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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 541 records · Page 30

High-resolution Spectroscopic Study of Dwarf Stars in the Northern Sky: Lithium, Carbon, and Oxygen Abundances

Abundances of lithium, carbon, and oxygen have been derived using spectral synthesis for a sample of 249 bright F, G, and K Northern Hemisphere dwarf stars from the high-resolution spectra acquired with the VUES spectrograph at the $Mol\dot{e}tai$ Astronomical Observatory of Vilnius University. The sample stars have metallicities, effective temperatures, and ages between (–0.7 ÷ 0.4) dex, (5000 ÷ 6900) K, (1 ÷ 12) Gyr, accordingly. We confirm a so far unexplained lithium abundance decrease at supersolar metallicities—A(Li) in our sample stars, which drop by 0.7 dex in the [Fe/H] range from +0.10 to +0.55 dex. Furthermore, we identified stars with similar ages, atmospheric parameters, and rotational velocities, but with significantly different lithium abundances, which suggests that additional specific evolutionary factors should be taken into account while interpreting the stellar lithium content. Nine stars with predominantly supersolar metallicities, i.e., about 12% among 78 stars with C and O abundances determined, have the C/O number ratios larger than 0.65, thus may form carbon-rich rocky planets. Ten planet-hosting stars, available in our sample, do not show a discernible difference from the stars with no planets detected regarding their lithium content.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Neutron capture effects in lunar gadolinium and the irradiation histories of some lunar rocks.

The Gd isotopic composition in 19 lunar rock and soil samples from three Apollo sites is reported. The analytical techniques and the high precision mass spectrometric measurements are discussed. Enrichments in the Gd-158 oxide to G-157 oxide ratio due to neutron capture range up to 0.75%. Integrated 'thermal' neutron fluxes derived from the isotopic anomalies of Gd are compared with spallation Kr data from aliquot samples to construct a model which gives both average cosmic-ray irradiation depths and effective neutron exposure ages for some rocks. Rock 14310 is the first lunar sample where Kr anomalies due to resonance neutron capture in Br are observed. A Kr-81/Kr exposure age of 262 (plus or minus 7)m.y. is calculated for this rock.

Lugmair, G. W.↗

New cyanate and cyanamide resins as composite matrices

The synthesis, polymerization, and laminate properties of two dicyanates, copolymers thereof, and a dicyanamide were studied. The effect of humidity aging (322 K (49 C), 95% relative humidity) and also aging at 505 K (232 C) in circulating air on the RT and elevated temperature properties of HT-S and T-300 unidirectional laminates was determined.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗

Analysis and design of an adaptive multi-loop controlled two winding buck/boost regulator

Small signal low frequency linear average model is derived for a multi-loop controlled two-winding buck/boost converter employing average techniques and the describing function method. The model reveals that a well-designed multi-loop control can provide a second-order zero adaptive to output filter parameter changes due to component tolerances, temperature changes, aging, and the effect of duty cycle modulation. It also can provide stabilization effect by shifting the positive zero to the left-half S-plane. Design guidelines are formulated to optimize regulator-loop dependent characteristics.

Mahmoud, M. F.↗

Development of design allowable data for Celion 6000/LARC-160, graphite/polyimide composite laminates

A design allowables test program was conducted on Celion 6000/LARC-160 graphite polyimide composite to establish material performance over a 116 K (-250 F) to 589 K (600 F) temperature range. Tension, compression, in-plane shear and short beam shear properties were determined for uniaxial, quasi-isotropic and + or - 45 deg laminates. Effects of thermal aging and moisture saturation on mechanical properties were also evaluated. Celion 6000/LARC-160 graphite/polyimide can be considered an acceptable material system for structural applications to 589 K (600 F).

Ehret, R. M.↗

Service life evaluation of rigid explosive transfer lines

This paper describes a joint Army/NASA-sponsored research program on the service life evaluation of rigid explosive transfer lines. These transfer lines are used to initiate emergency crew escape functions on a wide variety of military and NASA aircraft. The purpose of this program was to determine quantitatively the effects of service, age, and degradation on rigid explosive transfer lines to allow responsible, conservative, service life determination. More than 800 transfer lines were removed from the U.S. Army AH-1G and AH-1S, the U.S. Air Force B-1 and F-111, and the U.S. Navy F-14 aircraft for testing. The results indicated that the lines were not adversely affected by age, service, or a repeat of the thermal qualification tests on full-service lines. Extension of the service life of rigid explosive transfer lines should be considered, since considerable cost savings could be realized with no measurable decrease in system reliability.

