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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

UV-Visible Spectroscopic Method and Models for Assessment and Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms

The development of an enhanced predictive and early warning capability for the occurrence and impact of harmful algal blooms (HABs) would be of great benefit to coastal communities. A critical issue for early detection and monitoring of HABs is the need to detect harmful algal species within a mixed-species phytoplankton assemblage. Possession of UV-absorbing compounds called mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) may be one factor that allows HAB species to out-compete their phytoplankton neighbors. Possession of MAAs, which we believe can be inferred from strong UV-absorption signals in phytoplankton absorption coefficients, can be used as a flag for potential HAB outbreak. The goal of this project was to develop a solar simulating UV-visible incubator to grow HAB dinoflagellates, to begin MAA analysis of samples collected on global cruises, and to carry out initial experiments on HAB dinoflagellate species in pure culture. Our scientific objectives are to quantify MAA production and spectral induction mechanisms in HAB species, to characterize spectral absorption of MAAs, and to define the ecological benefit of MAAs (i.e. photoprotection). Data collected on cruises to the global oceans will be used to parameterize phytoplankton absorption in the UV region, and this parameterization could be incorporated into existing models of seawater optical properties in the UV spectral region. Data collected in this project were used for graduate fellowship applications by Elizabeth Frame. She has been awarded an EPA STAR fellowship to continue the work initiated by this project.

Mitchell, B. Greg↗
NASA NTRS1982

The ultraviolet absorber on Venus - Amorphous sulfur

It is pointed out that the identity of the chemical species responsible for the yellow coloration of the clouds of Venus and for the dark features which dapple the planet at ultraviolet wavelengths has long been a mystery. Independent pieces of evidence, discovered recently, suggest now that amorphous sulfur is the so-called UV absorber. A review of earlier ideas and controversies is presented, and attention is given to a new physical-chemical model of the Venus clouds which shows that sulfur should form there. A description is provided of physical characteristics of the cloud particles that, in comparison with model predictions, indicate the presence of sulfur. Optical data suggesting that elemental sulfur occurs in the clouds is discussed, and cloud morphological evidence for sulfur is considered.

Toon, O. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Improving UV Resistance of High Strength Fibers Used In Large Scientific Balloons

For the last three decades, NASA has been involved in the development of giant balloons that are capable of lifting heavy payloads of equipment (such as large telescopes and scientific instruments) to the upper atmosphere. While the use of such balloons has led to scientific discoveries, the demand for competitive science payloads and observational programs continues to rise. The NASA Balloon Program Office has entered a new phase of research to develop an Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) that will lift payloads of up to 3,600 kg to altitudes of up to 40 km. The flight duration is targeted to ranges between 30 to 100 days. Attaining these target durations requires the development of a super-pressure balloon design. The use of textile structures have already been established in these missions in the form of high strength tendons essential for the super pressure pumpkin design. Unfortunately, high strength fibers lose significant strength upon exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. Such UV degradation poses a serious challenge for the development of the ULDB. To improve the mission performance of the ULDB, new methods for protecting the tendons from the environmental effects need to be developed. NASA and NC State University College of Textiles are undertaking a research program to address these issues. Four tracks have been identified to prepare finishes that are believed to enhance the resistance of high strength fibers to UV. These tracks are: (a) self-polymerizing, (b) diffusion application, (c) polymer-filled with 30-40% UV absorber, and (d) combination of dyeing plus surface application. Four high performance fibers have been selected for this research investigation. These are Vectran (trademark), Spectra (trademark), Kevlar (trademark) and, PBO (Zylon (trademark)). This work will address the current progress of evaluating the performance of the UV finishes. This will be accomplished by comparing the tensile properties (strength, breaking elongation, modulus, etc) of untreated, unexposed to UV fibers; untreated exposed to UV fibers; and treated exposed to UV fibers.

