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Simultaneous concentration and purification through gradient deformation chromatography

Mobile-phase additives, commonly used to modulate absorbate retention in gradient elution chromatography, are usually assumed to be either linearly retained or unretained. Previous theoretical work from our laboratory has shown that these modulators, such as salts in ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography and organic modifiers in reversed-phase chromatography, can absorb nonlinearly, giving rise to gradient deformation. Consequently, adsorbate peaks that elute in the vicinity of the head of the deformed gradient may exhibit unusual shapes, form shoulders, and/or be concentrated. These effects for a reversed-phase sorbent with aqueous acetonitrile (ACN) as the modulator are verified experimentally. Gradient deformation is demonstrated experimentally and agrees with simulations based on ACN isotherm parameters that are independently determined from batch equilibrium studies using the layer model. Unusual absorbate peak shapes were found experimentally for single-component injections of phenylalanine, similar to those calculated by the simulations. A binary mixture of tryptophan and phenylalanine is used to demonstrate simultaneous concentration and separation, again in agreement with simulations. The possibility of gradient deformation in ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography is discussed.

NASA Discipline Number 93-10↗

Residual Stress Mapping of As-Built and Hot Isostatic Pressure Treated GRCop-84 as Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting

GRCop-84, a copper alloy developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) with the starting At% (atomic percent) Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb, has a copper matrix with a fine intermetallic dispersion of Cr2Nb (cubic Laves phase C15). The alloy is being developed for high-heat-flux applications and has excellent high temperature properties including retention of tensile strength at high temperatures, high thermal conductivity, and excellent creep resistance. GRCop-84 has shown higher survivability rates than other metal additive alloys, good surface finish, and requires less operator tweaking for builds, and this is not fully understood. Neutron diffraction provides an accurate, non-destructive method of measuring the thermal stresses accumulated during production; the primary source of failure before annealing. The unstressed lattice spacing (d (sub 0)), residual stress, and distribution have been characterized for simple shapes in HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing,) and as-built conditions made with SLM (Selective Laser Melting), a powder bed fusion method, with the HIP samples showing significantly reduced stresses concentrations than the as-built.

Minnecci, Robert↗

HEXPANDO Expanding Head for Fastener-Retention Hexagonal Wrench

The HEXPANDO is an expanding-head hexagonal wrench designed to retain fasteners and keep them from being dislodged from the tool. The tool is intended to remove or install socket-head cap screws (SHCSs) in remote, hard-to-reach locations or in circumstances when a dropped fastener could cause damage to delicate or sensitive hardware. It is not intended for application of torque. This tool is made of two assembled portions. The first portion of the tool comprises tubing, or a hollow shaft, at a length that gives the user adequate reach to the intended location. At one end of the tubing is the expanding hexagonal head fitting with six radial slits cut into it (one at each of the points of the hexagonal shape), and a small hole drilled axially through the center and the end opposite the hex is internally and externally threaded. This fitting is threaded into the shaft (via external threads) and staked or bonded so that it will not loosen. At the other end of the tubing is a knurled collar with a through hole into which the tubing is threaded. This knob is secured in place by a stop nut. The second assembled portion of the tool comprises a length of all thread or solid rod that is slightly longer than the steel tubing. One end has a slightly larger knurled collar affixed while the other end is tapered/pointed and threaded. When the two portions are assembled, the all thread/rod portion feeds through the tubing and is threaded into the expanding hex head fitting. The tapered point allows it to be driven into the through hole of the hex fitting. While holding the smaller collar on the shaft, the user turns the larger collar, and as the threads feed into the fitting, the hex head expands and grips the SHCS, thus providing a safe way to install and remove fasteners. The clamping force retaining the SHCS varies depending on how far the tapered end is inserted into the tool head. Initial tests of the prototype tool, designed for a 5 mm or # 10SHCS have resulted in up to 8 lb (.35.6 N) of pull force to dislodge the SHCS from the tool. The tool is designed with a lead-in angle from the diameter of the tubing to a diameter the same as the fastener head, to prevent the fastener head from catching on any obstructions encountered that could dislodge the fastener during retrieval.

