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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

Single-drop reactive extraction/extractive reaction with forced convective diffusion and interphase mass transfer

An algorithm has been developed for time-dependent forced convective diffusion-reaction having convection by a recirculating flow field within the drop that is hydrodynamically coupled at the interface with a convective external flow field that at infinity becomes a uniform free-streaming flow. The concentration field inside the droplet is likewise coupled with that outside by boundary conditions at the interface. A chemical reaction can take place either inside or outside the droplet, or reactions can take place in both phases. The algorithm has been implemented, and for comparison results are shown here for the case of no reaction in either phase and for the case of an external first order reaction, both for unsteady behavior. For pure interphase mass transfer, concentration isocontours, local and average Sherwood numbers, and average droplet concentrations have been obtained as a function of the physical properties and external flow field. For mass transfer enhanced by an external reaction, in addition to the above forms of results, we present the enhancement factor, with the results now also depending upon the (dimensionless) rate of reaction.

Kleinman, Leonid S.↗

Modelling of polymer photodegradation for solar cell modules

A computer model including an integration routine was developed and demonstrated to simulate, in principle, the chemical changes which may occur in the photooxidation of hydrocarbons, using as input data a set of elementary reactions, corresponding rate constants and appropriate starting conditions. Application of this model to the photooxidation of pottant and plastic materials used in the LSA module designs provides a reliable predictive capability regarding the useful lifetime of these materials. An earlier mechanism consisting of 46 reactions was simplified considerably by reducing the number of formal termination steps since it became apparent that the major termination process goes via the peroxy radicals. In addition, new reactions of oxygen with acryl radicals (from Norrish type I) to form peracids, which then decompose to form carbon dioxide are included.

Somersall, A. C.↗

A temperature dependence kinetics study of the reactions of Cl/2-P-3/2/ with O3, CH4, and H2O2

The temperature dependence of two chlorine atom reactions of considerable fundamental importance to stratospheric chemistry was studied using the technique of flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence. The reactions of interest were: (1) Cl + O3 yields ClO + O2 studied at 220-350 K, and (2) Cl + CH4 yields CH3 + HCl studied at 218-401 K. In addition, the reaction Cl + H2O2 yields HCl + HO2 was studied at 300 K. The corresponding rate constants are provided for the three reactions. The new rate data implies the need to revise downward by a factor of 2.4-3 the magnitude of the ozone perturbation due to the presence of ClO/x/ species in the stratosphere, predicted by earlier model calculations.

Watson, R.↗

Oxidation and Volatilization of Silica-Formers in Water Vapor

At high temperatures SiC and Si3N4 react with water vapor to form a silica scale. Silica scales also react with water vapor to form a volatile Si(OH)4 species. These simultaneous reactions, one forming silica and the other removing silica, are described by paralinear kinetics. A steady state, in which these reactions occur at the same rate, is eventually achieved, After steady state is achieved, the oxide found on the surface is a constant thickness and recession of the underlying material occurs at a linear rate. The steady state oxide thickness, the time to achieve steady state, and the steady state recession rate can all be described in terms of the rate constants for the oxidation and volatilization reactions. In addition, the oxide thickness, the time to achieve steady state, and the recession rate can also be determined from parameters that describe a water vapor-containing environment. Accordingly, maps have been developed to show these steady state conditions as a function of reaction rate constants, pressure, and gas velocity. These maps can be used to predict the behavior of silica formers in water-vapor containing environments such as combustion environments. Finally, these maps are used to explore the limits of the paralinear oxidation model for SiC and Si3N4

Opila, E. J.↗

Effects of high pressure nitrogen on the thermal stability of SiC fibers

Polymer-derived SiC fibers were exposed to nitrogen gas pressures of 7 and 50 atm at temperatures up to 1800 C. The fiber weight loss, chemical composition, and tensile strength were then measured at room temperature in order to understand the effects of nitrogen exposure on fiber stability. High pressure nitrogen treatments limited weight loss to 3 percent or less for temperatures up to 1800 C. The bulk Si-C-O chemical composition of the fiber remained relatively constant up to 1800 C with only a slight increase in nitrogen content after treatment at 50 atm; however, fiber strength retention was significantly improved. To further understand the effects of the nitrogen atmosphere on the fiber stability, the results of previous high pressure argon treatments were compared to those of the high pressure nitrogen treatments. High pressure inert gas can temporarily maintain fiber strength by physically inhibiting the evolution of gaseous species which result from internal reactions. In addition to this physical effect, it would appear that high pressure nitrogen further improved fiber temperature capability by chemically reacting with the fiber surface, thereby reducing the rate of gas evolution. Subsequent low pressure argon treatments following the initial nitrogen treatments resulted in stronger fibers than after argon treatment alone, further supporting the chemical reaction mechanism and its beneficial effects on fiber strength.

