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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 775 records · Page 43
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NASA NTRS1991

Measurements of condensation nuclei above the jet stream - Evidence for cross jet transport by waves and new particle formation at high altitudes

Condensation nuclei were used as a tracer in midlatitude NASA Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange Project (STEP) experiments in April and May 1984 in order to study transport in the stratosphere. The very large scale, mean CN distribution was distorted by waves which had the effect of transporting air with anticyclonic properties several degrees to the cyclonic side of the jet and created a strongly layered structure in the CN distribution. Unfiltered CN data revealed short-wavelength oscillations in the CN distribution at the interface between the transported anticyclonic air parcel and the adjacent cyclonic air mass. These oscillations were also seen in the ozone data and increase the potential for mixing along that interface. If the mixing does occur, a wave mechanism for cross-jet transport has been observed.

Wilson, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Clays on Mars: Review of chemical and mineralogical evidence

Mafic igneous bedrock is inferred for Mars, based on spectrophotometric evidence for pyroxene (principally in optically dark areas of the globe) and the pyroxenite-peridotite petrology of shergottite nakhlite chassignite (SNC) meteorites. Visible and infrared spectra of reddish-brown surface fines (which dominate Martian bright areas) indicate ferric iron and compare favorably (though not uniquely) with spectra of palagonitic soils. Laboratory studies of SNC's and Viking Lander results support a model for Martian soil based on chemical weathering of mafic rocks to produce layer structured silicates (clay minerals), salts, and iron oxides.

Banin, Amos↗
NASA NTRS1992

Optical characterization of contaminant film

The so called 'nicotine stain' documented at many locations on the Long Duration Exposure Facility is still unexplained as to the exact origin and mechanism of deposition, although enough is known to have some understanding of the conditions coincident for the formation of the deposits. Direct and scattered atomic oxygen flux, and solar ultraviolet radiation interacting with materials outgassing products have all been implicated in the formation of the dark brown contamination deposits. The nicotine stain represents a potential of performance degradation for spacecraft designed for long term operation in low Earth orbit and therefore, a need exists to characterize this form of spacecraft self contamination and quantify the impact on thermal/optical systems. Optical property measurements in the spectral range of 2 to 10 microns were performed on specimens of the contaminated film. Reflectance measurements of the contaminant film as deposited on the surface and as free standing films are presented along with transmission spectra for the bulk material. Thickness measurements along with micrographic examination of the cross section of the deposit reveal the layered structure of the deposit which further implicates solar illumination as a factor in the deposition mechanism.

Blakkolb, Brian K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

AIAA/IKI Microgravity Science Symposium, 1st, Moscow, USSR, May 13-17, 1991, Proceedings

The state of the art of microgravity science is examined in reviews and reports. Consideration is given to fluid physics; modeling and numerical analysis; crystal growth of electronic materials, proteins, metals, alloys, glasses, and ceramics; biotechnology, combustion science, microgravity hardware, and fundamental phenomena; and education. Particular attention is given to containerless science and technology, a low-gravity two-phase flow with heat transfer, numerical investigation on Benard instability in a finite liquid layer, synthesis and crystallization of refractory compounds from solutions in metallic melts under microgravitation conditions, the long duration protein crystallization experiment aboard the Mir Space Station, directional solidification in immiscible systems, formation of periodic layer structure in oxide melts under different gravity values, opposed flow flame spread in normal, enhanced, and reduced gravity, automatic equipment for semiconductor production in space, and consort and joust sounding rocket missions.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

Convective stability in the Rayleigh-Benard and directional solidification problems - High-frequency gravity modulation

The effect of vertical, sinusoidal, time-dependent gravitational acceleration on the onset of solutal convection during directional solidification is analyzed in the limit of large modulation frequency. When the unmodulated state is unstable, the modulation amplitude required to stabilize the system is determined by the method of averaging. When the unmodulated state is stable, resonant modes of instability occur at large modulation amplitude. These are analyzed using matched asymptotic expansions to elucidate the boundary-layer structure for both the Rayleigh-Benard and directional solidification configurations. Based on these analyses, a thorough examination of the dependence of the stability criteria on the unmodulated Rayleigh number, Schmidt number, and distribution coefficient, is carried out.

Wheeler, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Airborne measurements of total reactive odd nitrogen (NO(y))

Airborne total reactive odd nitrogen measurements were made during August and September 1986 over the continental United States and off the west coast over the Pacific Ocean during NASA's Global Tropospheric Experiment/Chemical Instrumentation Test and Evaluation 2 program. Measurements were made in the marine and continental boundary layer and the free troposphere up to 6.1 km altitude. NO(y) mixing ratios between 24 pptv and more than 1 ppbv were found, with median values of 101 pptv in the marine boundary layer, 298 pptv in the marine free troposphere, and 288 pptv in the continental free troposphere, respectively. The marine troposphere exhibited layered structure which was also seen in the simultaneously measured ozone mixing ratio and dew point temperature. The averaged vertical NO(y) profile over the ocean does not show a distinct gradient. The NO(y) mixing ratio over the continent decreases with increasing altitude. The latter is consistent with our understanding that the continents are the major source region for these gases.

