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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

Characterization of Novel Spacecraft Materials aboard the Materials International Space Station Experiment-Flight Facility (Preliminary Results)

This work will encompass the preflight characterization of 15 novel and heritage materials currently under observation on the Materials International Space Station Experiment-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). MISSE-FF has been upgraded to perform active reflectance measurements of the materials. Images taken in RGB/IR colors are compared to results from an extensive ground testing campaign to obtain quantitative on-orbit material evolution data. Identical materials samples are to be flown on the ram, wake, and zenith faces of MISSE-FF, enabling deconvolution of the energetic electron, proton, atomic oxygen, and ultraviolet damage pathways. Energy deposition from the space environment leads to chemical changes in the material that in turn alter the optical properties. The same chemical damage that manifests as changes in optical reflectance and absorptance also leads to changes in myriad physical properties such as mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and chemical reactivity. Therefore, flight materials are able to be characterized based on their unique reflectance spectra by comparing on-orbit measurements of optical reflectance with extensive terrestrial experiments, which help to correlate changes in reflectance with respect to changes in other material properties. The MISSE program has been a part of the International Space Station National Laboratory for many years and has been instrumental in understanding space weather modification of material properties. However, MISSE-FF has been limited to passive experiments with only pre/post flight material studies possible. In advance of the MISSE-16 experiment, the flight facility has received a major upgrade to provide daily spectral observations by way of a RGB/IR camera and a tunable light source. The MISSE-16 mission launched in February 2022 and carries 15 material samples for 6 months of the low Earth orbital exposure. Identical materials samples are to be flown on the ram, wake, and zenith faces of MISSE-FF, enabling deconvolution of the energetic electron, proton, atomic oxygen, and ultraviolet damage pathways. This paper discusses the MISSE-16 experiment, highlights the first use of the facility upgrades, and presents results from the extensive preflight material characterization that includes directional hemispherical reflectance, bidirectional reflectance, AFM, SEM, and electrical conductivity. Additionally, data showing the modification of these properties by ground-based exposure to space-like electron and atomic oxygen flux will be discussed. Finally, updates on deployment and initial check-out of the experiment on MISSE-FF will be presented. It is the ultimate goal of this program to provide validation for the development of ground based space weather simulation facilities and techniques.

Ryan Hoffman↗

Kinetics of chromium ion absorption by cross-linked polyacrylate films

Three cross-linked ion exchange membranes were studied as to their ability to absorb chromium ion from aqueous chromium III nitrate solutions. Attention was given to the mechanism of absorption, composition of the absorbed product, and the chemical bonding. The membranes were: calcium polyacrylate, polyacrylic acid, and a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinyl alcohol. For the calcium polyacrylate and the copolymer, parabolic kinetics were observed, indicating the formation of a chromium polyacrylate phase as a coating on the membrane. The rate of absorption is controlled by the diffusion of the chromium ion through this coating. The product formed in the copolymer involves the formation of a coordination complex of a chromium ion with 6 carboxylic acid groups from the same molecule. The absorption of the chromium ion by the polyacrylic acid membranes appears to be more complicated, involving cross-linking. This is due to the coordination of the chromium ion with carboxylic acid groups from more than one polymer molecule. The absorption rate of the chromium ion by the calcium salt membrane was found to be more rapid than that by the free polyacrylic acid membrane.

May, C. E.↗

A measurement of the vibrational band strength for the v3 band of the HO2 radical

Laboratory measurements of the v(3) band strength of HO2 using a tunable diode laser to measure the absorption strength of a vibration-rotation line in the P branch near 1080/cm are reported. The HO2 is generated in a discharge-flow system by reaction of fluorine atoms with excess H2O2: F + H2O2 - HO2 + HF. The HO2 concentration is determined from measurements of F-atom concentrations using both chemical titration with Cl2 and tunable diode laser absorption by the F-atom spin-orbit transition near 404/cm. The experimental data are consistent with a value of k(3) = (1.6 + or - 0.3) x 10 to the 12th cu cm/s and a ratio k(4)/k(1) = 1.0 + or - 0.4. The line strength for the 6(15) - 7(16)F(1) transition is 2.9 x 10 to the -21 sq cm/molecule/cm, which corresponds to a v(3) band strength of 35 + or - 9/sq cm/(STP atm). This value is a factor of 1.6 to 6 lower than previous ab initio calculations.

Zahniser, M. S.↗

Summary report of technical discussion, NASA-ERDA solar energy proposal

The impact of the reduced energy requirements and cooling loads of solar collectors is assessed. Energy conservation measures to reduce the energy consumption have been implemented. It is indicated that solar chemical dehumidification was more efficient than solar absorption.

Source record↗

Evaluating Energy Conversion Efficiency

Devices that convert solar radiation directly into storable chemical or electrical energy, have characteristic energy absorption spectrum; specifically, each of these devices has energy threshold. The conversion efficiency of generalized system that emcompasses all threshold devices is analyzed, resulting in family of curves for devices of various threshold energies operating at different temperatures.

