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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Design and chemical synthesis of iodine-containing molecules for application to solar-pumped I* lasers

This work is directed toward the design and chemical synthesis of new media for solar-pumped I* lasers. In view of the desirability of preparing a perfluoroalkyl iodide absorbing strongly at 300 nm, the relationship betwen perfluoroalkyl iodide structure and the corresponding absorption wavelength was reexamined. Analysis of existing data suggests that, in this family of compounds, the absorption maximum shifts to longer wavelength, as desired, as the C-I bond in the lasant is progressively weakened. Weakening of the C-I bond correlates, in turn, with increasing stability of the perfluoroalkyl radical formed upon photodissociation of the iodide. The extremely promising absorption characteristics of perfluoro-tert-butyl iodide can be accounted for on this basis. A new technique of diode laser probing to obtain precise yields of I* atoms in photodissociation was also developed.

Shiner, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Understanding crystallinity in aromatic polyimides

Aromatic polyimides are a class of polymers that show remarkable thermal stability, strength, and toughness. These properties make them attractive candidates for use in high-performance carbon fiber composites for airborne and spaceborne structural components. Our research centered on the development of an understanding of the underlying process of crystallite formation in a particular class of aryl polyimides for which there are some x-ray crystallographic data available. The ultimate aim of the project is to be able to develop a model sufficiently flexible to be able, on the basis of the chemical structure of a polymer in this class, to predict: (1) whether it will be prone to form crystallites; (2) crystallographic features of the crystallites; and (3) synthesis and/or processing conditions that will be favorable or unfavorable to crystallite formation. This will provide guidance to the laboratory chemists in their choice of candidate polymers and processing methods.

Celarier, Edward A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Alloys for hydrogen storage in nickel/hydrogen and nickel/metal hydride batteries

Since 1990, there has been an ongoing collaboration among the authors in the three laboratories to (1) prepare alloys of the AB(sub 5) and AB(sub 2) types, using arc-melting/annealing and mechanical alloying/annealing techniques; (2) examine their physico-chemical characteristics (morphology, composition); (3) determine the hydrogen absorption/desorption behavior (pressure-composition isotherms as a function of temperature); and (4) evaluate their performance characteristics as hydride electrodes (charge/discharge, capacity retention, cycle life, high rate capability). The work carried out on representative AB(sub 5) and AB(sub 2) type modified alloys (by partial substitution or with small additives of other elements) is presented. The purpose of the modification was to optimize the thermodynamics and kinetics of the hydriding/dehydriding reactions and enhance the stabilities of the alloys for the desired battery applications. The results of our collaboration, to date, demonstrate that (1) alloys prepared by arc melting/annealing and mechanical alloying/annealing techniques exhibit similar morphology, composition and hydriding/dehydriding characteristics; (2) alloys with the appropriate small amounts of substituent or additive elements: (1) retain the single phase structure, (2) improve the hydriding/dehydriding reactions for the battery applications, and (3) enhance the stability in the battery environment; and (3) the AB(sub 2) type alloys exhibit higher energy densities than the AB(sub 5) type alloys but the state-of-the-art, commercialized batteries are predominantly manufactured using Ab(sub 5) type alloys.

Anani, Anaba↗
NASA NTRS1996

Electron Emission Observations from As-Grown and Vacuum-Coated Chemical Vapor Deposited Diamond

Field emission has been observed from chemical vapor deposited diamond grown on Mo and Si substrates. Emission was observed at fields as low as 20 kV/cm. The samples were tested in the as-grown form, and after coating with thin films of Au, CsI, and Ni. The emission current was typically maximum at the onset of the applied field, but was unstable, and decreased rapidly with time from the as-grown films. Thin Au layers, approximately 15 nm thick, vacuum deposited onto the diamond samples significantly improved the stability of the emission current at values approximately equal to those from uncoated samples at the onset of the applied field. Thin layers of CsI, approximately 5 nm thick, were also observed to improve the stability of the emission current but at values less than those from the uncoated samples at the onset of the applied field. While Au and CsI improved the stability of the emission, Ni was observed to have no effect.