Jaskowiak, Martha H.↗

Interchangeable end effector tools utilized on the PFMA

An instrumented task board, used for measuring forces applied by the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) to the task board, was fabricated and delivered to Marshall Space Flight Center. SRS Technologies phased out the existing IBM compatible data acquisition system, used with a instrumented task board, and integrated the force measuring electronic hardware in with the Macintosh II data acquisition system. The purpose of this change was to acquire all data with the same time tag, allowing easier and more accurate data reduction in addition to real-time graphics. A three-dimensional optical position sensing system for determining the location of the PFMA's end effect or in reference to the center of the instrumented task board was also designed and delivered under. An improved task board was fabricated which included an improved instrumented beam design. The modified design of the task board improved the force/torque measurement system by increasing the sensitivity, reliability, load range and ease of maintenance. A calibration panel for the optical position system was also designed and fabricated. The calibration method developed for the position sensors enhanced the performance of the sensors as well as simplified the installation and calibration procedures required. The modifications made under this effort expanded the capabilities of the task board system. The system developed determines the arm's position relative to the task board and measures the signals to the joints resulting from the operator's control signals in addition to the task board forces. The software and hardware required to calculate and record the position of the PFMA during the performance of tasks with the instrumented task board were defined, designed and delivered to MSFC. PFMA joint input signals can be measured from a breakout box to evaluate the sensitivity or response of the arm operation to control commands. The data processing system provides the capability for post processing of time-history graphics and plots of the PFMA positions, the operator's actions, and the PFMA servo reactions in addition to realtime force and position sensor data presentation.

Cody, Joe↗

Composition of the nighttime ionospheric F 1 region near the magnetic equator

The effects of vertical E x B transport on NO(+), O2(+) and O(+) densities in the nighttime equatorial ionospheric F 1 region are investigated. Ion densities are calculated as functions of altitude, latitude and local time by the numerical solution of coupled, time-dependent ion continuity equations, taking into account production, loss by charge exchange and dissociative recombination and transport by diffusion and E x B drift. The results of the calculations are compared with measurements of NO(+), O2(+) and O(+) ion densities obtained at low altitudes by a mass spectrometer on board the Atmospheric Explorer C satellite, and are found to be consistent with the observations, suggesting that in the equatorial region, vertical transport by E x B drift is primarily responsible for producing the observed NO(+), O2(+) and O(+) density profiles. In addition, the reaction of O2(+) with N(4S) is found to be an important sink for O2(+) and a source of NO(+) ions. Implications of the observed and calculated near constancy of electron and ion densities with altitude when NO(+) is the dominant ion on the growth of large-scale irregularities are also considered

Anderson, D. N.↗

The collective excitation of g-modes in the sun

Oscillations of the solar interior (linear g-modes) may be strongly driven by the collective influence of all the modes upon the nuclear reactions in the core. This heretofore neglected effect could couple the modes, reduce the effective amplitudes near the center, and spatially concentrate most of the oscillation energy into just a portion of the radiative interior. If operating at sufficient strength, this can reverse the conventional conclusion, drawn from single mode calculations, that almost all solar g-modes are damped. Furthermore, it would put the theory into rough harmony with three otherwise troubling observations: (1) the 'low' neutrino flux measured by Davis (1978), (2) the high correspondence found by Wolff (1976) between recurrence periods in solar activity and the rotational beat periods of g-modes, and (3) the fluctuations in the sun's diameter which imply g-mode activity at high angular harmonics (Hill and Caudell 1979). A nonlinear expression is derived for the local rate of work done on an array of oscillation modes by the nuclear reactions. Three additional tests of the model are suggested.

Wolff, C. L.↗

Pressure dependence of the absolute rate constant for the reaction Cl + C2H2 from 210-361 K

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the role of chlorine compounds in the catalytic destruction of stratospheric ozone. However, while some reactions have been studied extensively, the kinetic data for the reaction of Cl with C2H2 is sparse with only three known determinations of the rate constant k3. The reactions involved are Cl + C2H2 yields reversibly ClC2H2(asterisk) (3a) and ClC2H2(asterisk) + M yields ClC2H2 + M (3b). In the present study, flash photolysis coupled with chlorine atomic resonance fluorescence have been employed to determine the pressure and temperature dependence of k3 with the third body M = Ar. Room temperature values are also reported for M = N2. The pressure dependence observed in the experiments confirms the expectation that the reaction involves addition of Cl to the unsaturated C2H2 molecule followed by collisional stabilization of the resulting adduct radical.

