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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Structural analysis for preliminary design of High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT)

In the preliminary design environment, there is a need for quick evaluation of configuration and material concepts. The simplified beam representations used in the subsonic, high aspect ratio wing platform are not applicable for low aspect ratio configurations typical of supersonic transports. There is a requirement to develop methods for efficient generation of structural arrangement and finite element representation to support multidisciplinary analysis and optimization. In addition, empirical data bases required to validate prediction methods need to be improved for high speed civil transport (HSCT) type configurations.

Bhatia, Kumar G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Energy release topology in a multiple-loop solar flare

The temporal and spatial structures of the UV and X-ray emissions and the magnetic field configuration in the November 12, 1980 flare observed from SMM have been studied. The UV observations were done in the O V and Fe XXI lines with a spatial resolution of 10 arcsec. The observations show that the impulsive UV bursts, and also the hard X-ray bursts by their temporal correlation with the impulsive O V emission, occurred in small localized kernels. By comparing the O V, Fe XXI, and X-ray raster images of the flare with the magnetogram, these emission kernels were identified as footpoints of interacting magnetic flux loops. The temporal evolution of the O V/Fe XXI emission shows that there was considerable preheating in the flare plasma some 8-9 minutes prior to the onset of the main hard X-ray bursts. The results are interpreted as indicating that the primary flare energy release occurred in a highly sheared multiloop structure, which lies along a magnetic neutral line. By either beam particle propagation or convective motion, flare energy is transported via a common footpoint to another loop which brightened later. The preheating of the flare plasma is shown to create a more favorable environment for energetic particle acceleration which resulted in the main impulsive hard X-ray bursts.

Cheng, C.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Aerospace devices for magnetic replicas

Retained persistent magnetic field has been studied and improved in the superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 (Y123). During the study, trapped magnetic field, B(t), has been increased by over a factor of 10(exp 5). Methods used to improve magnetic field trapping were principally: (1) the adoption of the Melt Texturing process to increase grain size; (2) the addition of excess Y to disperse deposits of Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) and again increase grain size; (3) irradiation with high energy particles including 1H+, 3He++, 4He++, and fission fragments; and (4) utilizing temperatures below 77 K has also been quantified as a way to increase trapped field. In addition, in our study of B(t), we have found laws governing creep, activation, temperature dependence, creep vs. current flow, etc. In the range 20 K less than or equal to T less than or equal to 65 K, and for B less than 10 Tesla, a simple empirical relationship was found: B(trap) (T2) = B(trap) (T1) ((Tc - T2)/(Tc - T1))squared where Tc is the critical temperature. The highest experimental trapped field was B(trap) = 3.96 Tesla, at 65 K. We believe this to be the highest persistent field ever produced, by any method. A two component model of the persistent currents has been developed. This accurately reproduces the data, using as parameters only the magnitude of a constant surface current, J(s), and a constant volume current J(v). The model successfully predicts B(t) (xyz) for the case of maximum trapped field, for all samples observed. It has also been extended to describe the unsaturated case either zero field cooled, or field cooled. Loss of strap with time has been studied for the critical state (Bt,max), and non critical state (Bt less than Bt,max), for times from a few minutes to a few months, for unirradiated material, for irradiation by 1H+, 3He++, 4He++, high z projectiles, and neutrons, and for all materials used in the overall study. We conclude that: (1) multi Tesla trapped fields are attained; (2) fields over 10 T are achievable; (3) creep is not a large problem; (4) application is feasible to motors, generators, magnets for particle beam optics, separators, levitating bearings, energy storage, shielding, and transportation.

Weinstein, Roy↗
NASA NTRS2007

Description of a Generalized Analytical Model for the Micro-dosimeter Response

An analytical prediction capability for space radiation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), correlated with the Space Transportation System (STS) Shuttle Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) measurements, is presented. The model takes into consideration the energy loss straggling and chord length distribution of the TEPC detector, and is capable of predicting energy deposition fluctuations in a micro-volume by incoming ions through both direct and indirect ionic events. The charged particle transport calculations correlated with STS 56, 51, 110 and 114 flights are accomplished by utilizing the most recent version (2005) of the Langley Research Center (LaRC) deterministic ionized particle transport code High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport WZETRN), which has been extensively validated with laboratory beam measurements and available space flight data. The agreement between the TEPC model prediction (response function) and the TEPC measured differential and integral spectra in lineal energy (y) domain is promising.