Bishop, John↗

Design and Development of CubeSat Solar Array Deployment Mechanisms Using Shape Memory Alloys

The Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) project is a technology demonstration mission of a 3U CubeSat with an advanced, digitally controlled electrical power system capability and the novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable solar array (SA) deployable mechanisms. The ALBus CubeSat deploys four SAs in addition to the body-mounted arrays on each side of the CubeSat. A goal of the mission is to utilize the SMAs being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to deploy these SAs. The use of SMAs allows for the ability to test and reset the flight deployment mechanism prior to flight, which reduces the risk of in orbit deployment failures common to CubeSats. As a result, an SMA-driven Retention and Release (R&R) mechanism and an SMA-driven hinge were designed, developed, and integrated for flight. This paper summarizes the development of these mechanisms, types and functionalities of the SMAs used, as well as the lessons learned throughout the process.

cubesat↗

The effect of impact angle on craters formed by hypervelocity particles

The Space Power Institute (SPI) at Auburn University has conducted experiments on the effects of impact angle on crater morphology and impactor residue retention for hypervelocity impacts. Copper target plates were set at angles of 30 deg, 45 deg, 60 deg, and 75 deg from the particle flight path. For the 30 deg and 45 deg impacts, in the velocity regime greater than 8 km s(exp -1) the resultant craters are almost identical to normal incidence impacts. The only difference found was in the apparent distribution of particle residue within the crater, and further research is needed to verify this. The 60 deg and 75 deg impacts showed marked differences in crater symmetry, crater lip shape, and particle residue distribution in the same velocity regime. Impactor residue shock fractionation effects have been quantified in first-order. It is concluded that a combination of analysis techniques can yield further information on impact velocity, direction, and angle of incidence.

Hill, David C.↗

Design and Development of CubeSat Solar Array Deployment Mechanisms Using Shape Memory Alloys

The Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) project is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-U CubeSat with an advanced, digitally controlled electrical power system capability and the novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable solar array deployable mechanisms. The ALBus cubesat has a need to deploy four solar arrays in addition to the body-mounted arrays on each side of the cubesat. A goal of the mission is to utilize the SMAs being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to deploy these solar arrays. The use of SMAs allows for the ability to test and reset the flight deployment mechanism prior to flight which reduces the risk of on orbit deployment failures common on cubesats. As a result, an SMA driven Retention and Release mechanism and an SMA driven hinge was designed, developed, and being prepared for flight. This paper summarized the development of these mechanisms, types and functionalities of SMAs used, and lessons learned throughout the process.

solar array deployment↗

Auto-Gopher-2 – An Autonomous Wireline Rotary Piezo-Percussive Deep Drilling Mechanism

Drilling deep into the subsurface of planetary bodies in the Solar System for samples acquisition enables critical capabilities for future NASA exploration missions in its quest to understand the origins of the Solar System and potentially the search for life. Such planetary bodies as Mars and Europa are key targets for potential missions that would require reaching great depths. Performing drilling while using minimal mass/volume systems and with low energy consumption are the main requirements that are imposed on such technologies. A wireline deep drill, called Auto-Gopher-2, is currently being developed as a joint effort between JPL and Honeybee Robotics Ltd. The Auto-Gopher II is a wireline rotary piezo-percussive deep drilling mechanism that combines formation breaking by rotating and piezoelectric actuator hammering and cuttings removal by rotating a fluted bit. The hammering mechanism is based on the Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corer (USDC) mechanism that has been developed as an adaptable tool for many drilling and coring applications. The USDC uses an intermediate ball-shape free-mass to transform high frequency vibrations of a piezoelectric transducer horn tip into sonic hammering of the drill bit. The lessons learned from the previous studies are being implemented into the development of the Auto-Gopher-II, an autonomous deep wireline drill with integrated cuttings and sample management and drive electronics. Subsystems of the wireline drill are being developed in parallel at JPL and Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. Issues related to the bit and its ability to retain the cuttings for caching and removal are currently being addressed. This paper presents the development efforts of the piezoelectric actuator, cuttings removal and retention flutes and drive electronics.