Lamouri, A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Simultaneous Raman-Rayleigh-LIF Measurements and Numerical Modeling Results of a Lifted H2/N2 Turbulent Jet Flame in a Vitiated Coflow

An experimental and numerical investigation is presented of a H2/N2 turbulent jet flame burner that has a novel vitiated coflow. The vitiated coflow emulates the recirculation region of most combustors, such as gas turbines or furnaces. Additionally, since the vitiated gases are coflowing, the burner allows for exploration of recirculation chemistry without the corresponding fluid mechanics of recirculation. Thus the vitiated coflow burner design facilitates the development of chemical kinetic combustion models without the added complexity of recirculation fluid mechanics. Scalar measurements are reported for a turbulent jet flame of H2/N2 in a coflow of combustion products from a lean ((empty set) = 0.25) H2/Air flame. The combination of laser-induced fluorescence, Rayleigh scattering, and Raman scattering is used to obtain simultaneous measurements of the temperature, major species, as well as OH and NO. Laminar flame calculation with equal diffusivity do agree when the premixing and preheating that occurs prior to flame stabilization is accounted for in the boundary conditions. Also presented is an exploratory pdf model that predicts the flame's axial profiles fairly well, but does not accurately predict the lift-off height.

Cabra, R.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Implementation of Leak Test Methods for the International Space Station (ISS) Elements, Systems and Components

The International Space Station (ISS has Qualification and Acceptance Environmental Test Requirements document, SSP 41172 that includes many environmental tests such as Thermal vacuum & Cycling, Depress/Repress, Sinusoidal, Random, and Acoustic Vibration, Pyro Shock, Acceleration, Humidity, Pressure, Electromatic Interference (EMI)/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMCO), etc. This document also includes (13) leak test methods for Pressure Integrity Verification of the ISS Elements, Systems, and Components. These leak test methods are well known, however, the test procedure for specific leak test method shall be written and implemented paying attention to the important procedural steps/details that, if omitted or deviated, could impact the quality of the final product and affect the crew safety. Such procedural steps/details for different methods include, but not limited to: - Sequence of testing, f or example, pressurization and submersion steps for Method I (Immersion); - Stabilization of the mass spectrometer leak detector outputs fo r Method II (vacuum Chamber or Bell jar); - Proper data processing an d taking a conservative approach while making predictions for on-orbit leakage rate for Method III(Pressure Change); - Proper Calibration o f the mass spectrometer leak detector for all the tracer gas (mostly Helium) Methods such as Method V (Detector Probe), Method VI (Hood), Method VII (Tracer Probe), Method VIII(Accumulation); - Usage of visibl ility aides for Method I (Immersion), Method IV (Chemical Indicator), Method XII (Foam/Liquid Application), and Method XIII (Hydrostatic/Visual Inspection); While some methods could be used for the total leaka ge (either internal-to-external or external-to-internal) rate requirement verification (Vacuum Chamber, Pressure Decay, Hood, Accumulation), other methods shall be used only as a pass/fail test for individual joints (e.g., welds, fittings, and plugs) or for troubleshooting purposes (Chemical Indicator, Detector Probe, Tracer Probe, Local Vacuum Chamber, Foam/Liquid Application, and Hydrostatic/Visual Inspection). Any isolation of SSP 41172 requirements have led to either retesting of hardware or accepting a risk associated with the potential system or component pressure integrity problem during flight.

Underwood, Steve↗
NASA NTRS1989

The use of direct numerical simulation in the study of turbulent, chemically-reacting flows

Full turbulence simulations are used here to study the effects of chemical heat release on the large-scale structures in turbulent mixing layers. In agreement with laboratory results, it is found that the heat release lowers the rate at which the mixing layer grows and reduces the rate at which chemical products are formed. The baroclinic torque and thermal expansion in the mixing layer produce changes in the flame vortex structure that act to produce more diffuse vortices than in the constant density case, resulting in lower rotation rates of the large-scale structures. Previously unexplained anomalies observed in the mean velocity profiles of reacting jets and mixing layer are shown to result from vorticity generation by baroclinic torques. Calculations of the energy in the various wavenumbers shows that the heat release has a stabilizing effect on the growth rate of individual modes. This methodology can be applied for Reynolds numbers less than several hundred and for Damkoehler numbers less than about ten.