Brunning, J.↗

Evaluation of telerobotic systems using an instrumented task board

An instrumented task board was developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). An overview of the task board design, and current development status is presented. The task board was originally developed to evaluate operator performance using the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) at MSFC. The task board evaluates tasks for Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU), fluid connect and transfers, electrical connect/disconnect, bolt running, and other basic tasks. The instrumented task board measures the 3-D forces and torques placed on the board, determines the robot arm's 3-D position relative to the task board using IR optics, and provides the information in real-time. The PFMA joint input signals can also be measured from a breakout box to evaluate the sensitivity or response of the arm operation to control commands. The data processing system provides the capability for post processing of time-history graphics and plots of the PFMA positions, the operator's actions, and the PFMA servo reactions in addition to real-time force/torque data presentation. The instrumented task board's most promising use is developing benchmarks for NASA centers for comparison and evaluation of telerobotic performance.

Carroll, John D.↗

Centaur in-tank explosion flow fields within STS and Titan 4 payload spaces

Explosions are examined which result from the mixing of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2-LO2) such that the reactants are confined by the missile (CBM) body. Explosion which were confined by the ground surface (CBGS) were also studied, with results reported elsewhere. Initial attempts to predict the reported PYRO experimental results were unsuccessful. A new reaction energy addition hypothesis was then developed and tested. The results obtained provide reasonable agreement with the experiments both in the near and far field. Calculations were performed to predict the environment which would occur at the Galileo Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) location given a Centaur G' upper stage and an STS launch vehicle. It was concluded that the principle threat to the RTG in this environment would be the impact of a slug of LH2. No analyses were conducted to assess the response of the Galileo RTG to such an environment. It was shown that the flow field resulting from the failure of the Centaur G' tankage was benign. It was concluded that while the cryogen particle velocity was very high, the flow field density was extremely low. As a result, the dynamic pressure was a trivial eight psia.

Eck, M.↗

The Thermal Stability of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine

The thermal stability of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine was investigated in a static system simulating conditions in an almost-empty fuel tank. The self-ignition temperature and spontaneous decomposition temperature of the pure fuel were determined at atmospheric pressure to be 454 and 740 F. respectively, with the larger (740 F) value, obtained in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, representing the minimum temperature that would cause a rapid exothermic reaction. The addition of 40 weight percent dimethylenetriamine to unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine did not significantly affect these properties.

Spakowski, Adolph E.↗

Determination of human DNA polymerase utilization for the repair of a model ionizing radiation-induced DNA strand break lesion in a defined vector substrate

Human DNA polymerase and DNA ligase utilization for the repair of a major class of ionizing radiation-induced DNA lesion [DNA single-strand breaks containing 3'-phosphoglycolate (3'-PG)] was examined using a novel, chemically defined vector substrate containing a single, site-specific 3'-PG single-strand break lesion. In addition, the major human AP endonuclease, HAP1 (also known as APE1, APEX, Ref-1), was tested to determine if it was involved in initiating repair of 3'-PG-containing single-strand break lesions. DNA polymerase beta was found to be the primary polymerase responsible for nucleotide incorporation at the lesion site following excision of the 3'-PG blocking group. However, DNA polymerase delta/straightepsilon was also capable of nucleotide incorporation at the lesion site following 3'-PG excision. In addition, repair reactions catalyzed by DNA polymerase beta were found to be most effective in the presence of DNA ligase III, while those catalyzed by DNA polymerase delta/straightepsilon appeared to be more effective in the presence of DNA ligase I. Also, it was demonstrated that the repair initiating 3'-PG excision reaction was not dependent upon HAP1 activity, as judged by inhibition of HAP1 with neutralizing HAP1-specific polyclonal antibody.