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph↗

Assessing Ecosystem Service Provision Under Climate Change to Support Conservation and Development Planning in Myanmar

Inclusion of ecosystem services (ES) information into national-scale development and climate adaptation planning has yet to become common practice, despite demand from decision makers. Identifying where ES originate and to whom the benefits flowunder current and future climate conditionsis especially critical in rapidly developing countries, where the risk of ES loss is high. Here, using Myanmar as a case study, we assess where and how ecosystems provide key benefits to the countrys people and infrastructure. We model the supply of and demand for sediment retention, dry-season baseflows, flood risk reduction and coastal storm protection from multiple beneficiaries. We find that locations currently providing the greatest amount of services are likely to remain important under the range of climate conditions considered, demonstrating their importance in planning for climate resilience. Overlap between priority areas for ES provision and biodiversity conservation is higher than expected by chance overall, but the areas important for multiple ES are underrepresented in currently designated protected areas and Key Biodiversity Areas. Our results are contributing to development planning in Myanmar, and our approach could be extended to other contexts where there is demand for national-scale natural capital information to shape development plans and policies

Climate change↗

Effects of Hydrocarbon-Based Grease on Rapid Prototype Material Used for Grease Retention Shrouds

Effects of hydrocarbon-based greases on specific rapid prototype (RP) materials used to fabricate grease retention shrouds (GRS) were explored in this study. Grease retention shrouds are being considered as a way to maintain adequate grease lubrication at the gear mesh in a prototype research transmission system. Due to their design and manufacturing flexibility, rapid prototype materials were chosen for the grease retention shrouds. In order to gain a better understanding of the short and long term effects grease pose on RP materials, research was conducted on the interaction of hydrocarbon-based grease with RP materials. The materials used in this study were durable polyamide (nylon), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and WaterClear 10120. Testing was conducted using Mobilgrease 28 and Syn-Tech 3913G grease (gear coupling grease). These greases were selected due to their regular use with mechanical components. To investigate the effect that grease has on RP materials, the following methods were used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), interference profilometer measurements, digital camera imaging, physical shape measurement, and visual observations. To record the changes in the RP materials due to contact with the grease, data was taken before and after the grease application. Results showed that the WaterClear 10120 RP material provided the best resistance to grease penetration as compared to nylon and ABS RP materials. The manufacturing process, and thus resulting surface conditions of the RP material, played a key role in the grease penetration properties and resilience of these materials.

Zakrajsek, Andrew J.↗

Hot Hydrogen Testing of Tungsten-Uranium Dioxide (W-UO2) CERMET Fuel Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

CERMET fuel materials are being developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for a Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Recent work has resulted in the development and demonstration of a Compact Fuel Element Environmental Test (CFEET) System that is capable of subjecting depleted uranium fuel material samples to hot hydrogen. A critical obstacle to the development of an NCPS engine is the high-cost and safety concerns associated with developmental testing in nuclear environments. The purpose of this testing capability is to enable low-cost screening of candidate materials, fabrication processes, and further validation of concepts. The CERMET samples consist of depleted uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel particles in a tungsten metal matrix, which has been demonstrated on previous programs to provide improved performance and retention of fission products1. Numerous past programs have utilized hot hydrogen furnace testing to develop and evaluate fuel materials. The testing provides a reasonable simulation of temperature and thermal stress effects in a flowing hydrogen environment. Though no information is gained about radiation damage, the furnace testing is extremely valuable for development and verification of fuel element materials and processes. The current work includes testing of subscale W-UO2 slugs to evaluate fuel loss and stability. The materials are then fabricated into samples with seven cooling channels to test a more representative section of a fuel element. Several iterations of testing are being performed to evaluate fuel mass loss impacts from density, microstructure, fuel particle size and shape, chemistry, claddings, particle coatings, and stabilizers. The fuel materials and forms being evaluated on this effort have all been demonstrated to control fuel migration and loss. The objective is to verify performance improvements of the various materials and process options prior to expensive full scale fabrication and testing. Post test analysis will include weight percent fuel loss, microscopy, dimensional tolerance, and fuel stability.

