Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Layered Structures”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 811 records · Page 45

Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of Deep Submicron FETs

GaAs FET's with gatelengths on a nanometer scale have been designed, fabricated and evaluated in order to investigate the limits of conventional GaAs scaling rules. An optimum layer structure for deep submicron GaAs MESFET's was designed, and a fabrication process that minimizes the effects of extrinsic parasitics was developed. The fabricated FET's were measured and evaluated at DC and at RF frequencies. 0.1 micron and 50 nm gatelength GaAs MESFET's with 2x45 micron wide "T"-shaped gates were fabricated so that a wide range of saturation current was achieved. For the 0.1 micron gatelength FET's, peak g(sub m,ext) varies from 611 mS/mm to 795 mS/mm with an average value of 717 mS/mm, peak f(sub t) varies from 90 GHz to 103 GHz with an average value of 96 GHz, and peak f(sub max) varies from 147 GHz to 172 GHz with an average value of 161 GHz. In comparison, the peak g(sub m,ext) of the 50 nm gatelength FET's is reduced by almost 20%, the peak f(sub t) is increased by 30%, and the peak f(sub max) is about the same as for the 0.1 micron gatelength FET's. The f(sub t) of the 50 nm gatelength FET's is higher than the f(sub t) of the 0.1 micron gatelength FET's because of the reduced gate-source capacitance (C(sub gs)). The peak f(sub max) does not show a similar improvement because of the onset of short channel effects.

Abbott-Morse, Tracy↗

Weathering of Basaltic Rocks from the Gusev Plains up into the Columbia Hills from the Perspective of the MER Mossbauer Spectrometer

Rocks on the ejecta blanket of Bonneville crater and along Spirit s traverse over the Gusev plains towards the Columbia Hills are angular and strewn across the surface. They have a basaltic composition [1,2], and their Mossbauer spectra are dominated by an olivine doublet [1]. The ubiquitous presence of abundant olivine in rocks and in surrounding soil suggests that physical rather than chemical weathering processes currently dominate the plains at Gusev crater [1]. However, MB spectra of rocks and outcrops in the Columbia Hills suggest more aggressive alteration processes have occurred. Ascending into the hills, Spirit encountered outcrop and rocks exhibiting layered structures. Some scattered rocks at the foot of the Columbia Hills appeared "rotten" or highly altered by physical and/or chemical processes (fig. 1). Mossbauer spectra of those rocks show a decrease in olivine accompanied by an increase in the Fe-oxides magnetite, hematite, and nanophase Fe3+ -oxides (fig. 2), suggesting that chemical weathering processes in the presence of water have altered these rocks and outcrops.

Schroeder, C.↗

Influence of a fat layer on the near infrared spectra of human muscle: quantitative analysis based on two-layered Monte Carlo simulations and phantom experiments

The influence of fat thickness on the diffuse reflectance spectra of muscle in the near infrared (NIR) region is studied by Monte Carlo simulations of a two-layer structure and with phantom experiments. A polynomial relationship was established between the fat thickness and the detected diffuse reflectance. The influence of a range of optical coefficients (absorption and reduced scattering) for fat and muscle over the known range of human physiological values was also investigated. Subject-to-subject variation in the fat optical coefficients and thickness can be ignored if the fat thickness is less than 5 mm. A method was proposed to correct the fat thickness influence. c2005 Optical Society of America.

NASA Discipline Life Sciences Technologies↗

Theoretical Plasma Distribution Consistent With Ulysses Magnetic Field Observations in a High-Speed Solar Wind Tangential Discontinuity

The overall multi-layer structure of the magnetic field observed by Ulysses across a broad solar wind tangential discontinuity can be reproduced fairly well by means of a kinetic model. Such a simulation provides complementary information about the velocity distribution functions, which are not always known due to the low time resolution inherent in plasma measurements. The success of such a simulation proves that our kinetic model can be used as a realistic basis for further studies of the structure and stability of tangential discontinuities.

solar wind Ulysses plasma↗

Time-dependent Second Order Scattering Theory for Weather Radar with a Finite Beam Width

Multiple scattering effects from spherical water particles of uniform diameter are studied for a W-band pulsed radar. The Gaussian transverse beam-profile and the rectangular pulse-duration are used for calculation. An second-order analytical solution is derived for a single layer structure, based on a time-dependent radiative transfer theory as described in the authors' companion paper. When the range resolution is fixed, increase in footprint radius leads to increase in the second order reflectivity that is defined as the ratio of the second order return to the first order one. This feature becomes more serious as the range increases. Since the spaceborne millimeter-wavelength radar has a large footprint radius that is competitive to the mean free path, the multiple scattering effect must be taken into account for analysis.

mulitple scattering↗

Contrasts in Sea Ice Formation and Production in the Arctic Seasonal and Perennial Ice Zones

