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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 91 records · Page 5

Automating Hyperspectral Data for Rapid Response in Volcanic Emergencies

In a volcanic emergency, time is of the essence. It is vital to quantify eruption parameters (thermal emission, effusion rate, location of activity) and distribute this information as quickly as possible to decision-makers in order to enable effective evaluation of eruption-related risk and hazard. The goal of this work was to automate and streamline processing of spacecraft hyperspectral data, automate product generation, and automate distribution of products. Visible and Short-Wave Infrared Images of volcanic eruption in Iceland in May 2010." class="caption" align="right">The software rapidly processes hyperspectral data, correcting for incident sunlight where necessary, and atmospheric transmission; detects thermally anomalous pixels; fits data with model black-body thermal emission spectra to determine radiant flux; calculates atmospheric convection thermal removal; and then calculates total heat loss. From these results, an estimation of effusion rate is made. Maps are generated of thermal emission and location (see figure). Products are posted online, and relevant parties notified. Effusion rate data are added to historical record and plotted to identify spikes in activity for persistently active eruptions. The entire process from start to end is autonomous. Future spacecraft, especially those in deep space, can react to detection of transient processes without the need to communicate with Earth, thus increasing science return. Terrestrially, this removes the need for human intervention.

Davies, Ashley G.↗

The U.S. Rosetta Project at Its First Science Target: Asteroid (2867) Steins, 2008

On September 5, 2008, the International Rosetta Mission encountered its first formal science target of the mission, asteroid (2867) Steins. We report preliminary results from the U.S. experiments. NASA's contribution to the Rosetta mission consists of an ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer, a microwave spectrometer, a plasma instrument, and a portion of the electronics package for a mass spectrometer. The UV spectrometer (Alice) was used to obtain the first far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectrum of an asteroid. A ten-minute integration, surrounding the time of closest approach, averaging over a variety of geometries, showed very good signal from 850 Angstroms to 2000 Angstroms in the FUV. The microwave instrument (MIRO) obtained a high signal to noise measurement at both observing frequencies, enabling key thermal parameters to be derived. The plasma instrument (IES) obtained a brief measurement of the solar wind, and the Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) of the ROSINA instrument obtained a signal just at closest approach. Laboratory work with analogue materials was begun.

Alexander, C.↗

Advanced Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) Thermal Trade Studies

Advanced Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) is being done at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in preparation for the next Ultraviolet, Optical, Infrared (UVOIR) space observatory. A likely science mission of that observatory is the detection and characterization of 'Earth-like' exoplanets. Direct exoplanet observation requires a telescope to see a planet that is 10-10 times dimmer than its host star. To accomplish this using an internal coronagraph requires a telescope with an ultra-stable wavefront. This paper investigates two topics: 1) parametric relationships between a primary mirror's thermal parameters and wavefront stability, and 2) optimal temperature profiles in the telescope's shroud and heater plate that minimize static wavefront error (WFE) in the primary mirror.

Brooks, Thomas↗

Microcalorimeter Array Development for the ATHENA X-Ray Integral Field Unit

The X-ray integral field unit (X-IFU) for ESA's Athena X-ray observatory will consist of 3840 AC-biased transition edge sensors (TESs), read out using frequency domain multiplexing (FDM). In this paper we describe details of the latest pixels geometries that are being designed for the current baseline array configuration. This includes details on how important TES properties (transition parameters, thermal design of the pixels, absorber composition) are being optimized to meet the target energy resolution, count-rate and quantum efficiency. We also present the latest design optimizations specifically targeted at mitigating AC-bias phenomena in Mo/Au TESs that can degrade performance.