Riley, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS2008

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2008

Topics covered include: Charge-Control Unit for Testing Lithium-Ion Cells; Measuring Positions of Objects Using Two or More Cameras; Lidar System for Airborne Measurement of Clouds and Aerosols; Radiation-Insensitive Inverse Majority Gates; Reduced-Order Kalman Filtering for Processing Relative Measurements; Spaceborne Processor Array; Instrumentation System Diagnoses a Thermocouple; Chromatic Modulator for a High-Resolution CCD or APS; Commercial Product Activation Using RFID; Cup Cylindrical Waveguide Antenna; Aerobraking Maneuver (ABM) Report Generator; ABM Drag_Pass Report Generator; Transformation of OODT CAS to Perform Larger Tasks; Visualization Component of Vehicle Health Decision Support System; Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Uplink Analysis Tool; Problem Reporting System; G-Guidance Interface Design for Small Body Mission Simulation; DSN Scheduling Engine; Replacement Sequence of Events Generator; Force-Control Algorithm for Surface Sampling; Tool for Merging Proposals Into DSN Schedules; Micromachined Slits for Imaging Spectrometers; Fabricating Nanodots Using Lift-Off of a Nanopore Template; Making Complex Electrically Conductive Patterns on Cloth; Special Polymer/Carbon Composite Films for Detecting SO2; Nickel-Based Superalloy Resists Embrittlement by Hydrogen; Chemical Passivation of Li+-Conducting Solid Electrolytes; Organic/Inorganic Polymeric Composites for Heat-Transfer Reduction; Composite Cathodes for Dual-Rate Li-Ion Batteries; Improved Descent-Rate Limiting Mechanism; Alignment-Insensitive Lower-Cost Telescope Architecture; Micro-Resistojet for Small Satellites; Using Piezoelectric Devices to Transmit Power through Walls; Miniature Latching Valve; Apparatus for Sampling Surface Contamination; Novel Species of Non-Spore-Forming Bacteria; Chamber for Aerosol Deposition of Bioparticles; Hyperspectral Sun Photometer for Atmospheric Characterization and Vicarious Calibrations; Dynamic Stability and Gravitational Balancing of Multiple Extended Bodies; Simulation of Stochastic Processes by Coupled ODE-PDE; Cluster Inter-Spacecraft Communications; Genetic Algorithm Optimizes Q-LAW Control Parameters; Low-Impact Mating System for Docking Spacecraft; Non-Destructive Evaluation of Materials via Ultraviolet Spectroscopy; Gold-on-Polymer-Based Sensing Films for Detection of Organic and Inorganic Analytes in the Air; and Quantum-Inspired Maximizer.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2010

Spinoff 2010

Topics covered include: Burnishing Techniques Strengthen Hip Implants; Signal Processing Methods Monitor Cranial Pressure; Ultraviolet-Blocking Lenses Protect, Enhance Vision; Hyperspectral Systems Increase Imaging Capabilities; Programs Model the Future of Air Traffic Management; Tail Rotor Airfoils Stabilize Helicopters, Reduce Noise; Personal Aircraft Point to the Future of Transportation; Ducted Fan Designs Lead to Potential New Vehicles; Winglets Save Billions of Dollars in Fuel Costs; Sensor Systems Collect Critical Aerodynamics Data; Coatings Extend Life of Engines and Infrastructure; Radiometers Optimize Local Weather Prediction; Energy-Efficient Systems Eliminate Icing Danger for UAVs; Rocket-Powered Parachutes Rescue Entire Planes; Technologies Advance UAVs for Science, Military; Inflatable Antennas Support Emergency Communication; Smart Sensors Assess Structural Health; Hand-Held Devices Detect Explosives and Chemical Agents; Terahertz Tools Advance Imaging for Security, Industry; LED Systems Target Plant Growth; Aerogels Insulate Against Extreme Temperatures; Image Sensors Enhance Camera Technologies; Lightweight Material Patches Allow for Quick Repairs; Nanomaterials Transform Hairstyling Tools; Do-It-Yourself Additives Recharge Auto Air Conditioning; Systems Analyze Water Quality in Real Time; Compact Radiometers Expand Climate Knowledge; Energy Servers Deliver Clean, Affordable Power; Solutions Remediate Contaminated Groundwater; Bacteria Provide Cleanup of Oil Spills, Wastewater; Reflective Coatings Protect People and Animals; Innovative Techniques Simplify Vibration Analysis; Modeling Tools Predict Flow in Fluid Dynamics; Verification Tools Secure Online Shopping, Banking; Toolsets Maintain Health of Complex Systems; Framework Resources Multiply Computing Power; Tools Automate Spacecraft Testing, Operation; GPS Software Packages Deliver Positioning Solutions; Solid-State Recorders Enhance Scientific Data Collection; Computer Models Simulate Fine Particle Dispersion; Composite Sandwich Technologies Lighten Components; Cameras Reveal Elements in the Short Wave Infrared; Deformable Mirrors Correct Optical Distortions; Stitching Techniques Advance Optics Manufacturing; Compact, Robust Chips Integrate Optical Functions; Fuel Cell Stations Automate Processes, Catalyst Testing; Onboard Systems Record Unique Videos of Space Missions; Space Research Results Purify Semiconductor Materials; and Toolkits Control Motion of Complex Robotics.

