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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Influence of Containment on the Growth of Silicon-Germanium (ICESAGE): A Materials Science ISS Investigation

A series of Ge(1-x)Si(x) crystal growth experiments are planned to be conducted in the Low Gradient Furnace (LGF) onboard the International Space Station. The primary objective of the research is to determine the influence of containment on the processinginduced defects and impurity incorporation in germanium-silicon alloy crystals. A comparison will be made between crystals grown by the normal and "detached" Bridgman methods and the ground-based float zone technique. Crystals grown without being in contact with a container have superior quality to otherwise similar crystals grown in direct contact with a container, especially with respect to impurity incorporation, formation of dislocations, and residual stress in crystals. "Detached" or "dewetted" Bridgman growth is similar to regular Bridgman growth in that most of the melt is in contact with the crucible wall, but the crystal is separated from the wall by a small gap, typically of the order of 10-100 microns. Long duration reduced gravity is essential to test the proposed theory of detached growth. Detached growth requires the establishment of a meniscus between the crystal and the ampoule wall. The existence of this meniscus depends on the ratio of the strength of gravity to capillary forces. On Earth, this ratio is large and stable detached growth can only be obtained over limited conditions. Crystals grown detached on the ground exhibited superior structural quality as evidenced by measurements of etch pit density, synchrotron white beam X-ray topography and double axis X-ray diffraction. The plans for the flight experiments will be described.

Volz, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Influence of Containment on the Growth of Silicon-Germanium (ICESAGE): A Materials Science Investigation

A series of Ge Si crystal growth experiments are planned to be conducted in the Low 1-x x Gradient Furnace (LGF) onboard the International Space Station. The primary objective of the research is to determine the influence of containment on the processing-induced defects and impurity incorporation in germanium-silicon alloy crystals. A comparison will be made between crystals grown by the normal and "detached" Bridgman methods and the ground-based float zone technique. Crystals grown without being in contact with a container have superior quality to otherwise similar crystals grown in direct contact with a container, especially with respect to impurity incorporation, formation of dislocations, and residual stress in crystals. "Detached" or "dewetted" Bridgman growth is similar to regular Bridgman growth in that most of the melt is in contact with the crucible wall, but the crystal is separated from the wall by a small gap, typically of the order of 10-100 microns. Long duration reduced gravity is essential to test the proposed theory of detached growth. Detached growth requires the establishment of a meniscus between the crystal and the ampoule wall. The existence of this meniscus depends on the ratio of the strength of gravity to capillary forces. On Earth, this ratio is large and stable detached growth can only be obtained over limited conditions. Crystals grown detached on the ground exhibited superior structural quality as evidenced by measurements of etch pit density, synchrotron white beam X-ray topography and double axis X-ray diffraction.

Volz, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Detached Solidification of Germanium-Silicon Crystals on the ISS

A series of Ge(sub 1-x) Si(sub x) crystal growth experiments are planned to be conducted in the Low Gradient Furnace (LGF) onboard the International Space Station. The primary objective of the research is to determine the influence of containment on the processing-induced defects and impurity incorporation in germanium-silicon alloy crystals. A comparison will be made between crystals grown by the normal and "detached" Bridgman methods and the ground-based float zone technique. Crystals grown without being in contact with a container have superior quality to otherwise similar crystals grown in direct contact with a container, especially with respect to impurity incorporation, formation of dislocations, and residual stress in crystals. "Detached" or "dewetted" Bridgman growth is similar to regular Bridgman growth in that most of the melt is in contact with the crucible wall, but the crystal is separated from the wall by a small gap, typically of the order of 10-100 microns. Long duration reduced gravity is essential to test the proposed theory of detached growth. Detached growth requires the establishment of a meniscus between the crystal and the ampoule wall. The existence of this meniscus depends on the ratio of the strength of gravity to capillary forces. On Earth, this ratio is large and stable detached growth can only be obtained over limited conditions. Crystals grown detached on the ground exhibited superior structural quality as evidenced by measurements of etch pit density, synchrotron white beam X-ray topography and double axis X-ray diffraction.