Said, M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The first UV spectrum of Triton - IUE observations from 2600 to 3200 A

The results of the first observations of Triton's spectrum below 3300 A are reported. Triton's 2700 A geometric albedo is found to be 0.28 + or - 0.04. The albedo increases monotonically from 2600 to 3200 A, with a slope of 0.13 + or - 0.03 per 1000 A. This positive slope is qualitatively similar to, but shallower than, Triton's visible albedo slope and argues against a strong Rayleigh scattering signature. Triton's integrated flux is found to be 1.5 times Pluto's, indicating Triton to be either more reflective in the UV, or bigger, or both. The redness of Triton's visible and UV colors argues against an extremely bright surface and for a larger radius than Pluto's. A lower limit on the radius of 1240 + or - 90 km is derived. The spectrum observed by IUE is consistent with either an icy surface or a suspended aerosol layer which preferentially absorbs UV light.

Stern, S. Alan↗
NASA NTRS2008

Validation of SO2 Retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument over NE China

The Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) launched on the NASA Aura satellite in July 2004 offers unprecedented spatial resolution, coupled with contiguous daily global coverage, for space-based UV measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2). We present a first validation of the OMI SO2 data with in situ aircraft measurements in NE China in April 2005. The study demonstrates that OMI can distinguish between background SO2 conditions and heavy pollution on a daily basis. The noise (expressed as the standard deviation,sigma) is approximately 1.5 DU (Dobson units; 1 DU = 2.69 10 (exp 16) molecules/cm (exp 2)) for instantaneous field of view boundary layer (PBL) SO2 data. Temporal and spatial averaging can reduce the noise to sigma approximetly 0.3 DU over a remote region of the South Pacific; the long-term average over this remote location was within 0.1 DU of zero. Under polluted conditions collection 2 OMI data are higher than aircraft measurements by a factor of two. Improved calibrations of the radiance and irradiance data (collection 3) result in better agreement with aircraft measurements on polluted days. The air mass corrected collection 3 data still show positive bias and sensitivity to UV absorbing aerosols. The difference between the in situ data and the OMI SO2 measurements within 30 km of the aircraft profiles was about 1 DU, equivalent to approximately 5 ppb from 0 to 3000 m altitude. Quantifying the SO2 and aerosol profiles and spectral dependence of aerosol absorption between 310 and 330 nm are critical for an accurate estimate of SO2 from satellite UV measurements.

Krotkov, Nickolay A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Active microbial biomass decreases, but microbial growth potential remains similar across soil depth profiles under deeply-vs. shallow-rooted plants

Climate-smart land management practices that replace shallow-rooted annual crop systems with deeply-rooted perennial plants can contribute to soil carbon sequestration. However, deep soil carbon accrual may be influenced by active microbial biomass and their capacity to assimilate fresh carbon at depth. Incorporating active microbial biomass, dormancy, and growth in microbially-explicit models can improve our ability to predict soil's capacity to store carbon. But, so far, the microbial parameters that are needed for such modeling are poorly constrained, especially in deep soil layers. Here, we used a lab incubation experiment and growth kinetics model to estimate how microbial parameters vary along 240 cm of soil depth in profiles under shallow- (soy) and deeply-rooted (switchgrass) plants 11 years after plant cover conversion. We also assessed resource origin and availability (total organic carbon, 14 C, extractable organic carbon, specific UV absorbance of K 2 SO 4 extractable organic C, total nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen) along the soil profiles to examine associations between soil chemical and biological parameters. Even though root biomass was greater and rooting depth was deeper under switchgrass than soy, resource availability and microbial growth parameters were generally similar between vegetation types. Instead, depth significantly influenced soil chemical and biological parameters. For example, resource availability and total and relative active microbial biomass decreased with soil depth. Decreases in the relative active microbial biomass coincided with increased lag time (response time to external carbon inputs) along the soil profiles. Even at a depth of 210–240 cm, microbial communities were activated to grow by added resources within a day. Maximum specific growth rate decreased to a depth of 90 cm and then remained consistent in deeper layers. Our findings show that >10 years of vegetation and rooting depth changes may not be long enough to alter microbial growth parameters, and suggest that at least a portion of the microbial community in deep soils can grow rapidly in response to added resources. Our study determined microbial growth parameters that can be used in microbially-explicit models to simulate carbon dynamics in deep soil layers.