Four years (1997-2000) of RADARSAT Geophysical Processor System (RGPS) data are used to contrast the sea ice deformation and production regionally, and in the seasonal (SIZ) and perennial (PIZ) ice zones. Ice production is of seasonal ice in openings during the winter. 3-day estimates of these quantities are provided within Lagrangian elements initially 10 km on a side. A distinct seasonal cycle is seen in both zones with these estimates highest in the late fall and with seasonal minimums in the mid-winter. Regional divergence over the winter could be up to 30%. Spatially, the highest deformation is in the SIZ north of coastal Alaska. Both ice deformation and production are higher in the SIZ: deformation-related ice production in the SIZ (approx.0.5 m) is 1.5-2.3 times that of the PIZ (approx.0.3 m) - this is connected to ice strength and thickness. Atmospheric forcing and boundary layer structure contribute to only the seasonal and interannual variability. Seasonal ice growth in ice fractures accounts for approx.25-40% of the total ice production of the Arctic Ocean. By itself, this deformation-ice production relationship could be considered a negative feedback when thickness is perturbed. However, the overall effect on ice production in the face of increasing seasonal and thinner/weaker ice coverage could be modified by: local destabilization of the water column promoting overturning of warmer water due to increased brine rejection; and, the upwelling of the pynocline associated with increased occurrence of large shear motion in sea ice.

Kwok, R.↗

Contrasts in Sea Ice Deformation and Production in the Arctic Seasonal and Perennial Ice Zones

Four years (1997-2000) of RADARSAT Geophysical Processor System (RGPS) data are used to contrast the sea ice deformation and production regionally, and in the seasonal (SIZ) and perennial (PIZ) ice zones. Ice production is of seasonal ice in openings during the winter. Three-day estimates of these quantities are provided within Lagrangian elements initially 10 km on a side. A distinct seasonal cycle is seen in both zones with these estimates highest in the late fall and with seasonal minimums in the midwinter. Regional divergence over the winter could be up to 30%. Spatially, the highest deformation is seen in the SIZ north of coastal Alaska. Both ice deformation and production are higher in the SIZ: deformation-related ice production in the SIZ (approx.0.5 m) is 1.5-2.3 times that of the PIZ (approx.0.3 m): this is connected to ice strength and thickness. Atmospheric forcing and boundary layer structure contribute to only the seasonal and interannual variability. Seasonal ice growth in ice fractures accounts for approx.25-40% of the total ice production of the Arctic Ocean. Uncertainties in these estimates are discussed. By itself, this deformation-ice production relationship could be considered a negative feedback when thickness is perturbed. However, the overall effect on ice production in the face of increasing seasonal and thinner/weaker ice coverage could be modified by local destabilization of the water column promoting overturning of warmer water due to increased brine rejection; and the upwelling of the pynocline associated with increased occurrence of large shear motion in sea ice. Divergence is shown to be negligibly correlated to cyclonic motion in summer and winter in both ice zones.

Arctic Ocean↗

Stochastic Models of Molecule Formation on Dust

We will present new theoretical models for the formation of molecules on dust. The growth of ice mantles and their layered structure is accounted for and compared directly to observations through simulation of the expected ice absorption spectra

Charnley, Steven↗

On Multiple-Layered Vortices

As part of an ongoing effort to find ways to make vortex flow fields decompose more quickly, photographs and observations are presented of vortex flow fields that indicate the presence of multiple layers of fluid rotating about a common axis. A survey of the literature indicates that multiple-layered vortices form in waterspouts, tornadoes and lift-generated vortices of aircraft. An explanation for the appearance of multiple-layered structures in vortices is suggested. The observations and data presented are intended to improve the understanding of the formation and persistence of vortex flow fields.

Rossow, Vernon J.↗

Ocular Toxicity Testing of Lunar Dust

This slide presentation reviews the use of ocular testing to determine the toxicity of lunar dust. The OECD recommendations are reviewed. With these recommendations in mind the test methodology was to use EpiOcular, tissues derived from normal human epidermal keratinocytes, the cells of which have been differentiated on cell culture inserts to form a multi-layered structure, which closely parallels the corneal epithelium and to dose the tissue with 100 mg dust from various sources. The in-vitro study provides evidence that lunar dust is not severely corrosive or irritating, however, in vitro tests have limitations, and in vivo tests provides a more complete scenario, and information, it is recommended that in vivo tests be performed.

Meyers, Valerie E.↗

Microstructure Formations in the Two-Phase Region of the Binary Peritectic Organic System TRIS-NPG

In order to prepare for an onboard experiment on the International Space Station (ISS), systematic directional solidification experiments with transparent hypoperitectic alloys were carried out at different solidification rates around the critical velocity for morphological stability of both solid phases. The investigations were done in the peritectic region of the binary transparent organic TRIS-NPG system where the formation of layered structures is expected to occur. The transparent appearance of the liquid and solid phase enables real time observations of the dynamic of pattern formation during solidification. The investigations show that frequently occurring nucleation events govern the peritectic solidification morphology which occurs at the limit of morphological stability. As a consequence, banded structures lead to coupled growth even if the lateral growth is much faster compared to the growth in pulling direction.

