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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
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NASA NTRS2017

Development and Testing of a Friction-Based Post-Installable Fiber-Optic Monitoring System for Subsea Applications

This paper presents the design and development of a friction-based coupling device for a fiber-optic monitoring system capable of measuring pressure, strain, and temperature that can be deployed on existing subsea structures. A summary is provided of the design concept, prototype development, prototype performance testing, and subsequent design refinements of the device. The results of laboratory testing of the first prototype performed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) are also included. Limitations of the initial concept were identified during testing and future design improvements were proposed and later implemented. These new features enhance the coupling of the sensor device and improve the monitoring system measurement capabilities. A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation monitoring system is to ensure adequate coupling between the instruments and the structure of interest for reliable measurements. Friction-based devices have the potential to overcome coupling limitations caused by marine growth and soil contamination on flowlines, risers, and other subsea structures. The work described in this paper investigates the design and test of a friction-based coupling device (herein referred to as a friction clamp) which is suitable for pipelines and structures that are suspended in the water column as well as for those that are resting on the seabed. The monitoring elements consist of fiberoptic sensors that are bonded to a stainless steel clamshell assembly with a high-friction surface coating. The friction clamp incorporates a single hinge design to facilitate installation of the clamp and dual rows of opposing fasteners to distribute the clamping force along the structure. The friction clamp can be modified to be installed by commercial divers in shallow depths or by remotely operated vehicles in deep-water applications. NASA-JSC was involved in the selection and testing of the friction coating, and in the design and testing of the prototype clamp device. Four-inch diameter and eight-inch diameter sub-scale friction clamp prototypes were built and tested to evaluate the strain measuring capabilities of the design under different loading scenarios. The testing revealed some limitations of the initial design concept, and subsequent refinements were explored to improve the measurement performance of the system. This study was part of a collaboration between NASA-JSC and Astro Technology Inc. within a study called Clear Gulf. The primary objective of the Clear Gulf study is to develop advanced instrumentation technologies that will improve operational safety and reduce the risk of hydrocarbon spillage. NASA provided unique insights, expansive test facilities, and technical expertise to advance technologies that will benefit the environment, the public, and commercial industries.

Bentley, Nicole L.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Titan's Cold Case Files - Outstanding Questions After Cassini-Huygens

The entry of the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft into orbit around Saturn in July 2004 marked the start of a golden era in the exploration of Titan, Saturn's giant moon. During the prime mission (2004-2008), ground-breaking discoveries were made by the Cassini orbiter including the equatorial dune fields (flyby T3, 2005), northern lakes and seas (T16, 2006), and the large positive and negative ions (T16 & T18, 2006), to name a few. In 2005 the Huygens probe descended through Titan's atmosphere, taking the first close-up pictures of the surface, including large networks of dendritic channels leading to a dried-up seabed, and also obtaining detailed profiles of temperature and gas composition during the atmospheric descent. The discoveries continued through the Equinox mission (2008-2010) and Solstice mission (2010-2017) totaling 127 targeted flybys of Titan in all. Now at the end of the mission, we are able to look back on the high-level scientific questions from the start of the mission, and assess the progress that has been made towards answering these. At the same time, new scientific questions regarding Titan have emerged from the new discoveries that have been made. In this paper we review a cross-section of important scientific questions that remain partially or completely unanswered, ranging from Titan's deep interior to the exosphere. Our intention is to help formulate the science goals for the next generation of planetary missions to Saturn and Titan, and to stimulate new experimental, observation and theoretical investigations in the interim, before such missions arrive again at Titan.