Volz, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Detached Solidification of Germanium-Silicon Crystals on the ISS

A series of Ge(sub 1-x) Si(sub x) crystal growth experiments are planned to be conducted in the Low Gradient Furnace (LGF) onboard the International Space Station. The primary objective of the research is to determine the influence of containment on the processing-induced defects and impurity incorporation in germanium-silicon alloy crystals. A comparison will be made between crystals grown by the normal and "detached" Bridgman methods and the ground-based float zone technique. Crystals grown without being in contact with a container have superior quality to otherwise similar crystals grown in direct contact with a container, especially with respect to impurity incorporation, formation of dislocations, and residual stress in crystals. "Detached" or "dewetted" Bridgman growth is similar to regular Bridgman growth in that most of the melt is in contact with the crucible wall, but the crystal is separated from the wall by a small gap, typically of the order of 10-100 microns. Long duration reduced gravity is essential to test the proposed theory of detached growth. Detached growth requires the establishment of a meniscus between the crystal and the ampoule wall. The existence of this meniscus depends on the ratio of the strength of gravity to capillary forces. On Earth, this ratio is large and stable detached growth can only be obtained over limited conditions. Crystals grown detached on the ground exhibited superior structural quality as evidenced by measurements of etch pit density, synchrotron white beam X-ray topography and double axis X-ray diffraction.

Volz, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Concave holographic grating for spectrographic applications: Study of the aberrations

An analysis of reflecting diffraction gratings by the application of holographic techniques is presented. The subjects discussed are: (1) holographic grating properties, (2) calculation of aberrant optical path, (3) analytical expression of stigmatic points, (4) spherical aberration and limitation of grating width, and (5) determination of construction parameters.

Pieuchard, G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Feedback in separated flows over symmetric airfoils

For a flow over an airfoil with laminar separation, a feedback cycle may exist whereby a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability wave emanating from the separation point on the airfoil surface grows along the shear layer and is diffracted as it interacts with the sharp trailing edge of the airfoil, causing acoustic radiation which, in turn, propagates upstream and regenerates the initial instability wave. The analysis is restricted to the high frequency limit. Solutions to the boundary-value problem are obtained using the slowly varying approximation and the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Resonant solutions exist for certain discrete values of the Reynolds and Strouhal numbers. The results are discussed and compared with available data.

Atassi, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Feedback in separated flows over symmetric airfoils

For a flow over an airfoil with laminar separation, a feedback cycle may exist whereby a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability wave emanating from the separation point on the airfoil surface grows along the shear layer and is diffracted as it interacts with the sharp trailing edge of the airfoil, causing acoustic radiation which , in turn, propagates upstream and regenerates the initial instability wave. The analysis is restricted to the high frequency limit. Solutions to the boundary-value problem are obtained using the slowly varying approximation and the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Resonant solutions exist for certain discrete values of the Reynolds and Strouhal numbers. The results are discussed and compared with available data.

Atassi, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays in Polymer Matrices

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays (CCA, also known as colloidal crystals), composed of aqueous or nonaqueous dispersions of self-assembled nanosized polymer colloidal spheres, are emerging toward the development of advanced optical devices for technological applications. The spontaneous self assembly of polymer spheres in a dielectric medium results from the electrostatic repulsive interaction between particles of uniform size and charge distribution. In a way similar to atomic crystals that diffract X-rays, CCA dispersions in thin quartz cells selectively and efficiently Bragg diffract the incident visible light. The reason for this diffraction is because the lattice (body or face centered cubic) spacing is on the order of the wavelength of visible light. Unlike the atomic crystals that diffract a fixed wavelength, colloidal crystals in principle, depending on the particle size, particle number and charge density, can diffract W, Vis or IR light. Therefore, the CCA dispersions can be used as laser filters. Besides, the diffraction intensity depends on the refractive index mismatch between polymer spheres and dielectric medium; therefore, it is possible to modulate incident light intensities by manipulating the index of either the spheres or the medium. Our interest in CCA is in the fabrication of all-optical devices such as optical switches, limiters, and spatial light modulators for optical signal processing. The two major requirements from a materials standpoint are the incorporation of suitable nonlinear optical materials (NLO) into polymer spheres which will allow us to alter the refractive index of the spheres by intense laser radiation, and preparation of solid CCA filters which can resist laser damage. The fabrication of solid composite filters not only has the advantage that the films are easier to handle, but also the arrays in solid films are more robust than in liquid media. In this paper, we report the photopolymerization process used to trap CCA in polymer matrices, the factors which affect the optical diffraction qualities of resulting polymer films, and methods to improve the efficiencies of solid optical filters. Before this, we also present the experimental demonstration, of controlling the optical diffraction intensities from aqueous CCA dispersions by varying the temperature, which establishes the feasibility of fabricating all-optical switching devices with nonlinear periodic array structures.