Mogeritsch, Johann↗

Modeling the Effects of Beam Size and Flaw Morphology on Ultrasonic Pulse/Echo Sizing of Delaminations in Carbon Composites

The size and shape of a delamination in a multi-layered structure can be estimated in various ways from an ultrasonic pulse/echo image. For example the -6dB contours of measured response provide one simple estimate of the boundary. More sophisticated approaches can be imagined where one adjusts the proposed boundary to bring measured and predicted UT images into optimal agreement. Such approaches require suitable models of the inspection process. In this paper we explore issues pertaining to model-based size estimation for delaminations in carbon fiber reinforced laminates. In particular we consider the influence on sizing when the delamination is non-planar or partially transmitting in certain regions. Two models for predicting broadband sonic time-domain responses are considered: (1) a fast "simple" model using paraxial beam expansions and Kirchhoff and phase-screen approximations; and (2) the more exact (but computationally intensive) 3D elastodynamic finite integration technique (EFIT). Model-to-model and model-to experiment comparisons are made for delaminations in uniaxial composite plates, and the simple model is then used to critique the -6dB rule for delamination sizing.

Margetan, Frank J.↗

MSL DAN Science Investigation: Physical Simulation of DAN

The main objective of the proposed investigation is to study the characteristics (i.e., hydrogen content, soil composition, layer-structure, etc.) of sub-surface and the surface radiation (neutron in particular) environment.

Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generato↗

Surface Passivation by Quantum Exclusion Using Multiple Layers

A semiconductor device has a multilayer doping to provide improved passivation by quantum exclusion. The multilayer doping includes a plurality M of doped layers, where M is an integer greater than 1. The dopant sheet densities in the M doped layers need not be the same, but in principle can be selected to be the same sheet densities or to be different sheet densities. M-1 interleaved layers provided between the M doped layers are not deliberately doped (also referred to as "undoped layers"). Structures with M=2, M=3 and M=4 have been demonstrated and exhibit improved passivation.

Hoenk, Michael E.↗

1-Azaniumylcyclobutane-1-carboxylate monohydrate

In the title compound, C5H9NO2H2O, the amino acid is in the usual zwitterionic form involving the carboxylate group. The cyclobutane backbone of the amino acid is disordered over two conformations, with occupancies of 0.882 (7) and0.118 (7). In the crystal, NH O and OH O hydrogen bonds link the zwitterions [with the water molecule involved as both acceptor (with the NH3+) and donor (through a single carboxylate O from two different aminocyclobutane carboxylatemoities)], resulting in a two-dimensional layered structure lying parallel to (100).

Azaniumylcyclobutane↗

Attendee Response to Guiding Questions of the September 2014 DOE Workshop on North Slope of Alaska Priorities

We advocate for several modeling approaches suitable to prove understanding of and capability to model aerosol behavior in nucleating droplets and ice and to model regional cloud systems at the mesoscale. The full complement of data that is ideal for particular study types is increasingly well understood; the ASR ISDAC Science Plan provides an excellent example of listing the data required for each study type targeted by that campaign. Whereas discussion here focused on the microscale and mesoscale, other studies should obviously focus on the regional, seasonal and global scale. When considering ice microphysics alone, laser focus on unconstrained model components could be usefully intensified (e.g., collision-coalescence kernels). Similarly, a focus on boundary layer structure would be deeply valuable to a wide range of model types. The expense of observations motivates efficient planning for observational data sets to support specific study approaches; the concept of closure is often useful (e.g., the surface energy budget).

nucleation↗

Solid-State Ultracapacitor for Improved Energy Storage

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a solid-state ultracapacitor using a novel nanocomposite, dielectric material. The material's design is based on the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) concept, and it uses novel dielectric and metallic conductive ink formulations. Novel processing methods developed by NASA provide for unique dielectric properties at the grain level. Nanoscale raw material powders are tailored using a variety of techniques and then formulated into a special ink. This dielectric ink is used with novel metallic conductive ink to print a capacitor layer structure into any design necessary to meet a range of technical requirements. The innovation is intended to replace current range safety batteries that NASA uses to power the systems that destroy off-course space vehicles. A solid-state design provides the needed robustness and safety for this demanding application.

Nabors, Sammy↗

Nontronite and Montmorillonite as Nutrient Sources for Life on Mars

Clay minerals have been identified on Mars' oldest (Noachian) terrain and their presence suggests long-term water-rock interactions. The most commonly identified clay minerals on Mars to date are nontronite (Fe-smectite) and montmorillonite (Al-smectite) [1], both of which contain variable amounts of water both adsorbed on their surface and within their structural layers. Over Mars' history, these clay miner-al-water assemblages may have served as nutrient sources for microbial life.

Craig, P. I.↗