Nixon, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Experimental Effervescence and Freezing Point Depression Measurements of Nitrogen in Liquid Methane-Ethane Mixtures

NASA is designing an unmanned submarine to explore the depths of the hydrocarbon-rich seas on Saturn's moon Titan. Data from Cassini indicates that the Titan north polar environment sustains stable seas of variable concentrations of ethane, methane, and nitrogen, with a surface temperature near 93 K. The submarine must operate autonomously, study atmosphere/sea exchange, interact with the seabed, hover at the surface or any depth within the sea, and be capable of tolerating variable hydrocarbon compositions. Currently, the main thermal design concern is the effect of effervescence on submarine operation, which affects the ballast system, science instruments, and propellers. Twelve effervescence measurements on various liquid methane-ethane compositions with dissolved gaseous nitrogen are thus presented from 1.5 bar to 4.5 bar at temperatures from 92 K to 96 K to simulate the conditions of the seas. After conducting effervescence measurements, two freezing point depression measurements were conducted. The freezing liquid line was depressed more than 15 K below the triple point temperatures of pure ethane (90.4 K) and pure methane (90.7 K). Experimental effervescence measurements will be used to compare directly with effervescence modeling to determine if changes are required in the design of the thermal management system as well as the propellers.

Submarine↗
NASA NTRS1980

An anomalous ultraviolet extinction curve in the Taurus dark cloud

Data from IUE have been used to derive an ultraviolet extinction curve for HD 29647, a B star embedded in the Taurus dark cloud complex. The curve appears normal, except that the 2200 A extinction bump is absent. Arguments are developed to show that this is most likely due to a modification of the grain optical properties through the accretion of mantles in this dense cloud. If this conclusion is correct, it will have some impact on models for the formation of the 2200 A bump.

Snow, T. P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet extinction curves derived from IUE data

Data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) have been used to derive extinction curves for several stars chosen because of unusual diffuse band strength or location within dense clouds. Both the strength and position of the 2200 A extinction maximum were assessed, as well as the level of extinction in the far-ultraviolet. A variety of combinations of these features were found, ranging from near or complete absence of a 2200 A bump (HD 29647), to low far-ultraviolet extinction (Rho Oph), to unusually steep, far-ultraviolet extinction (HD 169454). Anomalous extinction apparently shows up frequently in stars associated with nebulosity or dense clouds. The apparent independence of 2200 A and far-ultraviolet extinction supports earlier suggestions that these two features are created by distinct populations of grains.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The ultraviolet spectrum of Herbig-Haro object 2H

IUE spectra of Herbig-Haro object 2H are presented. The spectra show a strong 'excess' UV continuum and prominent emission lines of C, N, O, Si, Mg, and possibly Al. The continuum, F(lambda), exhibits a turnover shortward of about 1450 A, confirming for the first time the H0 two-photon nature of the emission source. A possible absorption feature near 1680 A, which could result from a new grain or molecular constituent in these protostellar objects is also noted. Recently computed models of steady shocks into partially ionized gas reproduce the two-photon spectral shape, but its observed intensity relative to H-beta and the Balmer continuum is anomalously high. It is suggested that a range of shock velocities, 70-100 km/s, or nonsteady, 'truncated' shocks may be responsible. Future high-sensitivity UV observations of HH objects may be used to probe grain extinction curves in star-forming regions.

Brugel, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The depletion of calcium in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud

Data on the interstellar Ca II H and K lines toward HD 147889, a star deeply embedded in the rho Ophiuchi dark cloud, were obtained at the Mauna Kea Observatory of the University of Hawaii, using a multi-anode microchannel array (MAMA) detector. An upper limit on the Ca II column density of 1.7 x 10 to the 11th/sq cm was derived, which, together with ionization considerations and an estimated lower limit on the total hydrogen column density, implies that the calcium-to-hydrogen ratio in this line of sight is 0.00000795 or less, relative to the solar value. The logarithmic depletion is up to -5.10, the largest yet measured, and implies that gas-grain interaction in this region has proceeded to a much greater degree than is typical of diffuse clouds.

Snow, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Observationally determined Fe II oscillator strengths

Absorption oscillator strengths for 21 Fe II resonance lines, have been determined using a curve-of-growth analysis of interstellar data from the Copernicus and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellites. In addition to slight changes in strengths of the far-UV lines, new f-values are reported for wavelength 1608.45, a prominent line in interstellar and quasar absorption spectra, and for wavelength 2260.08, a weak, newly identified linen in IUE interstellar spectra. An upper limit on the strength of the undetected line at 2366.867 A (UV multiplet 2) is set. Using revised oscillator strengths, Fe II column densities toward 13 OB stars are derived. The interstellar depletions, (Fe/H), relative to solar values range between factors of 10 and 120.