Sunkara, Hari B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A microprocessor-based one dimensional optical data processor for spatial frequency analysis

A high degree of accuracy was obtained in measuring the spatial frequency spectrum of known samples using an optical data processor based on a microprocessor, which reliably collected intensity versus angle data. Stray light control, system alignment, and angle measurement problems were addressed and solved. The capabilities of the instrument were extended by the addition of appropriate optics to allow the use of different wavelengths of laser radiation and by increasing the travel limits of the rotating arm to + or - 160 degrees. The acquisition, storage, and plotting of data by the computer permits the researcher a free hand in data manipulation such as subtracting background scattering from a diffraction pattern. Tests conducted to verify the operation of the processor using a 25 mm diameter pinhole, a 39.37 line pairs per mm series of multiple slits, and a microscope slide coated with 1.091 mm diameter polystyrene latex spheres are described.

Collier, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Sound diffraction at wall impedance discontinuities in a circular cylinder, investigated using Wiener-Hopf technique

Rigorous solutions are presented for sound diffraction in a circular cylinder with axial discontinuities of the wall admittance (or impedance). Analytical expressions are derived for the reflection and the transmission coefficients for duct modes. The results are discussed quantitatively in the limits of small admittance shifts (delta) and of low frequencies (ka). One of the results is the low frequency behavior of the reflection coefficient R(o) sub 00 of the fundamental mode. For the mode of a hardwall duct reflected from the junction with a softwall duct, (R(o) sub oo yields - (1-square root of (ka) square root of (2/i delta)); this result is in contrast to the frequency dependence of the reflection from the open end of a hardwall duct, for which R(o) sub oo yields - 1-(ka) squared/2 .

Cho, Y. C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Interferometer Development for Study of Interactions between Flames on Parallel Solid Surfaces

The interactions between flames spreading over parallel solid sheets of paper are being studied in normal gravity and in microgravity. This geometry provides interesting opportunities to study the interaction of radiative and diffusive transport mechanisms on the spread process. These transport mechanisms are changed when the flame interacts with other flames. Most practical heterogeneous combustion processes involve interacting discrete burning fuel elements, consequently, the study of these interactions is of practical significance. Owing largely to this practical importance, flame interactions have been an area of active research, however microgravity research has been largely limited to droplets. Consideration of flame spread over parallel solid surfaces has been limited to 1-g studies. To study the conductive transport in these flames, an interferometer system has been developed for use in the drop tower. The system takes advantage of a single beam interferometer: Point Diffraction Interferometry (PDI) which uses a portion of the light through the test section to provide the reference beam. Like other interferometric and Schlieren systems, it is a line of sight measurement and is subject to the usual edge and concentration effects. The advantage over Schlieren and shearing interferometry systems is that the fringes are lines of constant index of refraction rather than of its gradient so the images are more readily interpreted. The disadvantage is that it is less able to accommodate a range of temperature gradients.

Goldmeer, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Transmission of singularities through a shock wave and the sound generation

The interaction of a plane shock wave of finite strength with a vortex line, point vortex, doublet or quadrupole of weak strength is studied. Based upon the physical condition that a free vortex line cannot support a pressure difference, rules are established which define the change of the linear intensity of the segment of the vortex line after its passage through the shock. The rules for point vortex, doublet, and quadrupole are then established as limiting cases. These rules can be useful for the construction of the solution of the entire flow field and for its physical interpretation. However, the solution can be obtained directly by the technique developed for shock diffraction problems. Explicit solutions and the associated sound generation are obtained for the passage of a point vortex through the shock wave.

Ting, L.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Deformation and Phase Transformation Processes in Polycrystalline NiTi and NiTiHf High Temperature Shape Memory Alloys

The deformation and transformation mechanisms of polycrystalline Ni49.9Ti50.1 and Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 (in at.%) shape memory alloys were investigated by combined experimental and modeling efforts aided by an in situ neutron diffraction technique at stress and temperature. The thermomechanical response of the low temperature martensite, the high temperature austenite phases, and changes between these two states during thermomechanical cycling were probed and reported. In the cubic austenite phase, stress-induced martensite, deformation twinning and slip processes were observed which helped in constructing a deformation map that contained the limits over which each of the identified mechanisms was dominant. Deformation of the monoclinic martensitic phase was also investigated where the microstructural changes (texture, lattice strains, and phase fractions) during room-temperature deformation and subsequent thermal cycling were compared to the bulk macroscopic response. When cycling between these two phases, the evolution of inelastic strains, along with the shape setting procedures were examined and used for the optimization of the transformation properties as a function of deformation levels and temperatures. Finally, this work was extended to the development of multiaxial capabilities at elevated temperatures for the in situ neutron diffraction measurements of shape memory alloys on the VULCAN Diffractometer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Benafan, Othmane↗
NASA NTRS1970