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NASA NTRS2002

A Review of Single Source Precursors for the Deposition of Ternary Chalcopyrite Materials

The development of thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified durable substrates (i.e. Kapton) provides an attractive solution to fabricating solar arrays with high specific power, (W/kg). The syntheses and thermal modulation of ternary single source precursors, based on the [{LR}2Cu(SR')2In(SR')2] architecture in good yields are described. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and Low temperature Differential Scanning Caloriometry, (DSC) demonstrate that controlled manipulation of the steric and electronic properties of either the group five-donor and/or chalcogenide moiety permits directed adjustment of the thermal stability and physical properties of the precursors. TGA-Evolved Gas Analysis, confirms that single precursors decompose by the initial extrusion of the sulphide moiety, followed by the loss of the neutral donor group, (L) to release the ternary chalcopyrite matrix. X-ray diffraction studies, EDS and SEM on the non-volatile pyrolized material demonstrate that these derivatives afford single-phase CuInS2/CuInSe2 materials at low temperature. Thin-film fabrication studies demonstrate that these single source precursors can be used in a spray chemical vapor deposition process, for depositing CuInS2 onto flexible polymer substrates at temperatures less than 400 C.

Banger, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Quantifying the Aerosol Semi-Direct Effect in the NASA GEOS-5 AGCM

Aerosols such as black carbon, dust, and some organic carbon species both scatter and absorb incoming solar radiation. This direct aerosol radiative forcing (DARF) redistributes solar energy both by cooling the surface and warming the atmosphere. As a result, these aerosols affect atmospheric stability and cloud cover (the semi-direct effect, or SDE). Furthermore, in regions with persistent high loadings of absorbing aerosols (e.g. Asia), regional circulation patterns may be altered, potentially resulting in changes in precipitation patterns. Here we investigate aerosol-climate coupling using the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System model version 5 (GEOS-5) atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), in which we have implemented an online version of the Goddard Chemistry, Aerosol, Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model. GOCART includes representations of the sources, sinks, and chemical transformation of externally mixed dust, sea salt, sulfate, and carbonaceous aerosols. We examine a series of free-running ensemble climate simulations of the present-day period (2000-2009) forced by observed sea surface temperatures to determine the impact of aerosols on the model climate. The SDE and response of each simulation is determined by differencing with respect to the control simulation (no aerosol forcing). In a free-running model, any estimate of the SDE includes changes in clouds due both to atmospheric heating from aerosols and changes in circulation. To try and quantify the SDE without these circulation changes we then examine the DARF and SDE in GEOS-5 with prescribed meteorological analyses introduced by the MERRA analysis. By doing so, we are able to examine changes in model clouds that occur on shorter scales (six hours). In the GEOS-5 data assimilation system (DAS), the analysis is defined as the best estimate of the atmospheric state at any given time, and it is determined by optimally combining a first-guess short-term GCM forecast with all available observations. The Incremental Analysis Update (IAU) is added to the model forecast tendencies to align them with the analysis every six hours, thus preventing longer timescale feedbacks due to the aerosol forcing. We calculate the SDE by comparing model runs with and without aerosols, and the difference in the IAU between these runs is a useful metric with which to evaluate the impact of the SDE on the model atmosphere and clouds. Decreasing the IAU indicates that the aerosol direct and semi-direct effects act to reduce the bias between the model and observations and vice versa.