Hickman, Robert↗

Progress in ceramic component fabrication technology

Net shape techniques have been used in the production of rotating and static vehicular engine high-temperature components composed of sintered Alpha-SiC (SASC). Injection-molded rotors have been cold spin tested, as well as a slip-cast combustor assembly hot rig. SASC pistons and cylinder liners have also been constructed for an opposed piston, two-cycle diesel test rig while test results are presented. An uncooled, minimum-friction internal combustion engine with multi-fuel capability due to its elevated combustion temperatures appears to be achievable in the near term by means of SASC techniques. The flexural strength of SASC at 1500 C is 446 MPa, identical to that at room temperature, and excellent strength retention has been demonstrated after 3500 hours of cyclic exposure.

Storm, R. S.↗

Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat: From Build to Flight

Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-U CubeSat with an advanced digitally controlled electrical power system and novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable deployable solar array mechanisms. The primary objective was to advance the power management and distribution (PMAD) capabilities to enable future missions requiring more flexible and reliable power systems with higher output power capabilities. Goals included demonstration of 100W distribution to a target electrical load, response to continuous and fast transient power requirements, and exhibition of reliable deployment of solar arrays and antennas utilizing re-settable SMA mechanisms. The power distribution function of the ALBus PMAD system is unique in the total power to target load capability, as power is distributed from batteries to provide 100W of power directly to a resistive load. The deployable solar arrays utilize NASA’s Nickel-Titanium-Palladium-Platinum (NiTiPdPt) high-temperature SMAs for the retention and release mechanism, and a superelastic binary NiTi alloy for the hinge component. The project launched as part of the CubeSat Launch Initiative (CLI) Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron in December 2018. This paper summarizes the final launched design and the lessons learned from build to flight.

Deboshri Sadhukhan↗

Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat: From Build to Flight

The Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat project is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-U CubeSat with an advanced, digitally controlled electrical power system capability and novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable deployable solar array mechanisms. The objective of the project was to advance the state of power management and distribution (PMAD) capabilities to enable future missions requiring flexible and reliable power systems with higher output power capabilities. The goals of the mission were to demonstrate 100W distribution to a target electrical load, respond to continuous and fast transient power requirements, and show reliable deployment of solar arrays and antennas utilizing re-settable SMA mechanisms. The power distribution function of the ALBus PMAD system is unique in the total power to target load capability. Power is distributed from batteries to provide 100W of power directly to a resistive load. The deployable solar arrays utilize NASA Glenn Research Center’s Nickel-Titanium-Palladium-Platinum high-temperature SMAs for the retention and release mechanism, and a super-elastic binary NiTi alloy for the hinge component. The deployable solar array hinge design features the utilization of SMA material properties for a dual purpose. First, the hinge uses the super-elastic SMA properties to provide the spring force to deploy the arrays. Second, the electrical conductivity properties of the SMA enables the design to provide clean conduits for power transfer from the deployable arrays to the power management system. This eliminates the need for electrical harnesses between the arrays and the PMAD system in the ALBus system design. The uniqueness of the SMA retention and release mechanism design is the ability to reset the mechanism and reuse the same hardware. This allow functional tests of the mechanisms before flight with no degradation of performance and flying the hardware that is tested. The project launched as part of the CubeSat Launch Initiative Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron in December 2018. This paper summarizes the final launched design of ALBus and lessons learned from the technology and overall project from development through flight.