Investigation of solid state electrolyte silver-zinc battery

Study of the solid electrolyte ZnCl2-2NH3 rechargeable silver zinc electrochemical cell by X-ray diffraction analysis of the reaction products led to the conclusion that some water is consumed when the cell is discharged. Replacement of ZnCl2-2NH3 by ZnCl2-4Zn(OH)2 gave cells with high internal resistance and limited capacity. The salt formed by exposing a fibrous membrane saturated with ZnCl2 solution to fumes from ammonium carbonate in a dry desiccator comprised ZnCl2-4Zn(OH)2, ZnCl2,3NH4Cl and a third unidentified component. The temperature coefficient of open circuit EMF was nearly zero over the range from -25 C to 50 C. The internal resistance and polarization increased substantially below -25 C. There is some indication that exposure to 50 C for 29 hours causes some deterioration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Quantitative void characterization in structural ceramics using scanning laser acoustic microscopy

The ability of scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM) to characterize artificially seeded voids in sintered silicon nitride structural ceramic specimens was investigated. Using trigonometric relationships and Airy's diffraction theory, predictions of internal void depth and size were obtained from acoustic diffraction patterns produced by the voids. Agreement was observed between actual and predicted void depths. However, predicted void diameters were generally much greater than actual diameters. Precise diameter predictions are difficult to obtain due to measurement uncertainty and the limitations of 100 MHz SLAM applied to typical ceramic specimens.

Roth, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Quantitative void characterization in structural ceramics by use of scanning laser acoustic microscopy

The ability of scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM) to characterize artificially seeded voids in sintered silicon nitride structural ceramic specimens was investigated. Using trigonometric relationships and Airy's diffraction theory, predictions of internal void depth and size were obtained from acoustic diffraction patterns produced by the voids. Agreement was observed between actual and predicted void depths. However, predicted void diameters were generally much greater than actual diameters. Precise diameter predictions are difficult to obtain due to measurement uncertainty and the limitations of 100 MHz SLAM applied to typical ceramic specimens.

Roth, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Flaw characterization in structural ceramics using scanning laser acoustic microscopy

The ability of scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM) to characterize artifically seeded voids in sintered silicon nitride structural ceramic specimens was investigated. The voids ranged from 20 to 430 microns in diameter and were embedded up to 2 mm beneath the surface of the specimens. Probability of detection was determined as a function of void depth and size. Trigonometric relationships and Airy's diffraction theory were used to obtain predictions of void depth and size from acoustic diffraction patterns produced by the voids. Agreement was observed between actual and predicted void depths. However, predicted void diameters were generally much greater than actual diameters. Precise diameter predictions are difficult to obtain because of measurement uncertainty and the limitations of the 100 MHz SLAM applied to typical ceramic specimens.

Roth, Don J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Use of Beacon Satellites for Efficient Uplink Transmission for Free-Space Quantum Entanglement Distribution

Efficient transmission of optical beams from ground to space is important for free-space entanglement distribution in a dual-uplink architecture in which photons from entanglement sources at two ground locations interact in an optical Bell-state measurement implemented on a satellite. Efficient transmission requires large transmitting apertures to minimize diffraction losses and high-performance adaptive optics to overcome the effects of atmospheric turbulence. Achieving good atmospheric compensation for beams transmitted to satellites is challenging because the need to point ahead of the satellite introduces anisoplanatism error that limits the effectiveness of the adaptive optics. An attractive approach for solving the point-ahead problem is to position a separate small satellite at the point-ahead location to provide a beacon source for the adaptive optics. This paper presents analysis of the requirements for the beacon source(s) for a dual-uplink entanglement-distribution demonstration. A relative performance metric is defined and evaluated for multiple beacon configurations, from a single, fixed beacon serving both ground sites to a dedicated beacon for each site continually adjusted to be at the correct point-ahead distance from the target satellite.

quantum↗