14C↗
DOE OSTI2026

Advances in Colloidal InP-Based Quantum Dots for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Photocatalytic materials for hydrogen generation are typically categorized into UV-absorbing metal oxides and visible-range semiconductors such as chalcogenides or perovskites, which often incorporate toxic elements. To address environmental concerns of the latter group, indium phosphide (InP)-based quantum dots (QDs) have recently emerged as a less toxic alternative. These nanocrystals (NCs) benefit from a broadband and tunable absorption spectrum, which is well matched for solar photochemistry, and offer suitable electronic characteristics to drive photoinduced charge separation. This perspective provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in developing InP-based NCs with a focus on photocatalytic hydrogen production. We discuss synthetic strategies that enhance the catalytic activity of these materials and highlight key challenges that must be addressed to enhance their performance. Finally, we explore future research directions aimed at improving photocatalytic efficiency and integrating InP-based QDs into practical solar-to-fuel conversion systems.

Hydrogen↗
DOE OSTI2023

Compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/EVA films with gamma, electron-beam, and X-ray irradiation

Many polymer-based medical devices are sterilized by gamma irradiation. To reduce the use of cobalt-60 gamma-ray sources, transition from gamma ray to alternative irradiation technologies was proposed, namely electron beam (e-beam) and X-ray. A major impediment for such a transition is the knowledge gap in material compatibility with the different radiation sources. In this study, multi-layer films consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) components were irradiated to target doses of 30, 45, and 60 kGy by gamma-ray, e-beam, and X-ray sources. Effects of irradiation were evaluated on 12 material properties, and statistical comparisons between gamma irradiation and alternative technologies were conducted using the two one-sided t-test (or “equivalence test”) and classic t-test. Melting temperature and UV absorbance below 300 nm showed dose dependencies, while other investigated properties such as discoloration and mechanical durability did not change with dose up to 60 kGy. Based on these results, there is no material compatibility issue associated with the transition from gamma to e-beam or to X-ray as source of sterilization radiation of the studied multi-layer film.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Raw Data published in PeerJ, 2021 for Crested Butte decomposition field study 2017-2019.

This data package contains text files that describe geochemical measurements collected from 2017-2019 during isolated conifer needle decomposition field studies in Crested Butte, Colorado. The geochemical measurements were collected across three elevations (2,800–3,500 m) ranging from montane to subalpine ecoregions. The data sets within include total carbon and nitrogen content and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results for the initial needles collected in 2016 and after decomposition in 2019. Data collection results from August 2020 are also included from when the experimental plots were removed to understand final concentrations of soil extractable carbon and nitrogen content as well as mass balances from litter bag deployments. Soil porewater results are also provided from 2017-2019 for DOC, TN, UV254, and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) analyses at 15 cm soil depth. Gas flux raw data provides CO2, CH4, N2O, and NH3 measurements above needle decomposition over the three study years. Finally, soil samples for microbial DNA extractions were collected from the upper soil depth. This raw data is available in the NCBI SRA database under SRA accession numbers PRJNA605259 and PRJNA715914. These data sets were generated to investigate the isolated decomposition of spruce and lodgepole conifer needles. The goal of this work was to determine the roles of elevation, soil type, seasonal changes in soil moisture, and snowmelt timing on litter decomposition processes. Results from this work are detailed in the reference paper "Effect of elevation, season and accelerated snowmelt on biogeochemical processes during isolated conifer needle litter decomposition. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11926."

