fines. For albedos greater than about 0.06, the albedo and hence the diameter can be determined with some reliability from the slope of the ascending branch of the polarization-phase curve. Many minor planets have surfaces that are remarkably uniform in albedo and texture on a hemispheric scale. A notable exception is 4 Vesta, which shows about ten percent albedo variegation between hemispheres.

Dollfus, A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A laboratory study on the dissociative recombination of vibrationally excited O2/+/ions

The dissociative recombination of vibrationally excited O2(+) ions is studied in light of the possible importance of this reaction in upper atmospheric chemistry. A plasma spectroscopy experiment was performed in a microwave cavity filled by an argon-oxygen mixture, with O(1S) production monitored by measurements of the 5577-A afterglow, the O2(+) density and the electron concentration. Plasma and optical data reveal the predominant afterglow ions to be Ar2(+) and O2(+), with an effective O(1S) dissociative recombination coefficient of 2.1 x 10 to the -8th cu cm/sec, corresponding to a quantum yield of 10%. Experiments with an argon-krypton-oxygen mixture reveal that vibrationally excited O2(+) ions are the chief source of the O(1S) atoms, with a specific recombination coefficient for the dissociation of O2(+)(2 pi g) into O(1S) and O(1D) of 4.2 x 10 to the -9th cu cm/sec. A comparison of the laboratory results with Atmospheric Explorer data on the 5577-A airglow implies that O2(+) ions in the sunlit ionosphere are vibrationally excited to the same degree as in the laboratory, with the vibrational relaxation of these ions much slower than dissociative recombination. Results also predict a dawn-twilight asymmetry in the effective O(1S) yield due to the normal variation of electron content.

Zipf, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A laboratory study of the lambda 2145 A auroral mystery feature

The prominent emission feature near 2145 A in the ultraviolet spectrum of an aurora has been tentatively identified by Dick (1978) as the doublet lines, 2139.68 A and 2143.55 A, emitted by metastable N+(5S) ions, and dissociative excitation of N2 by electron impact with a cross section greater than or equal to 2 x 10 to the -18th sq cm has been proposed as the source of this species. A detailed laboratory study of dissociative excitation is described that suggests two alternative viewpoints of this process: (1) If the calculated radiative lifetime for the N+(5S) state (4.4 microsec) is correct, then the N+(5S) dissociative excitation cross section is less than 3 x 10 to the -21st sq cm. Thus, a new N+(5S) source mechanism would have to be found in order to account for the auroral data. (2) If dissociative excitation does form N+(5S) ions efficiently, then the laboratory and field observations imply a radiative lifetime for this state of more than 10 msec, thus suggesting that there are major errors in the lifetime computation.

Erdman, P. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Reactivity of stratospheric aerosols to small amounts of ammonia in the laboratory environment

Trace ammonia in laboratory air reacts easily with sulfuric acid aerosol samples to form crystalline ammonium sulfate. Argon atmospheres, however, protect sampling surfaces from ammonia contamination. It is found that atmospheric aerosols treated in this way contain only sulfuric acid. After an hour exposed to laboratory air, these same samples convert to ammonium sulfate. Aerosol particles have been collected, using argon control, to determine if the absence of crystalline sulfate is common. But so far there is no evidence that aerosols are neutralized by ammonia in the stratosphere.

Hayes, D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Laboratory studies of some of the major ion-molecule reactions occurring in cometary comae

Laboratory results have been obtained for some of the key ion-molecule reactions which should occur in the inner coma of comets. A complete listing is given of laboratory data presently available for ion-molecule reactions occurring in a mixture of H2O, CO2, CO, CH4, N2, and NH3 cometary volatiles. From these data, the most important reactions occurring in the coma of a water-dominated comet are extracted for use in models of the physics and chemistry of cometary comae.