Van Steenberg, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Grain destruction in interstellar shocks

The destruction of interstellar grains by nonthermal sputtering, thermal sputtering, and grain-grain collisions is discussed. It is concluded that large grains are easily destroyed by shocks in the interstellar medium, but that small grains are much more persistent. Since the MRN model has many more small grains than large ones, this means that the total number of grains is not significantly reduced even when half or more of the grain material is returned to the gas phase. Thus, the small grains are always available as condensation cores for mantle formation or redepletion of refractory grain materials.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Shock processing of interstellar grains

Theoretical and observational evidence is presented that shock processing of interstellar dust grains by supernova blast waves affects both heavy element depletions and ultraviolet extinction curves. By coupling a realistic model of grain sizes and populations with a radiative shock code, significant grain destruction at velocities as low as 40 km/s is demonstrated. Nonthermal sputtering and grain-grain collisions destroy relatively more large grains than small, and more silicates than graphite. Consequently, both the 2175 A extinction 'bump' and the far-ultraviolet normalized extinction are increased in strength. Ultraviolet extinction studies with the International Ultraviolet Explorer of nine stars near three supernova remnants (the Monoceros Loop, Shajn 147, and Vela) exhibit strong 2175 A bumps and normal or high far-ultraviolet extinction. Diffuse bands, if they are created by small grains, should show little correlation with such activity.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ultraviolet extinction and diffuse band strength correlations

Correlations between UV extinction parameters and diffuse band strengths are south, using a data base of 50 stars with recently measured extinction curves. A novel aspect of this study is that the basic dependence of most interstellar parameters on E(B-V) (or, nearly equivalently, on the total hydrogen column density) has been largely canceled out. After this cancellation, a weak correlation is found between the 4430 A diffuse band and the 2175 A extinction feature. No other correlations are found. These results support a molecular origin for the 5780 A and 6284 A bands. It is speculated that the correlation pattern found for the 4430 A band can be explained if this band originates in reactions on disordered grain surfaces.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A search for diffuse interstellar bands in the ultraviolet

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) Satellite was used to collect interstellar extinction curves for 58 moderately reddened lines of sight. Spectral types of the background stars ranged from O7 to A0. All luminosity classes are represented, but early B main-sequence stars predominate. E(B-V) reddening values ranged from 0.14 to 1.13 mag, with an average of 0.63 mag. These extinction curves, less some 10 curves judged of lower quality, were co-added in order to reduce the random and fixed-pattern noise of the instrument. The resulting averaged curve was examined for evidence of small-scale structure, with negative results. The 2-sigma limits were found to be 0.09 mag for wavelengths between 1150 A and 2000 A, and 0.16 mag for wavelengths between 2000 A and 2300 A. Because of mismatch errors in weak stellar lines, it is unlikely that much improvement in these results is possible. The implications of these negative results are discussed with particular reference to the MgO theory of interstellar grains and diffuse bands.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shock processing of interstellar grains

Shock processing plays an important role in the life of a typical interstellar grain. Shocks of 100 km/s-l or greater can destroy about 50% of the grain material under appropriate preshock conditions of density and magnetic field. The destruction occurs by grain-grain collisions and nonthermal sputtering for steady state radiative shocks and by thermal sputtering for fast adiabatic shocks. The evaluation of the lifetime of grains against shock destruction depends on models of the interstellar medium (ISM) structure and on supernova remnants (SNR) evolution. Results from various authors give lifetimes between 10 to the 8th and 10 to the 9th power years, compared to typical injection times for new grains of a few times 10 to the 9th power years. These numbers require that a major portion of the interstellar silicon bearing grain material must be formed by grain growth in the ISM. At the same time, the presence of isotopic anomalies in some meteorites implies that at least some grains must survive from their formation in SNRs or red giant winds through incorporation into the solar system.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Why do interstellar grains exist?