Smith, Stephen↗

Thermal Management Key Performance Parameter Development and System Analysis for the SUSAN Electrofan Aircraft

A set of key performance parameters (KPPs) for thermal management system (TMS) components was developed for use in system sizing and analysis. These KPPs were defined at three different levels of performance corresponding to different ranges of Technology Readiness Levels. KPP values were determined based on a large dataset that includes analysis and testing data from literature, NASA-funded research, and commercial product datasheets. These KPPs were then used to perform a TMS sizing and analysis of the SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) aircraft. Total TMS mass, power consumption, and drag is quantified at each KPP level, showing decreasing trends as the level of technology improves.

thermal management↗

Synoptic thermal and oceanographic parameter distribution in the New York Bight Apex on June 23, 1977

Concurrent surface water measurements made from a moving oceanographic research vessel were used to calibrate and interpret remotely sensed data collected over a plume in the New York Bight Apex on June 23, 1977. Multiple regression techniques were used to develop equations to subsequently map synoptic distributions of water quality parameters, chlorophyll A and total suspended matter, in the remotely sensed scene. Thermal (which did not have surface calibration values) and water quality parameter distributions indicated a cold mass of upwelled water in the Bight Apex with an overflowing nutrient-rich warm water plume that originated in the Sandy Hook Bay and flowed south near the New Jersey shoreline. Additional comparison of remotely sensed thermal and optical properties of the water with shipboard measurements indicated that remotely sensed data may be particularly useful for studying physical and biological processes in the top several meters of surface water at the plume boundaries.

Johnson, R. W.↗

Flash Thermal Diffusivity Measurements and Inspection of Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Specimens with Varying Process Parameters

Flash thermal diffusivity measurements were obtained on additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V disk shaped specimens with various process parameters. For additively manufactured metal parts, processing parameters such as laser power and scanning speed are critical to ensure the desired microstructure. For this study, the laser powder bed fusion process parameters were changed at various angular sections on a 21 mm diameter and 3.0 mm thick disk. The measurement of thermal diffusivity was performed by fitting a 1-dimensional thermal model to the data pixel by pixel to produce an inspection image. The image revealed the detection of defects such as lack of fusion porosity and areas of aggregated porosity. The thermal diffusivity imagery was compared to immersion scan ultrasonic and X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements for validation. Based on these results, additional samples were investigated using a single side thermal inspection technique to detect lack of fusion porosity and near surface voids.

thermal nondestructive evaluation↗

Flash Thermal Diffusivity Measurements and Inspection of Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Specimens with Varying Process Parameters

Flash thermal diffusivity measurements were obtained on additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V disk shaped specimens with various process parameters. For additively manufactured metal parts, processing parameters such as laser power and scanning speed are critical to ensure the desired microstructure. For this study, the laser powder bed fusion process parameters were changed at various angular sections on a 21 mm diameter and 3.0 mm thick disk. The measurement of thermal diffusivity was performed by fitting a 1-dimensional thermal model to the data pixel by pixel to produce an inspection image. The image revealed the detection of defects such as lack of fusion porosity and areas of aggregated porosity. The thermal diffusivity imagery was compared to immersion scan ultrasonic and X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements for validation. Based on these results, additional samples were investigated using a single side thermal inspection technique to detect lack of fusion porosity and near surface voids.

thermal nondestructive evaluation↗

Synoptic thermal and oceanographic parameter distributions in the New York Bight Apex

Concurrent surface water measurements made from a moving oceanographic research vessel were used to calibrate and interpret remotely sensed data collected over a plume in the New York Bight Apex on 23 June 1977. Multiple regression techniques were used to develop equations to map synoptic distributions of chlorophyll a and total suspended matter in the remotely sensed scene. Thermal (which did not have surface calibration values) and water quality parameter distributions indicated a cold mass of water in the Bight Apex with an overflowing nutrient-rich warm water plume that originated in the Sandy Hook Bay and flowed south near the New Jersey shoreline. Data analysis indicates that remotely sensed data may be particularly useful for studying physical and biological processes in the top several metres of surface water at plume boundaries.