Randles, Cynthia A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Stability and reactivity of dimethylethoxysilane

The chemistry of the compound dimethylethoxysilane (DMES) is discussed especially as it relates to waterproofing silica surfaces. Some of the desirable properties of this compound are that it readily reacts with silica in the vapor phase, it is a low boiling point liquid (54 C), and the by-product of its reaction with silica is the rather inert substances ethanol. It is currently used by NASA to re-waterproof the HRSI shuttle tiles before relaunching the vehicle. Very little information is available on this particular compound in the literature or even on related silane compounds that have both a hydride group and an alkoxy group. Since the close proximity of two groups often drastically affects the chemical behavior of each group, chemical reactions were carried out in the laboratory with DMES to verify the expected behavior of these two functional groups located on DMES. Some of the reactions tested would be potentially useful for quantitative or qualitative measurements on DMES. To study the reactions of DMES with silica surfaces, cabosil was used as a silica substrate because of its high surface area and the ease of detection by infrared spectroscopy as well as other techniques.

Johnson, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Storage Stability and Improvement of Intermediate Moisture Foods, Phase 3

Methods were determined for the improvement of shelf-life stability of intermediate moisture foods (IMF). Microbial challenge studies showed that protection against molds and Staphylococcus aureus could be achieved by a combination of antimicrobial agents, humectants and food acids. Potassium sorbate and propylene glycol gave the best results. It was also confirmed that the maximum in heat resistance shown by vegetative pathogens at intermediate water activities also occurred in a solid food. Glycols and sorbitol both achieve browning inhibition because of their action as a medium for reaction and effect on viscosity of the adsorbed phase. Chemical availability results showed rapid lysine loss before visual discoloration occurred. This is being confirmed with a biological test using Tetrahymena pyriformis W. Accelerated temperature tests show that effectiveness of food antioxidants against rancidity development can be predicted; however, the protection factor changes with temperature. BHA was found to be the best antioxidant for iron catalyzed oxidation.

Labuza, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ram accelerator direct space launch system - New concepts

The ram accelerator, a chemically driven ramjet-in-tube device is a new option for direct launch of acceleration-insensitive payloads into earth orbit. The projectile is the centerbody of a ramjet and travels through a tube filled with a premixed fuel-oxidizer mixture. The tube acts as the cowl of the ramjet. A number of new concepts for a ram accelerator space launch system are presented. The velocity and acceleration capabilities of a number of ram accelerator drive modes, including several new modes, are given. Passive (fin) stabilization during atmospheric transit is investigated and found to be promising. Gasdynamic heating in-tube and during atmospheric transit is studied; the former is found to be severe, but may be alleviated by the selection of the most suitable drive modes, transpiration cooling, or a hydrogen gas core in the launch tube. To place the payload in earth orbit, scenarios using one impulse and three impulses (with an aeropass) and a new scenario involving an auxiliary vehicle are studied. The auxiliary vehicle scenario is found to be competitive regarding payload, and requires a much simpler projectile, but has the disadvantage of requiring the auxiliary vehicle.

Bogdanoff, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Experimental Investigation of Organic Synthesis in Hydrothermal Environments