Deboshri Sadhukhan↗

New High-Performance SiC Fiber Developed for Ceramic Composites

Sylramic-iBN fiber is a new type of small-diameter (10-mm) SiC fiber that was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center and was recently given an R&D 100 Award for 2001. It is produced by subjecting commercially available Sylramic (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) SiC fibers, fabrics, or preforms to a specially designed high-temperature treatment in a controlled nitrogen environment for a specific time. It can be used in a variety of applications, but it currently has the greatest advantage as a reinforcement for SiC/SiC ceramic composites that are targeted for long-term structural applications at temperatures higher than the capability of metallic superalloys. The commercial Sylramic SiC fiber, which is the precursor for the Sylramic-iBN fiber, is produced by Dow Corning, Midland, Michigan. It is derived from polymers at low temperatures and then pyrolyzed and sintered at high temperatures using boron-containing sintering aids (ref. 1). The sintering process results in very strong fibers (>3 GPa) that are dense, oxygen-free, and nearly stoichiometric. They also display an optimum grain size that is beneficial for high tensile strength, good creep resistance, and good thermal conductivity (ref. 2). The NASA-developed treatment allows the excess boron in the bulk to diffuse to the fiber surface where it reacts with nitrogen to form an in situ boron nitride (BN) coating on the fiber surface (thus the product name of Sylramic-iBN fiber). The removal of boron from the fiber bulk allows the retention of high tensile strength while significantly improving creep resistance and electrical conductivity, and probably thermal conductivity since the grains are slightly larger and the grain boundaries cleaner (ref. 2). Also, as shown in the graph, these improvements allow the fiber to display the best rupture strength at high temperatures in air for any available SiC fiber. In addition, for CMC applications under oxidizing conditions, the formation of an in situ BN surface layer creates a more environmentally durable fiber surface not only because a more oxidation-resistant BN is formed, but also because this layer provides a physical barrier between contacting fibers with oxidation-prone SiC surface layers (refs. 3 and 4). This year, Glenn demonstrated that the in situ BN treatment can be applied simply to Sylramic fibers located within continuous multifiber tows, within woven fabric pieces, or even assembled into complex product shapes (preforms). SiC/SiC ceramic composite panels have been fabricated from Sylramic-iBN fabric and then tested at Glenn within the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology Program. The test conditions were selected to simulate those experienced by hot-section components in advanced gas turbine engines. The results from testing at Glenn demonstrate all the benefits expected for the Sylramic-iBN fibers. That is, the composites displayed the best thermostructural performance in comparison to composites reinforced by Sylramic fibers and by all other currently available high-performance SiC fiber types (refs. 3 and 5). For these reasons, the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology Program has selected the Sylramic-iBN fiber for ongoing efforts aimed at SiC/SiC engine component development.

DiCarlo, James A.↗

Tiltrotor research aircraft composite blade repairs: Lessons learned

The XV-15, N703NA Tiltrotor Research Aircraft located at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, currently uses a set of composite rotor blades of complex shape known as the advanced technology blades (ATBs). The main structural element of the blades is a D-spar constructed of unidirectional, angled fiberglass/graphite, with the aft fairing portion of the blades constructed of a fiberglass cross-ply skin bonded to a Nomex honeycomb core. The blade tip is a removable laminate shell that fits over the outboard section of the spar structure, which contains a cavity to retain balance weights. Two types of tip shells are used for research. One is highly twisted (more than a conventional helicopter blade) and has a hollow core constructed of a thin Nomex-honeycomb-and-fiberglass-skin sandwich; the other is untwisted with a solid Nomex honeycomb core and a fiberglass cross-ply skin. During initial flight testing of the blades, a number of problems in the composite structure were encountered. These problems included debonding between the fiberglass skin and the honeycomb core, failure of the honeycomb core, failures in fiberglass splices, cracks in fiberglass blocks, misalignment of mated composite parts, and failures of retention of metal fasteners. Substantial time was spent in identifying and repairing these problems. Discussed here are the types of problems encountered, the inspection procedures used to identify each problem, the repairs performed on the damaged or flawed areas, the level of criticality of the problems, and the monitoring of repaired areas. It is hoped that this discussion will help designers, analysts, and experimenters in the future as the use of composites becomes more prevalent.