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1976

Photometry of Venus from Mariner 10

Photometry of the upper atmosphere of Venus from Mariner 10 on February 5, 1974 is discussed with respect to in-flight verification of camera linearity, shading, and absolute photometric calibration. Among photometric results are the following: (1) temporal brightness variations were observed in the UV greater than 10% over a few hours due to the rapid rotation of the upper atmosphere, (2) the observed terminator was 4 degrees past the geometric terminator due to detached haze layers at altitudes around 85 km, (3) there were no indications of cloud top elevation variations greater than a few hunderd meters, and (4) in the UV, the bright and dark regions both had low albedos in all scales, showing that the UV absorber is not confined just to dark markings.

Hapke, B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Variability in the determination of total atmospheric ozone using remote sensing spectroscopic techniques

A spectroscopic method for remote sensing of total ozone has been applied to airborne observations of solar near-UV radiation in the 3100 to 3600 A wavelength region. The method involves detailed spectral matching of the solar observations with synthetic profiles containing various amounts of ozone absorption. For the 3100-3200 A region, measurements above the tropopause agree well with Broadfoot's (1972) extra-terrestrial solar irradiance values. Discrepancies between the observed spectra and the synthetic profiles at other wavelength regions may be due to distorted ozone absorption coefficients or the presence of other UV-absorbing species in the stratosphere.

Sivjee, G. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Photothermal degradation of ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer

Photothermal degradation studies were conducted on a 'stabilized' formulation of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) in the temperature range 25-105 C under three different oxygen environments (in open air, with limited access to O2, and in a dark closed stagnant oven). These studies were performed in order to evaluate the utility of EVA as an encapsulation material for photovoltaic modules. Results showed that at low temperature (25 C), slow photooxidation of the polymer occurred via electronic energy transfer involving the UV absorber incorporated in the polymer. However, no changes in the physical properties of the bulk polymer were detected up to 1500 hours of irradiation. At elevated temperatures, leaching and evaporation of the additives occurred, which ultimately resulted in the chemical crosslinking of the copolymer and the formation of volatile photoproducts such as acetic acid.

Liang, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The geometric albedos of Uranus and Neptune between 2100 and 3350 A

Results are reported from large aperture IUE observations of the stratospheres of Uranus and Neptune. The data were collected using 16 Cyg A and B as solar analog stars. The spectra observed were similar to geometric albedos of the predicted in terms of Rayleigh-Raman scattering in the 2200-2800 A region. A falloff was observed near visible wavelengths, a factor which might be attributable to low-altitude haze absorbing in the 3000-4000 A interval. The data also indicated that the Uranus stratosphere does not strongly absorb UV radiation, and is not a good heating source. The stratospheric haze constituents over Uranus could therefore be condensates of CH4 and H2 photochemistry.

Wagener, R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Effect of irradiation on the surface of Pluto

The surface of Pluto is exposed to cosmic ray particles which slowly alter the reflectance of the condensed methane and the UV absorbed in the atmosphere may produce precipitates. Depending on the rates of the competing regolith processes and the rate of replenishment of the methane the surface can appear bright, 'red', or 'dark'. Here, the relevant laboratory data show that, in the absence of any local particle precipitation, the amount of darkening occurring in one orbit is small.

Johnson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Venus atmospheric circulation - Known and unknown

Temporally and longitudinally averaged circulation determined from images acquired since 1979 from the Pioneer Venus orbiter has shown significant changes in th meridional flow. The solar-locked structure in the zonal and meridional components of the cloud motions is also observed to change with time. Mechanisms for such changes remain unknown, although planetary waves and a slight modulation of the cloud level have been suggested as explanations. Decomposition of the solar-locked structure into diurnal and semidiurnal components suggests that nightside zonal flow may be 10-20 m/s faster than the average dayside flow. Many aspects of the circulation remain unknown, including the horizontal and vertical structure on the nightside and at levels higher and lower than the UV cloud features, sources, and sinks of UV absorbers, and meridional transports of heat, momentum, and water vapor at different levels.