Seafloor hydrothermal systems may be the most likely locations on the early Earth for the emergence of life. Because of the disequilibrium inherent in such dynamic, mixing environments, abundant chemical energy would have been available for formation of the building blocks of life. In addition, theoretical studies suggest that organic compounds in these conditions would reach metastable states, due to kinetic barriers to the formation of stable equilibrium products (CO2 and methane). The speciation of organic carbon in metastable states is highly dependent on the oxidation state, pH, temperature, pressure and bulk composition of the system. The goal of our research is to investigate the effects of a number external variables on the formation, transformation, and stability of organic compounds at hydrothermal conditions. We have begun experimental work to attempt to control the oxidation state of simulated hydrothermal systems by using buffers composed of mineral powders and gas mixtures. We are also beginning to test the stability of organic compounds under these conditions. The experiments are being performed using the hydrothermal bomb apparatus at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, CA and the supercritical water oxidizer (SCWO) at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffet Field, CA. The amino acids decomposed rapidly. Even after the approximately 15 minutes between addition of the amino acids and the first sampling, no amino acids were detected in the PPM system by GC- MS, while in the FeFeO system the amino acids were present at a level of less than 50% of original. Carboxylic acids, ammonia, and CO2 were the main products, along with some unidentified compounds. The ratios of carboxylic acids and concentrations of other products seem to have remained stable during the experiments, consistent with observations of other metastable systems and theoretical predictions.

Shock, Everett L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Experimental Investigation of Organic Synthesis in Hydrothermal Environments

The results of the investigation were presented at a Astrobiology Institute General Meeting. Seafloor hydrothermal systems may be the most likely locations on the early Earth for the emergence of life. Because of the disequilibrium inherent in such dynamic, mixing environments, abundant chemical energy would have been available for formation of the building blocks of life. In addition, theoretical studies suggest that organic compounds in these conditions would reach metastable states, due to kinetic barriers to the formation of stable equilibrium products (CO2 and methane). The speciation of organic carbon in metastable states is highly dependent on the oxidation state, pH, temperature, pressure and bulk composition of the system. The goal of our research is to investigate the effects of a number external variables on the formation, transformation, and stability of organic compounds at hydrothermal conditions. We have begun experimental work to attempt to control the oxidation state of simulated hydrothermal systems by using buffers composed of mineral powders and gas mixtures. We are also beginning to test the stability of organic compounds under these conditions.

Shock, Everett L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Searching for an Acidic Aquifer in the Rio Tinto Basin: First Geobiology Results of MARTE Project

Among the conceivable modern habitats to be explored for searching life on Mars are those potentially developed underground. Subsurface habitats are currently environments that, under certain physicochemical circumstances, have high thermal and hydrochemical stability [1, 2]. In planets like Mars lacking an atmospheric shield, such systems are obviously protected against radiation, which strongly alters the structure of biological macromolecules. Low porosity but fractured aquifers currently emplaced inside ancient volcano/sedimentary and hydrothermal systems act as excellent habitats [3] due to its thermal and geochemical properties. In these aquifers the temperature is controlled by a thermal balance between conduction and advection processes, which are driven by the rock composition, geological structure, water turnover of aquifers and heat generation from geothermal processes or chemical reactions [4]. Moreover, microbial communities based on chemolithotrophy can obtain energy by the oxidation of metallic ores that are currently associated to these environments. Such a community core may sustain a trophic web composed of non-autotrophic forms like heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

Fernandez-Remolar, D. C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Density Variations as a Function of Compostion in the Venusian Crust: Implications for Tesserae Formation

The Venusian surface plains are thought to be predominantly basaltic, while tesserae occupy ~ 7 % and are potentially the oldest units preserved [1]. They consist of layered, folded, and eroded rocks [2], potentially giving an insight into what tectonic regimes were present during Venus’ history. Studies of the tesserae have noted lower emissivity measurements compared to the surrounding plains [3]. Several explanations for these lower emissivity values have been proposed, including a more felsic composition for the tesserae [4], that the lower emissivity could be a result of a difference in mineralogy caused by chemical weathering facilitated between the rocks and atmosphere by the lower temperatures at the higher elevations of tesserae [5]. Alternatively, the morphology of some features on tesserae, such as the Ovda Fluctus, are more consistent with a basaltic composition [6]. The presence of significant amounts of felsic igneous compositions could either imply partial melting of hydrous material and hence a higher water content in early Venus [7], or differentiation of basaltic melts [8]. Further, tesserae composition influences the density of the crust with major implications for the stability of crustal roots. Here, we use thermodynamic modeling to compute phase diagrams and extract rock densities for two end-member compositions: a basalt and a granite. We discuss major phase and density changes for each composition and describe the effect of compositional variations along geothermal gradients with implications for the stability of crustal roots with the aim to provide constraints on the composition of tesserae.

A R Baker↗