Badavi, Francis F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Wave generation and particle transport in the plasma sheet and boundary layer

The one and two ion beam instability was considered as a possible explanation for the observations of broadband electrostatic noise in the plasma sheet region of the geomagnetic tail. When only hot streaming plasma sheet boundary layer ions were present, no broadband waves were excited. Cold, streaming ionospheric ions can generate electrostatic broadband waves propagating in the slow beam-acoustic mode, but the growth rates of the waves were significantly enhanced when warm boundary layer ions were presented. (Both the slow and fast beam-acoustic modes can be excited, depending on the relative ion drift.) This mode predicted that the wave intensity of the broadband noise should peak in the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL). Observations of less intense electrostatic waves in the lobes and plasma sheet were likely a result of the absence of warm ion beams or large ion temperatures, respectively, which resulted in smaller growth rates. The model dependence of the ion beam instability has also been studied. For cold and warm ions streaming in the same direction, researchers found wave growth peaked for wave normal angles theta = 0 deg. and wave frequencies approx. 0.1 x the electron plasma frequency. However, for anti-parallel streaming cold and warm ions, wave growth peaks near theta = 90 deg. and wave frequencies were an order of magnitude smaller.

Dusenbery, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The construction of a highly transportable laser ranging station

The technology of the transportable Laser Ranging Station (TLRS) used in crustal dynamics studies was examined. The TLRS used a single photoelectron beam of limited energy density returned from the Laser Geodynamic Satellite (LAGEOS). Calibration was accomplished by the diversion of a small portion of the outgoing beam attenuated to the same level as the satellite return. Timing for the system was based on a self calibrating Ortec TD811, 100 picosec time interval device. The system was contained in a modified, single chassis recreational vehicle that allowed rapid deployment. The TLRS system was only airmobile on the largest transport aircraft. A 30 cm simple plano/concave transfer lens telescope aided in beam direction. The TLRS system fulfills the need for an accurate method of obtaining range measurements to the LAGEOS satellite incorporated in a mobile, air transportable, and economical configuration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

The collective emission of electromagnetic waves from astrophysical jets - Luminosity gaps, BL Lacertae objects, and efficient energy transport

A model of the inner portions of astrophysical jets is constructed in which a relativistic electron beam is injected from the central engine into the jet plasma. This beam drives electrostatic plasma wave turbulence, which leads to the collective emission of electromagnetic waves. The emitted waves are beamed in the direction of the jet axis, so that end-on viewing of the jet yields an extremely bright source (BL Lacertae object). The relativistic electron beam may also drive long-wavelength electromagnetic plasma instabilities (firehose and Kelvin-Helmholtz) that jumble the jet magnetic field lines. After a sufficient distance from the core source, these instabilities will cause the beamed emission to point in random directions and the jet emission can then be observed from any direction relative to the jet axis. This combination of effects may lead to the gap turn-on of astrophysical jets. The collective emission model leads to different estimates for energy transport and the interpretation of radio spectra than the conventional incoherent synchrotron theory.

Baker, D. N.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Characterization of Cadmium-Zinc Telluride Crystals Grown by 'Contactless' PVT Using Synchrotron White Beam Topography

Crystals of Cd(1-x)Zn(x)Te grown by Physical Vapor Transport (PVT) using self-seeding 'contactless' techniques were characterized using synchrotron radiation (reflection, transmission, and Laue back-reflection X-ray topography). Crystals of low (x = 0.04) and high (up to x approx. = 0.4) ZnTe content were investigated. Twins and defects such as dislocations, precipitates, and slip bands were identified. Extensive inhomogeneous strains present in some samples were found to be generated by interaction (sticking) with the pedestal and by composition gradients in the crystals. Large (up to about 5 mm) oval strain fields were observed around some Te precipitates. Low angle grain boundaries were found only in higher ZnTe content (x greater than or equal to 0.2) samples.

Palosz, W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

The major component fabrication program was completed. Assembly and system testing of the pulsed electron beam annealing machine are described. The design program for the transport reached completion, and the detailed drawings were released for fabrication and procurement of the long lead time components.

Kiesling, R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Portable microwave test packages for beam-waveguide antenna performance evaluations

Portable microwave test packages used to evaluate a new 34-m-diameter beam-waveguide (BWG) antenna are described. The experimental methodology involved transporting test packages to different focal points of the BWG system and making noise temperature, antenna efficiency, and holography measurements. Comparisons of data measured at the different focal points enabled determinations of performance degradations caused by various mirrors in the BWG system. It is shown that, due to remarkable stabilities and accuracies of radiometric data obtained through the use of the microwave test packages, degradations caused by the BWG system were successfully determined.

Otoshi, Tom Y.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Earth to space dc to dc power transmission system utilizing a microwave beam as source of energy for electric propelled interorbital vehicles

The paper contributes to the credibility of an electric propelled interorbital transportation system by introducing a new low-mass source of continuous dc power for electric propulsion and illustrating how the source can be economically tied to an electric utility on earth by an electronically steered microwave beam. The new thin-film rectenna, which functions as the receiving end of an earth-to-space microwave power transmission system is described. It is easily fabricated, is over 80 percent efficient, has a specific mass of no more than 2 kilograms per kilowatt of continuous dc power output, and is well adapted for deployment in space. The paper then describes a complete system consisting of the interorbital vehicle and the microwave power transmission system that supplies it with power. A design scenario is used to obtain performance data from the system in terms of vehicle transfer times, payload fractions, and costs. Electric energy costs are found to be less than $1000 per kilogram of payload delivered to geosynchronous orbit from low-earth orbit.