Non-NASA Center↗

Update on the Status of the FLUKA Monte Carlo Transport Code

The FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code is a well-known simulation tool in High Energy Physics. FLUKA is a dynamic tool in the sense that it is being continually updated and improved by the authors. Here we review the progresses achieved in the last year on the physics models. From the point of view of hadronic physics, most of the effort is still in the field of nucleus--nucleus interactions. The currently available version of FLUKA already includes the internal capability to simulate inelastic nuclear interactions beginning with lab kinetic energies of 100 MeV/A up the the highest accessible energies by means of the DPMJET-II.5 event generator to handle the interactions for greater than 5 GeV/A and rQMD for energies below that. The new developments concern, at high energy, the embedding of the DPMJET-III generator, which represent a major change with respect to the DPMJET-II structure. This will also allow to achieve a better consistency between the nucleus-nucleus section with the original FLUKA model for hadron-nucleus collisions. Work is also in progress to implement a third event generator model based on the Master Boltzmann Equation approach, in order to extend the energy capability from 100 MeV/A down to the threshold for these reactions. In addition to these extended physics capabilities, structural changes to the programs input and scoring capabilities are continually being upgraded. In particular we want to mention the upgrades in the geometry packages, now capable of reaching higher levels of abstraction. Work is also proceeding to provide direct import into ROOT of the FLUKA output files for analysis and to deploy a user-friendly GUI input interface.

Pinsky, L.↗

Reactivity Studies of Inconel 625 with Sodium, and Lunar Regolith Stimulant

In the event of the need for nuclear power in exploration, high flux heat pipes will be needed for heat transfer from space nuclear reactors to various energy conversion devices, and to safely dissipate excess heat. Successful habitation will necessitate continuous operation of alkali metal filled heat pipes for 10 or-more years in a hostile environment with little maintenance. They must be chemical and creep resistant in the high vacuum of space (lunar), and they must operate reliably in low gravity conditions with intermittent high radiation fluxes. One candidate material for the heat pipe shell, namely Inconel 625, has been tested to determine its compatibility with liquid sodium. Any reactivity could manifest itself as a problem over the long time periods anticipated. In addition, possible reactions with the lunar regolith will take place, as will evaporation of selected elements at the external surfaces of the heat pipes, and so there is a need for extensive long-term testing under simulated lunar conditions.

Gillies, Donald↗

Crystallographic Oxide Phase Identification of Char Deposits Obtained from Space Shuttle Columbia Window Debris

Analyzing the remains of Space Shuttle Columbia has proven technically beneficial years after the vehicle breakup. This investigation focused on charred deposits on fragments of Columbia overhead windowpanes. Results were unexpected relative to the engineering understanding of material performance in a reentry environment. The TEM analysis demonstrated that the oxides of aluminum and titanium mixed with silicon oxides to preserve a history of thermal conditions to which portions of the vehicle were exposed. The presence of Ti during the beginning of the deposition process, along with the thermodynamic phase precipitation upon cool down, indicate that temperatures well above the Ti melt point were experienced. The stratified observations implied that additional exothermic reaction, expectedly metal combustion of a Ti structure, had to be present for oxide formation. Results are significant for aerospace vehicles where thermal protection system (TPS) breaches cause substructures to be in direct path with the reentry plasma. 1

Olivas, J. D.↗

Atomic Oxygen Erosion Data from the MISSE 2-8 Missions

Polymers and other oxidizable materials on the exterior of spacecraft in the low Earth orbit (LEO) space environment can be eroded from reaction with atomic oxygen (AO). Therefore, in order to design durable spacecraft it is important to know the extent of erosion that will occur during a mission. This can be determined by knowing the LEO AO erosion yield, E(sub y) (volume loss per incident oxygen atom), of materials susceptible to AO reaction. In addition, recent flight experiments have shown that the AO E(sub y) can vary with the AO fluence and/or solar exposure. Therefore obtaining AO E(sub y) data for materials flown on various spaceflight missions is important. NASA Glenn Research Center has flown numerous experiments as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station to characterize the LEO E(sub y) of polymers, composites, protective coatings, and other spacecraft materials. This report provides a summary of the erosion data for ram samples from six Glenn polymer experiments flown as part of MISSE 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8. A total of 71 types of materials with 111 E(sub y) values are provided. The E(sub y) values for uncoated polymers range from 3.81×10(exp –27) cu cm/atom for DC 93-500 silicone exposed to an AO fluence of 4.62×10(exp 21) atoms/sq cm on MISSE 8 to 9.14×10(exp –24) cu cm/atom for polyoxymethylene (POM) exposed to an AO fluence of 8.43×10(exp 21) atoms/sq cm on MISSE 2. One polymer, Triton oxygen resistant, low modulus (TOR(TM) LM), experienced mass gain when exposed to an AO fluence of 2.15×10(exp 21) atoms/sq cm on MISSE 4. In many cases the same material was flown on numerous missions so that trends for E(sub y) versus AO fluence and/or solar exposure can be determined, along with temperature effects.

Erosion↗