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At least 91 records · Page 5

Spectral reflectance of selected aqueous solutions for water quality applications

The relative specular reflectances of individual aqueous solutions having a particular chemical salt content were measured in the 2 to 20 micrometers region of the infrared component or radiant flux. Distilled water was the reflectance standard. The angle of incidence was 70.03 deg plus or minus 0.23 deg. Absolute reflectances of the solutions for the same polarization and angle of incidence were computed by use of the measured relative reflectances, one of the Fresnel equations, and the optical constants of distilled water. Phase shift and phase difference spectra were obtained by respectively applying a Kramers-Kronig dispersion analysis to the absolute and relative reflectance spectra. The optical constants of the solutions were determined by algorithms commonly associated with the Kramers-Kronig analysis. Spectral signatures that qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the solute and that show structure of the infrared bands of water were noted in the phase difference spectra. The relative and absolute reflectances, the phase shift and phase difference spectra and the optical constants are presented in graphical form. Application of these results to remote sensing of the chemical quality of natural waters is discussed briefly.

Querr, M. R.↗

Apollo experience report: Evolution of the rendezvous-maneuver plan for the lunar-landing missions

The evolution of the nominal rendezvous-maneuver plan for the lunar landing missions is presented along with a summary of the significant development for the lunar module abort and rescue plan. A general discussion of the rendezvous dispersion analysis that was conducted in support of both the nominal and contingency rendezvous planning is included. Emphasis is placed on the technical developments from the early 1960's through the Apollo 15 mission (July to August 1971), but pertinent organizational factors also are discussed briefly. Recommendations for rendezvous planning for future programs relative to Apollo experience also are included.

Alexander, J. D.↗

Melt immiscibility in Apollo 15 KREEP - Origin of Fe-rich mare basalts

Silicate liquid immiscibility (SLI) is investigated in terms of chemistry and occurrence in two KREEP-rich Apollo 15 basalts. The two samples have different cooling histories but the same composition. In the first sample, SLI occurred at the time of 58% crystallization. In the second sample, SLI occurred after 20% had crystallized. It is noted that SLI could be initiated as soon as plagioclase (out of a total composition which also included zircon, FeS, SiO2, whitlockite, and ilmenite) alone had crystallized. Attention is given to Fe-rich immiscible melts, and it is suggested that SLI may play an important role in the formation of the source regions of Fe-rich mare basalts. The analytical technique used for the assays was an energy dispersive analysis system with a resolution of 167 eV.

Hollister, L. S.↗

Wear of aluminum and hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon alloys in boundary-lubricated pin-on disk sliding

The friction and wear of pure aluminum and a number of hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon alloys (with 3 to 12 wt %Si) were studied with a pin-on-disk apparatus. The contacts were lubricated with mineral oil and sliding was in the boundary-lubrication regime at 2.6 cm/sec. Surfaces were analyzed with photomicrographs, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray dispersive analysis, and diamond pyramid hardness measurements. There were two wear regimes for the alloys - high and low - whereas pure aluminum exhibited a high wear rate throughout the test period. Wear rate decreased and the transition stress from high to low wear increased with increasing hardness. There was no correlation between friction coefficient and hardness. A least squares curve fit indicated a wear-rate dependence greater than the inverse first power of hardness. The lower wear rates of the alloys may be due to the composites of silicon platelets in aluminum resulting in increased hardness and thus impairing the shear of the aluminum.

Ferrante, J.↗

Nepheline and sodalite in a barred olivine chondrule from the Allende meteorite

The discovery of nepheline and sodalite in association with glass in a barred olivine chondrule from the Allende C3V meteorite is reported, and the possible origin of the minerals is discussed. Scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive analysis indicates that the major minerals of the chondrule are olivine, bronzite and chromite, with olivine bars separated by glass of nearly pure plagioclase composition. The olivine is observed to have a composition richer in Fe than that predicted from olivine-liquid equilibria, indicating, along with the presence of plagioclase glass and small amounts of subcalcic diopside, the nonequilibrium crystallization of the barred olivine chondrule. The textural features of the chondrule are consistent with a liquid origin for nepheline and sodalite from the chondrule-forming liquid under nonequilibrium conditions.

Lumpkin, G. R.↗

Melting, ablation, and vapor phase condensation during atmospheric passage of the Bjurbole meteorite

A detailed study of the Bjurbole fusion crust using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis (EDS) shows that filamentary crystals and ablation spheres may form on the meteoroid surface. Filamentary crystals, hollow spheres, and porous regions of the surface point to a period of intense vapor phase activity during atmospheric passage. Filamentary crystals can be divided into three categories on the basis of bulk composition and morphology. Two types of filamentary crystals are vapor phase condensation products formed during atmospheric entry of the meteoroid. The other type forms by the interaction of seawater with the fusion surface. The density and composition of ablation spheres varies with the flight orientation of the meteorite. The size range and composition of iron-nickel spheres on the surface of Bjurbole are similar to spheres collected in the stratosphere. A comparison of stratospheric dust collections with meteorite surfaces may provide further insight into the mechanisms of meteoroid entry into planetary atmospheres.