Huebler, G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Filtered Rayleigh scattering measurements in supersonic/hypersonic facilities

Preliminary measurements are presented of flow field properties in Mach 3 and Mach 5 flows using filtered Rayleigh scattering. Filter properties have been characterized by high resolution spectroscopy in order to optimize the selection of laser frequency and filter operating conditions, as well as for the development of an accurate filter modeling program. An optimized filter is used the background suppression feature of this technique to image the boundary layer structure in a Mach 3 high Reynolds number facility and the shock structure in a Mach 5 overexpanded jet. This had been achieved using a visible laser source. By frequency scanning the laser, time-averaged velocity measurements in the Mach 3 and Mach 5 flows are made. Data acquisition at 10 torr and below indicates that this approach can be extrapolated for use in hypersonic flow facilities and is applicable as an in-flight optical air data device for hypersonic vehicles.

Miles, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Pressure-Coupled Acoustic-Transducer Assembly

Improved acoustic-transducer assembly easy to assemble, relocatable, and used at high temperatures. In assembly, piezoelectric acoustic transducer pressure-coupled to delay line or fixture through soft metal like aluminum, copper or gold. Transducer subassembly includes layered structure of coupling material, transducer, thin disk of coupling material acting as cushion for transducer, electrode disk with coaxial cable lead attached, insulation/damping material, and pressure plate. Pressure coupling precludes problem of matching coefficients of thermal expansion of transducer, coupling material, and delay line.

Parker, F. Raymond↗
NASA NTRS1992

Multi-layer holographic bifurcative neural network system for real-time adaptive EOS data analysis

Optical data processing techniques have the inherent advantage of high data throughout, low weight and low power requirements. These features are particularly desirable for onboard spacecraft in-situ real-time data analysis and data compression applications. The proposed multi-layer optical holographic neural net pattern recognition technique will utilize the nonlinear photorefractive devices for real-time adaptive learning to classify input data content and recognize unexpected features. Information can be stored either in analog or digital form in a nonlinear photorefractive device. The recording can be accomplished in time scales ranging from milliseconds to microseconds. When a system consisting of these devices is organized in a multi-layer structure, a feed forward neural net with bifurcating data classification capability is formed. The interdisciplinary research will involve the collaboration with top digital computer architecture experts at the University of Southern California.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multilayer thin film design as far ultraviolet polarizers

We use a concept of induced transmission and absorption to design multilayer thin film reflection polarizers in the FUV region. We achieve high s-polarization reflectance and a high degree of polarization by means of a MgF2/Al/MgF2 three layer structure on an opaque thick film of aluminum as the substrate. For convenience they are designed at a 45 deg angle of incidence. For example, our polarizer designed for the Lyman-alpha line (121.6 nm) has 88.67 percent reflectance for the s-polarization case, and 1.21 percent for the p-polarization case, with a degree of polarization of 97.31 percent. If we make a double surface polarizer with this design, it will have a degree of polarization of 99.96 percent and s-polarization throughput of 78.62 percent.

Kim, Jongmin↗
NASA NTRS1991

Surface disordering of Pb(110)

A molecular dynamics simulation of Pb(110), using embedded atom method energy functional and two-body potential derived for the purpose, shows that near 400 K the three surface layers begin to disorder well before the bulk (interior) layers. Transfer of atoms from the first subsurface layer to the surface layer occurs. Disordering propagates beyond the top three layers above 550 K, accompanied by formation of an adlayer and vacancies in the top three layers. Behavior of the two-dimensional layer structure factors indicates that disordering is anisotropic. Simulation results are consistent with experimental observations of surface roughening near 400 K and more extensive surface ordering above 525 K. Results are consistent with simulations for Ni and Al.

Tibbits, P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multilayer thin film design for far ultraviolet polarizers using an induced transmission and absorption technique

An explanation of induced transmission for spectral regions excluding the far ultraviolet (FUV) is given to better understand how induced transmission and absorption can be used to design effective polarizers in the FUV spectral region. We achieve high s-polarization reflectance and a high degree of polarization (P equals (Rs-Rp)/(Rs+Rp)) by means of a MgF2/Al/MgF2 three layer structure on an opaque thick film of Al as the substrate. For example, our polarizer designed for the Lyman-alpha line (lambda equals 121.6 nm) has 87.95 percent reflectance for the s-polarization case and 0.43 percent for the p-polarization case, with a degree of polarization of 99.03 percent. If a double reflection polarizer is made with this design, it will have a degree of polarization of 99.99 percent and s-polarization throughput of 77.35 percent.