Limaye, Sanjay Shridhar↗
NASA NTRS1991

Charged-particle induced alterations of surfaces in the outer solar system

Researchers calculated the plasma bombardment profiles of the surfaces of the icy Saturnian satellites in order to interpret reflection spectra and the effect of charged particles on the surfaces (mantles) of Pluto and of comets in the Oort cloud. Pluto's exposure to cosmic rays results in a slow alteration of the reflectance if the methane condensed on its surface. The UV absorbed in the atmosphere can produce precipitates. The researchers showed that, depending on the rates of the competing regolith processes and rates for replenishment of the methane, the surface can appear bright, red, or dark. Using laboratory data, they showed that the amount of darkening occurring in one orbit is small. Therefore, transport, burial, and re-exposure of organic sediments must control the reflectance, and the average reflectance is established by the radiation altered species accumulated over many orbits with the observed spatial, and possible temporal, differences in albedo due to transport. The cosmic rays, although producing changes in reflectance slowly, do so inevitably. Therefore, the fact that the surface is not dark everywhere implies that it is active and the exposure rates vs. depth into the surface of Pluto can be used to constrain turnover rates. Comets in the Oort cloud experience similar rates.

Johnson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Global tropospheric ozone investigations

Ozone (O3) is one of the most important trace gases in the troposphere, and it is responsible for influencing many critical chemical and radiative processes. Ozone contributes to the formation of the hydroxyl radical (OH), which is central to most chemical reactions in the lower atmosphere, and it absorbs UV, visible, and infrared radiation which affects the energy budget and atmospheric temperatures. In addition, O3 can be used as a tracer of atmospheric pollution and stratosphere troposphere exchange. At elevated concentrations, O3 can also produce detrimental biological and human health effects. The US National Research Council (NRC) Board on Sustainable Development reviewed the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) [NRC, 1995], and it identified tropospheric chemistry as one of the high priority areas for the USGCRP in the next decade. The NRC identified the following specific challenges in tropospheric chemistry. Although we understand the reason for the high levels of 03 over several regions of the world, we need to better establish the distribution of O3 in the troposphere in order to document and understand the changes in the abundance of global tropospheric O3. This information is needed to quantify the contribution of O3 to the Earth' s radiative balance and to understand potential impacts on the health of the biosphere. Having recognized the importance of particles in the chemistry of the stratosphere, we must determine how aerosols and clouds affect the chemical processes in the troposphere. This understanding is essential to predict the chemical composition of the atmosphere and to assess the resulting forcing effects in the climate system. We must determine if the self-cleansing chemistry of the atmosphere is changing as a result of human activities. This information is required to predict the rate at which pollutants are removed from the atmosphere. Over nearly two decades, airborne Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) systems have been used in over fifteen major field experiments conducted all over the world to address important atmospheric processes affecting the amount and distribution of 03 and aerosols across the troposphere. This paper discusses some of these wide-ranging field experiments and their results and presents a direction for future global studies of O3 and aerosols from space.

Browell, Edward V.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Impact of Tropospheric Aerosol Absorption on Ozone Retrieval from buv Measurements

The impact of tropospheric aerosols on the retrieval of column ozone amounts using spaceborne measurements of backscattered ultraviolet radiation is examined. Using radiative transfer calculations, we show that uv-absorbing desert dust may introduce errors as large as 10% in ozone column amount, depending on the aerosol layer height and optical depth. Smaller errors are produced by carbonaceous aerosols that result from biomass burning. Though the error is produced by complex interactions between ozone absorption (both stratospheric and tropospheric), aerosol scattering, and aerosol absorption, a surprisingly simple correction procedure reduces the error to about 1%, for a variety of aerosols and for a wide range of aerosol loading. Comparison of the corrected TOMS data with operational data indicates that though the zonal mean total ozone derived from TOMS are not significantly affected by these errors, localized affects in the tropics can be large enough to seriously affect the studies of tropospheric ozone that are currently undergoing using the TOMS data.

Torres, O.↗