Espinosa, Paul S.↗

Tiltrotor Research Aircraft composite blade repairs - Lessons learned

The XV-15, N703NA Tiltrotor Research Aircraft located at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, currently uses a set of composite rotor blades of complex shape known as the advanced technology blades (ATBs). The main structural element of the blades is a D-spar constructed of unidirectional, angled fiberglass/graphite, with the aft fairing portion of the blades constructed of a fiberglass cross-ply skin bonded to a Nomex honeycomb core. The blade tip is a removable laminate shell that fits over the outboard section of the spar structure, which contains a cavity to retain balance weights. Two types of tip shells are used for research. One is highly twisted (more than a conventional helicopter blade) and has a hollow core constructed of a thin Nomex-honeycomb-and-fiberglass-skin sandwich; the other is untwisted with a solid Nomex honeycomb core and a fiberglass cross-ply skin. During initial flight testing of the blades, a number of problems in the composite structure were encountered. These problems included debonding between the fiberglass skin and the honeycomb core, failure of the honeycomb core, failures in fiberglass splices, cracks in fiberglass blocks, misalignment of mated composite parts, and failures of retention of metal fasteners. Substantial time was spent in identifying and repairing these problems. Discussed here are the types of problems encountered, the inspection procedures used to identify each problem, the repairs performed on the damaged or flawed areas, the level of criticality of the problems, and the monitoring of repaired areas. It is hoped that this discussion will help designers, analysts, and experimenters in the future as the use of composites becomes more prevalent.

Espinosa, Paul S.↗

Process Optimization of Bismaleimide (BMI) Resin Infused Carbon Fiber Composite

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are an attractive new addition to world-wide composite applications. This type of thermosetting polyimide provides several unique characteristics such as excellent physical property retention at elevated temperatures and in wet environments, constant electrical properties over a vast array of temperature settings, and nonflammability properties as well. This makes BMI a popular choice in advance composites and electronics applications [I]. Bismaleimide-2 (BMI-2) resin was used to infuse intermediate modulus 7 (IM7) based carbon fiber. Two panel configurations consisting of 4 plies with [+45deg, 90deg]2 and [0deg]4 orientations were fabricated. For tensile testing, a [90deg]4 configuration was tested by rotating the [0deg]4 configirration to lie orthogonal with the load direction of the test fixture. Curing of the BMI-2/IM7 system utilized an optimal infusion process which focused on the integration of the manufacturer-recommended ramp rates,. hold times, and cure temperatures. Completion of the cure cycle for the BMI-2/IM7 composite yielded a product with multiple surface voids determined through visual and metallographic observation. Although the curing cycle was the same for the three panellayups, the surface voids that remained within the material post-cure were different in abundance, shape, and size. For tensile testing, the [0deg]4 layup had a 19.9% and 21.7% greater average tensile strain performance compared to the [90deg]4 and [+45deg, 90deg, 90deg,-45degg] layups, respectively, at failure. For tensile stress performance, the [0deg]4 layup had a 5.8% and 34.0% greater average performance% than the [90deg]4 and [+45deg, 90deg, 90deg,-45deg] layups.

Ehrlich, Joshua W.↗

Probing Supraglacial Debris on Mars 2: Crater Morphology

Lobate debris aprons (LDA), lineated valley fill (LVF), and concentric crater fill (CCF) on Mars, interpreted to bedebris-covered glaciers, possess craters with a suite of distinct interior landforms (called "ring-mold craters")that have been attributed to the presence of glacial ice at depth or surface modification processes. We testedcurrent hypotheses for the formation of ring-mold craters by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the size andmorphology of 16,457 impact craters 125m in diameter formed within glacial deposits in DeuteronilusMensae. Two major groups, bowl-shaped craters and ring-mold craters, are found, with at least nine distinctcrater types. While there is statistical difference in median diameters between these crater types, this differenceis relatively small and is within the estimated uncertainty in diameter measurements and may be related to moreenhanced erosion of the rims of ring-mold craters. Clear degradation sequences are observed, supporting a rolefor post-impact modification in producing at least some of the diversity in crater landforms. The spatial densityof ring-mold craters is also directly correlated with the development of LDA, LVF, and CCF surface textures. Flowlineations cross-cut two ring-mold crater types but they maintain their circular planforms in some cases, suggestingthat the craters initially formed completely within mantling layers deposited after glacial flow hadceased. We also find analogous craters in non-glacial units; glacial ice is therefore not required to form theobserved morphologic diversity. Our observations are most consistent with formation of crater landforms byemplacement and modification of at least two depositional episodes of icy dust (i.e., "mantle"). This mantle wasinitially tens of meters in thickness to support crater formation, and has experienced much downwasting anderosion since emplacement. Derived crater retention ages of 460 Ma for LDA, LVF, and CCF features in the regiontherefore reflect deposition of mantle units and only give a very minimum age for the formation of LDA, LVF, andCCF

Geological↗