Kim, Jongmin↗
NASA NTRS1993

Grosnaja ABCs: Magnesium isotope compositions

Three CAI's from the Grosnaja CV3 chondrite were analyzed for their magnesium isotopic compositions by the ion microprobe. The selected CAI's represent three distinct types: GR4(compact Type A), GR7(Type B) and GR2(Type C). Petrographic studies indicate that all three Grosnaja inclusions were subjected to secondary alterations. The Type A CAI GR4 is primarily composed of melilite with spinel and pyroxene occurring as minor phases. The rim of the inclusion does not exhibit distinct layered structure and secondary alteration products (garnet, Fe-rich olivine and Na-rich plagioclase) are present in some localized areas near the rim region. The average major element compositions of different mineral phases in GR4 are given. Preliminary REE data suggest a depletion of HREE relative to LREE by about a factor of 3 without any clear indication of interelement fractionation. The CAI GR7 has textural and minerological characteristics similar to Type B inclusions. The REE data show a pattern that is similar to Group 6 with enrichment in Eu and Yb. In addition, a depletion of HREE compared to LREE is also evident in this object. Melilite composition shows a broad range of akermanite content (Ak(sub 15-55)). Detailed petrographic study is in progress. GR2 is a anorthite-rich Type C inclusion with large plagioclase laths intergrown with Ti-rich pyroxene. The average plagioclase composition is close to pure anorthite (An99).

Goswami, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Selected computations of transonic cavity flows

An efficient diagonal scheme implemented in an overset mesh framework has permitted the analysis of geometrically complex cavity flows via the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Use of rapid hyperbolic and algebraic grid methods has allowed simple specification of critical turbulent regions with an algebraic turbulence model. Comparisons between numerical and experimental results are made in two dimensions for the following problems: a backward-facing step; a resonating cavity; and two quieted cavity configurations. In three-dimensions the flow about three early concepts of the stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) are compared to wind-tunnel data. Shedding frequencies of resolved shear layer structures are compared against experiment for the quieted cavities. The results demonstrate the progress of computational assessment of configuration safety and performance.

Atwood, Christopher A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Unsteady fluid and optical simulation of transonic aero-windows

The time-varying fluid and optical fields of several cavity configurations have been computed on overset mesh systems using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and geometric optics. Comparisons between numerical results and Airborne Optical Adjunct (AOA) flight data are made in two-dimensions for a quieted cavity geometry with two lip-blowing rates. In three-dimensions, two proposed aero-window locations for the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) are discussed. The simulations indicate that convection of large shear layer structures across the aperture cause the blur circle diameter to be three times the diffraction-limited diameter in the near-infrared band.

Atwood, Christopher A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Determination of Martian soil mineralogy and water content using the Thermal Analyzer for Planetary Soils (TAPS)

Physical and chemical interactions between the surface and atmosphere of Mars can be expected to embody a strong cause-and-effect relationship with the minerals comprising the martian regolith. Many of the minerals in soils and sediments are probably products of chemical weathering (involving surface/atmosphere or surface/hydrosphere reactions) that could be expected to subsequently influence the sorption of atmospheric gases and water vapor. Therefore, identification of the minerals in martian surface soils and sediments is essential for understanding both past and present interactions between the Mars surface and atmosphere. Clearly, the most definitive mineral analyses would be achieved with well-preserved samples returned to Earth-based laboratories. In advance of a Mars sample return mission, however, significant progress could be made with in situ experiments that fill current voids in knowledge about the presence or abundance of key soil minerals such as clays (layered-structured silicates), zeolites, and various salts, including carbonates. TAPS is intended to answer that challenge by providing first-order identification of soil and sediment minerals.

Gooding, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

High surface area, low weight composite nickel fiber electrodes

The energy density and power density of light weight aerospace batteries utilizing the nickel oxide electrode are often limited by the microstructures of both the collector and the resulting active deposit in/on the collector. Heretofore, these two microstructures were intimately linked to one another by the materials used to prepare the collector grid as well as the methods and conditions used to deposit the active material. Significant weight and performance advantages were demonstrated by Britton and Reid at NASA-LeRC using FIBREX nickel mats of ca. 28-32 microns diameter. Work in our laboratory investigated the potential performance advantages offered by nickel fiber composite electrodes containing a mixture of fibers as small as 2 microns diameter (Available from Memtec America Corporation). These electrode collectors possess in excess of an order of magnitude more surface area per gram of collector than FIBREX nickel. The increase in surface area of the collector roughly translates into an order of magnitude thinner layer of active material. Performance data and advantages of these thin layer structures are presented. Attributes and limitations of their electrode microstructure to independently control void volume, pore structure of the Ni(OH)2 deposition, and resulting electrical properties are discussed.

Johnson, Bradley A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Session on coupled land surface/hydrological/atmospheric models

The current model capabilities in the context of land surface interactions with the atmosphere include only one-dimensional characteristics of vegetation and soil surface heat, moisture, momentum, and selected other trace gas fluxes (e.g., CO2). The influence of spatially coherent fluxes that result from landscape heterogeneity were not included. Valuable representations of several aspects of the landscape pattern currently exist. These include digital elevation data and measures of the leaf area index (i.e., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data). A major deficiency, however, is the lack of an ability to sample spatially representative shallow and (especially) deep soil moisture. Numerous mesoscale modeling and observed studies demonstrated the sensitivity of planetary boundary layer structure and deep convection to the magnitude of the surface moisture flux.

Pielke, Roger↗