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.↗

Free-standing thin film Ge single crystals grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

The films, which are approximately 10 microns in thickness, are grown epitaxially on polished (100) NaCl substrates at 450 C by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Upon cooling, the films are separated from the substrate by differential shear stress, leaving free-standing films of Ge which can be handled. Growths are attained by nucleating at minimum plasma power for very brief intervals and then raising the power to 65 W to increase the growth rate to approximately 10 microns/h. It is found that substrate exposure to the plasma at too high a power for too long a time sputters and erodes the surface, thereby substantially degrading the nucleation process and the ultimate growths. It is noted that the free-standing films are visually specular and exhibit a high degree of crystalline order when examined by X-ray diffraction. Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays reveal no detectable bulk contamination.

Outlaw, R. A.↗

Effects of cobalt, boron, and zirconium on the microstructure of Udimet 738

A structural study was carried out on Co modified Udimet 738 alloys containing 0.04, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % Zr at 0.01 and 0.03 wt % B levels. Samples in the as-cast and solution-treated conditions were exposed at 843 C to study structural stability. The structures produced by the interactions of Co, Zr, and B were studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and dispersive analysis techniques. The additions of large amounts of Zr and B were found to increase the solidification range of the U-738. Structural changes involved eutectic gamma prime islands, formation of low melting point compounds, and precipitation of borides and Zr rich phases. Boron and zirconium additions did not show substantial changes in mechanical properties. Removal of Co from the alloys resulted in reduction of the matrix solubility for carbon and increase in the gamma prime solvus. Structural instabilities found were continuous grain boundary M23C6 films, MC breakdown, and plate-like phases. Removal of cobalt resulted in a slight decrease in tensile and stress rupture properties. Detailed structural results presented.

Nakanishi, T. G.↗

Instabilities in line-driven stellar winds. I - Dependence on perturbation wavelength

An analytical study is presented of the stability of absorption line-driven flows, such as found in stellar winds, in the presence of small-amplitude disturbances. A generalized calculation of the perturbed direct extinction force is performed and the evolution of the perturbation into the nonlinear regime and the dynamical results of perturbation in the scattered radiation field are examined. An expression is derived for the wavenumber variation of the perturbed line force from the milieu of nonoverlapping lines which have a power-law distribution in opacity. A linear dispersion analysis is carried out to model the growth and propagation of radiative-acoustic waves in absorption line-driven flows, which are found unstable to perturbations that may be smaller than the Sobolev length. No damping mechanism was found that would eliminate the absorption line-driven flows.

Owocki, S. P.↗

Deposition of silicon nitride from SiCl4 and NH3 in a low pressure RF plasma

Silicon nitride coatings were deposited in a low-pressure (1-10 Torr) RF plasma from SiCl4 and NH3 in the presence of argon onto stainless martensitic steel grounded and floating substrates at 300 C and 440 C respectively. The heating of the substrates depends mainly on the position and the induced RF power. The coatings were identified as silicon nitride by X-ray investigation and were found to contain chlorine by energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays. The growth rate, the microhardness and the chlorine concentration of the coatings were determined as a function of the total gas pressure, the RF power input and the NH3-to-SiCl4 ratio. It was observed that the coatings on the floating substrates have higher deposition rates and are of superior quality.

Ron, Y.↗

Solidification of Nb-Ge alloys in long drop tubes

The 30-m and 100 m-long drop tubes at the Marshall Space Flight Center have been used to obtain large undercooling in Nb-Ge alloys. Electron beam melting has been used to obtain drops approximately 2.5 mm in diam. In the 30-m tube, many specimens fell the length of the tube without solidifying, and were ultimately liquid-quenched in oil. The amount of undercooling prior to the quench was usually around 0.13 T(m). In the 100-m tube, freezing generally initiated during free fall, and the maximum undercooling was around 0.22 T(m). Microstructures were characterized by a combination of X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis by X-rays. A variety of interesting microstructures was observed.