Bement, L. J.↗

The AlGaAs single-mode stability

Single-mode spectral behavior with aging in constricted double heterojunction (CDH) lasers was studied. The CDH lasers demonstrated excellent reliability ( or = 1 million years extrapolated room-temperature MTTF) and single-mode operation after 10,000 hours of 70 C aging. The deleterious effects of laser-fiber coupling on the spectra of the diodes were eliminated through the use of wedge-shaped fibers. A novel high-power large optical cavity (LOC)-type laser was developed: the terraced-heterostructure (TH)-LOC laser, which provides the highest power into a single-mode (i.e., 50 mW CW) ever reported.

Botez, D.↗

Characterization of 8-cm engineering model thruster

Development of 8 cm ion thruster technology which was conducted in support of the Ion Auxiliary Propulsion System (IAPS) flight contract (Contract NAS3-21055) is discussed. The work included characterization of thruster performance, stability, and control; a study of the effects of cathode aging; environmental qualification testing; and cyclic lifetesting of especially critical thruster components.

Williamson, W. S.↗

Approach for Service Life Extension of Explosive Devices for Aircraft Escape Systems

The service life evaluation of explosive devices used in a wide variety of aircraft escape systems is described. The purpose was to develop a service extension approach, supported by tests on candidate devices, to evaluate the effects of service, age, and degradation, and allow responsible, conservative, service life determinations. An overview is given on the recommended approach and experimental procedures for accurate service evaluations with test results on rigid and flexible explosive transfer lines, one-way transfers, and flexible linear shaped charges.

Bement, L. J.↗

Approach for service life extension of explosive devices for aircraft escape systems

Service life extension of explosive devices used in aircraft escape systems can achieve considerable savings. An overall approach is needed to challenge the logic of explosive component service extension from design to removal from service for evaluation. The purpose of the effort described in this paper was to develop a service-extension approach on explosive devices used in aircraft systems, supported by actual testing of representative candidate devices, to evaluate quantitatively the effects of service, age, and degradation, and allow responsible, conservative service life determinations. Evaluated were five explosive components: rigid and flexible explosive transfer lines, one-way transfers, flexible linear shaped charges, and initiation handles. The service extension approach generated in this effort is summarized by eight recommendations.

Bement, L. J.↗

Service-Life Extension of Explosive Escape Devices

Chemical and functional tests yield conservative service-life estimates. Approach to extension of service lives of explosive devices in aircraft escape system developed, supported by testing of representative candidate devices to evaluate quantitatively effects of service, age, and degradation, and to enable responsible, conservative service-life determinations. Five types of explosive components evaluated: rigid and flexible explosive transfer lines; one-way transfers; flexible, linear-shaped charges; and initiation-handles. Extension of service in realistic manner provides both cost savings and increased system reliability.

Bement, L. J.↗

Effect of microstructure and notch root radius on fracture toughness of an aluminum metal matrix composite

Recent results on the effects of matrix aging condition (matrix temper) and notch root radius on the measured fracture toughness of a SiC particulate reinforced aluminum alloy are reviewed. Stress intensity factors at catastrophic fracture were obtained for both underaged and overaged composites reveal. The linear relation found between apparent fracture toughness and the square root of the notch root radius implies a linear dependence of the crack opening displacement on the notch root radius. The results suggest a strain controlled fracture process, and indicate that there are differences in the fracture micromechanisms of the two aging conditions.

Manoharan, M.↗

High temperature dielectric properties of Apical, Kapton, Peek, Teflon AF, and Upilex polymers

Reliable lightweight systems capable of providing electrical power at the magawatt level are a requirement for future manned space exploration missions. This can be achieved by the development of high temperature insulating materials which are not only capable of surviving the hostile space environment but can contribute to reducing the mass and weight of the heat rejection system. In this work, Apical, Upilex, Kapton, Teflon AF, and Peek polymers are characterized for AC and DC dielectric breakdown in air and in silicone oil at temperatures up to 250 C. The materials are also tested in terms of their dielectric constant and dissipation factor at high temperatures with an electrical stress of 60 Hz, 200 V/mil present. The effects of thermal aging on the properties of the films are determined after 15 hours of exposure to 200 and 250 C, each. The results obtained are discussed and conclusions are made concerning the suitability of these dielectrics for use in capacitors and cable insulations in high temperature environments.