Huntress, W. T., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Simultaneous measurements of NO/x/, NO, and O3 production in a laboratory discharge - Atmospheric implications

Simultaneous measurements of NO(x) (NO + NO2), NO, and O3 production in a laboratory discharge show that within the uncertainties of the experiment, all of the NO(x) produced was NO, and no detectable enhancement of O3 after the discharge was observed. The laboratory experiments described gave an NO production rate of 5 + or - 2 x 10 to the 16th molecules/joule mole for a 100,000-1,000,000 joules/m spark. Assuming that the global dissipation of lightning energy is about 10 to the -8th joules/sq cm per sec (Dawson, 1980; and Hill et al., 1980), the NO production rate results in a global source of NO due to lightning of about 1.8 Mt(N)/yr, which is considerably lower than earlier estimates. This lower value for NO(x) production by lightning suggests that NO(x) emissions from anthropogenic sources, estimated to be at least 20 MT(N)/yr, may be the dominant source of NO(x) to the global troposphere. Furthermore, since most of the anthropogenic sources of NO(x) are located in the Northern Hemisphere, this new interpretation of the relative source strengths of this species favors a highly skewed asymmetric distribution of NO(x).

Levine, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Combustion experiments in a zero-gravity laboratory

One of the payloads that the Shuttle will carry into low-earth orbit is the Spacelab, a laboratory designed by a European consortium which will enable scientist-astronauts to conduct research in a shirt-sleeve environment. The typical flight of seven days will permit numerous experiments to be conducted that take advantage of long-term reduced gravity. A description is presented of plans for the conduction of Spacelab experiments which are related to the study of combustion, taking into account also investigations performed in the preparation of such experiments. Attention is given to an overview study of combustion experiments in a space laboratory, droplet burning, flammability limits in a standard tube, the combustion of particle clouds, smoldering combustion in porous fuels, liquid pool burning, and combustion experimentation aboard the space transportation system.

Cochran, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A laboratory experiment on EM backscatter from Farley-Buneman and gradient drift waves

Results of laboratory experiment on Bragg backscatter of 3-cm microwaves by turbulent waves driven by the Farley-Buneman and gradient drift instabilities are reported. It is noted that the study is the third in a series of laboratory experiments performed to test, under controlled conditions, prevalent ideas on EM scattering by equatorial and high-latitude ionospheric waves and irregularities. It is shown through separate backscattering from fast and slow ion beam modes that a beam of EM radiation actually provides, in backscatter, information on the spectral content of the scattering medium.

Alport, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Laboratory Research

To properly interpret the rapidly growing body of data from comet observations, many types of laboratory measurements are needed. These include: (1) molecular spectroscopy in the visible, ultraviolet, infrared and microwave region of the spectra; (2) laser fluorescent spectroscopy of photofragments; (3) laboratory cross-section or reaction rate measurements using flow tube techniques, fluorescent spectroscopy detection for neutrals and ion-molecule reaction techniques; (4) experiments to simulate solar-wind interactions with comets; (5) studies of the properties and behavior of ice mixtures; (6) experiments on the sublimation rate of ice, and the phase transition from amorphous to crystalline ice; (7) investigations of the irradiation of ice; and (8) the electron impact dissociation and excitation of molecules of cometary interest. A nearly completed experiment on the proton irradiation of ice is described.

Donn, B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Historical perspectives on thermostructural research at the NACA Langley Aeronautical Laboratory from 1948 to 1958

Some of the early research on structural problems produced by aerodynamic heating, conducted at the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics from 1948 to 1958 is described. That was the last decade of the NACA; in 1958 NACA became the nucleus of NASA. The NACA initially contracted for research but was aware that a well-equipped and suitably staffed laboratory was required to fulfill its obligations. Langley was established in 1920; the other listed were added during the NACA expansion in the World War II years. Some specific research activities are described, starting with calculation of the temperature of the structure.

Heldenfels, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A comparison of soil moisture characteristics predicted by the Arya-Paris model with laboratory-measured data

Soil moisture characteristics predicted by the Arya-Paris model were compared with the laboratory measured data for 181 New Jersey soil horizons. For a number of soil horizons, the predicted and the measured moisture characteristic curves are almost coincident; for a large number of other horizons, despite some disparity, their shapes are strikingly similar. Uncertainties in the model input and laboratory measurement of the moisture characteristic are indicated, and recommendations for additional experimentation and testing are made.

Arya, L. M.↗