There exists a discrepancy between calculated destruction rates of grains in the interstellar medium and postulated sources of new grains. This problem was examined by modelling the global life cycle of grains in the galaxy. The model includes: grain destruction due to supernovae shock waves; grain injection from cool stars, planetary nebulae, star formation, novae, and supernovae; grain growth by accretion in dark clouds; and a mixing scheme between phases of the interstellar medium. Grain growth in molecular clouds is considered as a mechanism or increasing the formation rate. To decrease the shock destruction rate, several new physical processes, such as partial vaporization effects in grain-grain collisions, breakdown of the small Larmor radius approximation for betatron acceleration, and relaxation of the steady-state shock assumption are included.

Seab, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Interstellar abundances in dense, moderately reddened lines of sight. I - Observational evidence for density-dependent depletion

The nature of dust-gas interactions, which are capable of modifying the size distribution of interstellar grains and thus causing changes in the selective extinction curve, are investigated through depletion studies. The gaseous abundances of 15 elements have been determined for several lines of sight toward moderately reddened stars, each having an anomalous extinction curve and a large abundance of cyanogen (CN). The basic result of this study is that certain elements appear to deplete preferentially in interstellar clouds having a large abundance of CN. Since CN is a sensitive indicator of the interstellar spatial density, the data might suggest that the unique pattern of enhanced depletion observed here represents the best observational evidence of accretion.

Joseph, Charles L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Shock processing of interstellar dust - Diamonds in the sky

The processing of interstellar dust grains by strong shock waves is studied, with the emphasis on the effects of grain-grain collisions. Such collisions provide the high pressures required to transform interstellar graphite and amorphous carbon grains into diamonds. Diamond metamorphism is as important for the destruction of such grains as vaporization and sputtering. It is calculated that about 5 percent of the C is expected to be in the form of 5-100 A diamonds in the interstellar medium. These results support the suggested interstellar origin for the recently discovered small meteoritic diamonds by providing a feasible interstellar formation mechanism.

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows

Numerical hydrodynamic simulations are used to determine the evolution of the condensation modes for thermal instabilities in 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 8th K gas. These simulations properly take into account the effects of nonequilibrium cooling below 10 to the 6th K. It is found that only perturbations greater than about 3 kpc develop shocks in the hot environment of cooling flows. These large perturbations evolve through three distinct phases: (1) the formation of a cold core, (2) a supersonic accretion phase onto the cold core which lasts for 10 to the 5th to 10 to the 6th yr with peak shock velocities about 120 km/s, and (3) a subsonic accretion phase. The X-ray emissivity and the optical-ultraviolet line emission associated with thermal instabilities are calculated. These calculations demonstrate that the optical emission from cooling flows probably does not arise from shocked condensations. The calculated optical emission lines are of a higher ionization level and a lower luminosity than the observations. Ultraviolet lines produced in the shocks may be detectable. The core must cool significantly after the shock has dissipated before star formation can commence.

David, Laurence P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Predicting peculiar interstellar extinction from gaseous abundances

Molecular and atomic abundances are examined for 19 lines of sight through dense clouds, each with a peculiar selective extinction curve. The interstellar clouds appear to fall into two distinct categories: CN-rich, with relatively small amounts of neutral iron, or CN-poor, with large amounts of neutral iron. Lines of sight having a CN/(Fe I) abundance ratio about two or greater, are found to have a shallow 2175 A feature relative to the underlying extinction, while the strength of bump is 3.60 + or - 0.36 for the other dense clouds in the present study. The difference is the strength of the extinction bump between these two ensembles is 1.03 + or - 0.23. Several atomic abundances are examined as potential indicators of peculiar extinction. The Mn I upper limits in the present study support that Mn is being preferentially depleted. Fe I is underabundant relative to K I by 0.7 (dex) in the large (CN)/(Fe I) compared to the small (CN)/(Fe I) lines of sight.

Joseph, Charles L.↗