Hammoud, A. N.↗

The Lyman alpha emission of starburst galaxies

Nearby starburst galaxies have consistently shown anomalous Ly-alpha/H-beta ratios. It has been suggested that dust, associated with resonant scattering, quenches the Ly-alpha line by a large factor. However, the observed amount of dust can barely account for the large depletion factors. It is proposed here that a much more important effect is the age of the burst. Normal (i.e., case B recombination) ratios are observed if the galaxy is currently undergoing the burst, while anomalous ratios appear when the galaxy is observed in the post-burst phase. Underlying stellar populations in the UV spectra should therefore be older in the latter case. This scenario explains the presence of Ly-alpha in absorption. Implications for deep surveys are also discussed.

Valls-Gabaud, David↗

Magnetic activity in low-mass stars

The manifestations of magnetic activity in low-mass stars, particularly M dwarfs, can be used as a tool to study their evolution, the operation of the interior dynamo with changing interior conditions, and the structure of their outer atmospheres. Extensive background material on the current understanding of low-mass stellar activity is presented. Two new surveys are described which will greatly increase the number of active low-mass stars known in the field and in nearby open clusters. These surveys will define the characteristics of the activity in low-mass stars, and how the activity changes with a number of parameters of interest, including mass, effective temperature, and age. The data will also allow a rigorous determination of a possible age-activity relation among the low-mass M dwarfs. Theoretical models of M dwarf atmospheres, and their connection to the understanding of the observations, are also discussed.

Hawley, Suzanne L.↗

Chemical Analyses

As a preliminary study on the effects of chemical aging of polymer materials MERL and TRI have examined two polymeric materials that are typically used for offshore umbilical applications. These two materials were Tefzel, a copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene, and Coflon, polyvinylidene fluoride. The Coflon specimens were cut from pipe sections and exposed to H2S at various temperatures and pressures. One of these specimens was tested for methane permeation, and another for H2S permeation. The Tefzel specimens were cut from .05 mm sheet stock material and were exposed to methanol at elevated temperature and pressure. One of these specimens was exposed to methanol permeation for 2 days at 100 C and 2500 psi. An additional specimen was exposed to liquid methanol for 3 days at 150 C and 15 Bar. Virgin specimens of each material were similarly prepared and tested.

Bulluck, J. W.↗

Initiation-promotion model of tumor prevalence in mice from space radiation exposures

Exposures in space consist of low-level background components from galactic cosmic rays (GCR), occasional intense-energetic solar-particle events, periodic passes through geomagnetic-trapped radiation, and exposure from possible onboard nuclear-propulsion engines. Risk models for astronaut exposure from such diverse components and modalities must be developed to assure adequate protection in future NASA missions. The low-level background exposures (GCR), including relativistic heavy ions (HZE), will be the ultimate limiting factor for astronaut career exposure. We consider herein a two-mutation, initiation-promotion, radiation-carcinogenesis model in mice in which the initiation stage is represented by a linear kinetics model of cellular repair/misrepair, including the track-structure model for heavy ion action cross-sections. The model is validated by comparison with the harderian gland tumor experiments of Alpen et al. for various ion beams. We apply the initiation-promotion model to exposures from galactic cosmic rays, using models of the cosmic-ray environment and heavy ion transport, and consider the effects of the age of the mice prior to and after the exposure and of the length of time in space on predictions of relative risk. Our results indicate that biophysical models of age-dependent radiation hazard will provide a better understanding of GCR risk than models that rely strictly on estimates of the initial slopes of these radiations.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

A New Formulation of Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorine (EESC)

Equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine (EESC) is a convenient parameter to quantify the effects of halogens (chlorine and bromine) on ozone depletion in the stratosphere. We show and discuss a new formulation of EESC that now includes the effects of age-of-air dependent fractional release values and an age-of-air spectrum. This new formulation provides quantitative estimates of EESC that can be directly related to inorganic chlorine and bromine throughout the stratosphere. Using this EESC formulation, we estimate that human-produced ozone depleting substances will recover to 1980 levels in 2041 in the midlatitudes, and 2067 over Antarctica. These recovery dates are based upon the assumption that the international agreements for regulating ozone-depleting substances are adhered to. In addition to recovery dates, we also estimate the uncertainties in the estimated time of recovery. The midlatitude recovery of 2041 has a 95% confidence uncertainty from 2028 to 2049, while the 2067 Antarctic recovery has a 95% confidence uncertainty from 2056 to 2078. The principal uncertainties are from the estimated mean age-of-air, and the assumption that the mean age-of-air and fractional release values are time independent. Using other model estimates of age decrease due to climate change, we estimate that midlatitude recovery may be accelerated from 2041 to 2031.

Newman, P. A.↗