Johnson, R. W.↗

Common Practice Lightning Strike Protection Characterization Technique to Quantify Damage Mechanisms on Composite Substrates

To support FAA certification airworthiness standards, composite substrates are subjected to lightning direct-effect electrical waveforms to determine performance characteristics of the lightning strike protection (LSP) conductive layers used to protect composite substrates. Test results collected from independent LSP studies are often incomparable due to variability in test procedures & applied practices at different organizations, which impairs performance correlations between different LSP data sets. Under a NASA supported contract, The Boeing Company developed technical procedures and documentation as guidance in order to facilitate a test method for conducting universal common practice lightning strike protection test procedures. The procedures obtain conformity in future lightning strike protection evaluations to allow meaningful performance correlations across data sets. This universal common practice guidance provides the manufacturing specifications to fabricate carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) test panels, including finish, grounding configuration, and acceptable methods for pretest nondestructive inspection (NDI) and posttest destructive inspection. The test operations guidance elaborates on the provisions contained in SAE ARP5416 to address inconsistencies in the generation of damage protection performance data, so as to provide for maximum achievable correlation across capable lab facilities. In addition, the guidance details a direct effects test bed design to aid in quantification of the multi-physical phenomena surrounding a lightning direct attachment supporting validation data requirements for the development of predictive computational modeling. The lightning test bed is designed to accommodate a repeatable installation procedure to secure the test panel and eliminate test installation uncertainty. It also facilitates a means to capture the electrical waveform parameters in 2 dimensions, along with the mechanical displacement and thermal heating parameters which occur during lightning attachment. Following guidance defined in the universal common practice LSP test documents, protected and unprotected CFRP panels were evaluated at 20, 40 and 100KAmps. This report presents analyzed data demonstrating the scientific usefulness of the common practice approach. Descriptions of the common practice CFRP test articles, LSP test bed fixture, and monitoring techniques to capture the electrical, mechanical and thermal parameters during lightning attachment are presented here. Two methods of measuring the electrical currents were evaluated, inductive current probes and a newly developed fiberoptic sensor. Two mechanical displacement methods were also examined, optical laser measurement sensors and a digital imaging correlation camera system. Recommendations are provided to help users implement the common practice test approach and obtain LSP test characterizations comparable across data sets.

Szatkowski, George N.↗

POLAR/TIDE Survey of Thermal O+ Characteristics near 5000km Altitude over the Polar Cap

We analyze measurements of thermal 0+ parameters from the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) on POLAR for April - May, 1996 obtained near 5000 km altitude within the polar cap ionosphere - magnetosphere interface region. Certain aspects of O+ parameters in this region were explored by Su et. al. [1998]. In this report, we hope to extend our understanding of the O+ behavior by examining relationships of densities, parallel velocities, and temperatures to the convection velocities, IMF By and Bz components. Preliminary results with the convection velocities are currently being analyzed. In doing so, we are guided in part by the Cleft Ion Fountain paradigm and model developed by Horwitz and Lockwood [1985] which involves downward O+ flows in the polar magnetosphere.

Stevenson, B. A.↗

Infrared observations of eclipses of Io, its thermophysical parameters, and the thermal radiation of the Loki volcano and environs

Observations of Io during eclipses by Jupiter in 1981-1984 are reported. Data obtained at 3.45-30 microns using bolometer system No. 1 on the 3-m IRTF telescope at Mauna Kea are presented in extensive tables and graphs and analyzed by means of least-squares fitting of thermophysical models to the eclipse cooling and heating curves, thermal-radiation calculations for the Io volcanoes, and comparison with Voyager data. Best fits are obtained for a model comprising (1) a bright region with a vertically inhomogeneous surface and (2) a dark vertically homogeneous region with thermal inertia only about 0.1 times that of (1). Little evidence of volcanic-flux variability during the period is found, and the majority (but not all) of the excess thermal IR radiation in the sub-Jovian hemisphere is attributed to the Loki volcano and its lava lake.

Sinton, William M.↗

Thermal expansion of AlAs

Lattice parameter and thermal expansion of AlAs as function of temperature, indicating lattice match at 900 C with GaAs

Ettenberg, M.↗