Brown, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The interaction of an artificial electron beam with the earth's upper atmosphere - Effects on spacecraft charging and the near-plasma evironment

The ionization created in the earth's upper atmosphere by an electron beam emitted from a low altitude spacecraft is described by two coupled nonlinear differential electron transport equations for the up-going and down-going differential energy flux. The equations are solved numerically, yielding estimates of the differential electron energy flux density at the spacecraft location. At altitudes below 200-250 km and for beam energies around 1 keV, it is shown that secondary electrons supply a significant contribution to the return current to the spacecraft and thereby reduce the spacecraft potential. The numerical results are in good agreement with observations from the Charge 2 sounding rocket experiment.

Neubert, T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Changes in the terrestrial atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system due to ion propulsion for solar power satellite placement

In order to construct solar power satellites using earth-based materials, sections of a satellite must be lifted from low earth to geosynchronous orbit. The most plausible method of accomplishing this task is by means of ion propulsion based on the relatively abundant terrestrial atmospheric component, Ar. The proposed propulsion system will release a dense beam of about 5 keV Ar(+). The total amount of Ar(+) injected in transporting the components for each solar power satellite is comparable to the total ion content of the ionosphere-plasmasphere system while the total energy injected is larger than that of this system. Preliminary estimates are given of the effects massive Ar(+) injections have on the ionosphere-plasmasphere system with specific emphasis on potential communications disruptions. The effects stem from direct Ar(+) precipitation into the atmosphere and from Ar(+) beam induced precipitation of MeV radiation belt protons.

Curtis, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Power density in direct nuclear-pumped He-3 lasers

The interaction of neutron beams with He-3 gas is of interest for nuclear pumped lasers. The effects of spectral dependence of the neutron beam, neutron attenuation in the gas-filled laser tube, and transport of the charged-particle He-3(n, p)He-3 reaction products are treated in detail. An expression for the energy density as a function of position within the tube, tube radius, operating pressure, and neutron fluence is given. The maximum energy density within the optical cavity is achieved when the tube radius is 3.26/P where P (atm) is the operating pressure. The variation of radius by 50% above and below optimum will change the energy density at most by 10%, although performance degrades quickly for radii outside this range. If the optimum tube radius is used for each operating pressure, then the power density on the centerline (kW/cu cm) is given as 9.3 x 10 to the -18th power times the operating pressure times flux in a thermal neutron environment of flux (n/sq cm sec).

Wilson, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Impulsive phase transport

The transport of nonthermal electrons is explored. The thick-target electron beam model, in which electrons are presumed to be accelerated in the corona and typically thermalized primarily in the chromosphere and photosphere, is supported by observations throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. At the highest energies, the anisotropy of gamma-ray emission above 10 MeV clearly indicates that these photons are emitted by anisotropically-directed particles. The timing of this high-energy gamma-radiation with respect to lower-energy hard X-radiation implies that the energetic particles have short life-times. For collisional energy loss, this means that they are stopped in the chromosphere or below. Stereoscopic (two-spacecraft) observations at hard X-ray energies (up to 350 keV) imply that these lower-energy (but certainly nonthermal) electrons are also stopped deep in the chromosphere. Hard X-ray images show that, in spatially resolved flares whose radiation consists of impulsive bursts, the impulsive phase starts with X-radiation that comes mostly from the foot-points of coronal loops whose coronal component is outlined by microwaves.

Canfield, Richard C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Status of beamed power transmission technology and applications at 2.45 gigahertz

Demonstrations and unique components of the 2.45 GHz beamed power transmission technology are reviewed. Attention is given to the following projects and developments: a microwave power helicopter demonstration; certification of overall dc to dc efficiency of 54 percent in the laboratory; demonstration of the transmission of significant amounts of power over significant distances; the solar power satellite and beamed power transmission; the Canadian SHARP program; space applications; an equatorially based beam power transmission system; an all-electronic LEO to GEO transportation system; and an orbiting industrial park system.

Brown, William C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Beam power options for the moon

A study to determine the feasibility of providing long-term electrical power to the moon's surface by beaming power from satellites is reported. The model used to develop the reference designs are described, and the major system tradeoffs and reference design characteristics are discussed. The beam power masses and the lunar surface power system masses are compared. In some cases, the beam power system have a quarter of the mass of surface power systems, but the beam power satellites have large space structures that may present complex transportation, deployment, pointing, and control problems.

Fay, E. H.↗