Bayuzick, R. J.↗

Sectioning Coated Specimens Without Edge Rounding

New method devised for preparation of cross sections of coated specimens for scanning electron microscopy or energy-dispersive analysis without rounding edges of coatings. After cutting and polishing, specimen section remains smooth and flat so it can be examined under high magnification out to edge of coating. Sectioned blade first electroplated with hard nickel 0.003 in., then encapsulated in two layers of material: soft conductive material at bottom and 0.25 in. of hard diallyl phthalate at top. Nickel plate provides electrical path from surface of section to conductive material below.

Mckechnie, Timothy N.↗

FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization Of II-VI Semiconductors

Combination of commercial Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer with computer and special-purpose software constitutes highly automated facility for acquisition and processing of infrared transmission or reflection spectral image data. Intended principally to acquire transmission spectra of some compounds of elements in groups II and VI of periodic table. System used to characterize specimens of II/VI alloy semiconductors grown by directional solidification and quenching. Transmission-edge maps helpful in studies of flows, gradients of temperature, and coefficients of diffusion in solidifying melts. Data acquired by system include optical characteristics, and they both verify and complement data obtained by such other techniques as measurements of density and x-ray-dispersion analysis.

Perry, G. L. E.↗

Derivation of mid-infrared (5-25 microns) optical constants of some silicates and palagonite

Recent reports concerning the mid-infrared reflectance properties of silicates coupled with recent observations of the Earth and other planets in the mid-infrared and the planned Thermal Emission Spectrometer scheduled as an instrument to be included on the Mars Observer all illustrate the increasing interest in the optical properties of materials in the mid-infrared and their direct application to remote sensing observations of other planetary surfaces. As the laboratory and observational data increase they will ultimately be modeled to aid in the understanding of the composition mineralogy, and distribution of the surface and atmospheric constituents on these bodies. In order to facilitate such quantitative analyses, knowledge regarding the optical constants (real (n) and imaginary (k) indices of refraction) of a wide variety of pertinent materials is required. Examples of the application of such quantitative analyses to the interpretation of Martian surface and atmospheric constituents, based on the optical constants of minerals, are presented. This study was initially conceived in order to aid in the interpretation of Martian surface and atmospheric aerosol mineralogy. As a result, the minerals included are biased toward samples which represent hydrated and hydroxylated silicates. These include the Al and Mg end members of the 1:1 layer lattice silicates, kaolinite and serpentine, respectively; an Al-bearing 2:1 layer lattice silicate, pyrophyllite; the Mg and Al smectite clays saponite and montmorillonite, respectively; and a palagonite, typically a poorly characterized alteration product of basaltic glass. The reflectivities of all samples were determined by placing them at the focus of a near-normal reflective attachment located in a Fourier transform spectrometer. To derive the optical constants of a material as a function of wavelength, researchers used the commonly employed technique of dispersion analysis.

Roush, T. L.↗

Derivation of mid-infrared (5-25 microns) optical constraints of some silicates and palagonite

This study was initially conceived in order to aid in the interpretation of Martian surface and atmospheric aerosol mineralogy. As a result, the minerals included are biased toward samples which represent hydrated and hydroxylated silicates. Due to their physical particle size, clays and other materials, such as palagonite, cannot be prepared using typical preparation techniques. Yet in some cases, such as for Mars, these are the materials of perhaps the greatest interest. In order to obtain a suitable sample of these less cohesive materials for the laboratory measurements, a KBr pellet die was used and a pellet of the pure sample was prepared. For all clays and the palagonite, a pellet with highly reflective surfaces at visible wavelengths was produced. The reflectivities of all samples were determined, and to derive the optical constants of a materials as a function of wavelength, dispersion analysis was used which describes the real and imaginary indices of refraction as the contributions due to a sum of classical oscillators and relates them via Frensel's equations for non-normal incidence, the the measured near-normal reflectivity. The final values that were determined represent averages of several model fits to each data set using the same number of oscillators by varying the high frequency dielectric constant.

Roush, T. L.↗

Morphology and composition of condensates on Apollo 17 orange and black glass

Lunar soil sample 74220 and core samples 74001/2 consist mainly of orange glass droplets, droplet fragments, and their crystallized equivalents. These samples are now generally accepted to be pyroclastic ejecta from early lunar volcanic eruptions. It has been known since early examination of these samples that they contain surface coatings and material rich in volatile condensible phases, including S, Zn, F, Cl, and many volatile metals. The volatiles associated with these orange and black glasses (and the Apollo 15 green glasses) may provide important clues in understanding the differentiation and volcanic history of the Moon. In addition, condensible volatiles can be mobilized and concentrated by volcanic processes. We have reviewed many of our existing photomicrographs and energy dispersive analysis (EDXA) of grain surfaces and have reexamined some of our older SEM mounts using an improved EDXA system capable of light-element detection and analysis (oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon). The results from these investigations are presented.

Mckay, David S.↗