Byvik, C. E.↗

Technical and economic aspects of hydrogen storage in metal hydrides

The recovery of hydrogen from such metal hydrides as LiH, MgH2, TiH2, CaH2 and FeTiH compounds is studied, with the aim of evaluating the viability of the technique for the storage of hydrogen fuel. The pressure-temperature dependence of the reactions, enthalpies of formation, the kinetics of the hydrogen absorption and desorption, and the mechanical and chemical stability of the metal hydrides are taken into account in the evaluation. Economic aspects are considered. Development of portable metal hydride hydrogen storage reservoirs is also mentioned.

Schmitt, R.↗

Spectral reflectance of carbonate minerals and rocks in the visible and near infrared (0.35 - 2.55 microns) and its applications in carbonate petrology

Reflection spectroscopy in the visible and near infrared (0.35 to 2.55 micron) offers a rapid, inexpensive, nondestructive tool for determining the mineralogy and investigating the minor element chemistry of the hard-to-discriminate carbonate minerals, and can, in one step, provide information previously obtainable only by the combined application of two or more analytical techniques. When light interacts with a mineral certain wavelengths are preferentially absorbed. The number, positions, widths and relative intensities of these absorptions are diagnostic of the mineralogy and chemical composition of the sample. At least seven bands due to vibrations of the carbonate radical occur between 1.60 and 2.55 micron. Positions of these bands vary from one carbonae mineral to another and can be used for mineral identification. Cation mass is the primary factor controlling band position; cation radius plays a secondary role.

Gaffey, S. J.↗

Lessons from Earth Aerobiology for Venus Habitability Science

Venus clouds: why the astrobiology interest? Early history favorable for life? Early planetary history believed to be similar to Earth’s Surface water (ground water, lakes, or oceans)[1] & geological activity. By analogy, potential for an Earth-like biochemistry (water, carbon, etc.). Could life have persisted in the remaining water, i.e., in the sulfuric acid cloud layer? Some currently unexplained observations: absorption properties[2], phosphine[3], sulfur & other chemical cycling[4].

Vencu↗

Status of ultrachemical analysis for semiconductors

Status of ultratrace chemical analyses of materials for semiconductors was studied. This study covered atomic absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, and activation analyses. It makes recommendations to improve sensitivity, reliability and versatility for ultratrace chemical analysis.

Dilts, R. V.↗

Laser Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Neutral and Ionized Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Cosmic Simulation Chamber

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules are considered the best carriers to account for the ubiquitous infrared emission bands. PAHs have also been proposed as candidates to explain the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), a series of absorption features seen on the interstellar extinction curve and are plausible carriers for the extended red emission (ERE), a photoluminescent process associated with a wide variety of interstellar environments. Extensive efforts have been devoted over the past two decades to characterize the physical and chemical properties of PAH molecules and ions in space. Absorption spectra of PAH molecules and ions trapped in solid matrices have been compared to the DIBs. Absorption spectra of several cold, isolated gas-phase PAHs have also been measured under experimental conditions that mimic the interstellar conditions. The purpose of this study is to provide a new dimension to the existing spectroscopic database of neutral and single ionized PAHs that is largely based on absorption spectra by adding emission spectroscopy data. The measurements are based on the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique and are performed with the Pulsed Discharge Nozzle (PDN) of the COSmIC laboratory facility at NASA Ames laboratory. The PDN generates a plasma in a free supersonic jet expansion to simulate the physical and the chemical conditions in interstellar environments. We focus, here, on the fluorescence spectra of large neutral PAHs and their cations where there is a lack of fluorescence spectroscopy data. The astronomical implications of the data (e.g., ERE) are examined.

Laboratory↗

Observational and Modeling Studies of Radiative, Chemical, and Dynamical Interactions in the Earth''s Atmosphere

A 3-dimensional model was developed to support mechanistic studies. The model solves the global primitive equations in isentropic coordinates, which directly characterize diabatic processes forcing the Brewer-Dobson circulation of the middle atmosphere. It's numerical formulation is based on Hough harmonics, which partition horizontal motion into its rotational and divergent components. These computational features, along with others, enable 3D integrations to be performed practically on RISC computer architecture, on which they can be iterated to support mechanistic studies. The model conserves potential vorticity quite accurately under adiabatic conditions. Forced by observed tropospheric structure, in which integrations are anchored, the model generates a diabatic circulation that is consistent with satellite observations of tracer behavior and diabatic cooling rates. The model includes a basic but fairly complete treatment of gas-phase photochemistry that represents some 20 chemical species and 50 governing reactions with diurnally-varying shortwave absorption. The model thus provides a reliable framework to study transport and underlying diabatic processes, which can then be compared against chemical and dynamical structure observed and in GCM integrations. Integrations with the Langley GCM were performed to diagnose feedback between simulated convection and the tropical circulation. These were studied in relation to tropospheric properties controlling moisture convergence and environmental conditions supporting deep convection, for comparison against mechanistic integrations of wave CISK that successfully reproduce the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) of the tropical circulation. These comparisons were aimed at identifying and ultimately improving aspects of the convective simulation, with the objective of recovering a successful simulation of the MJO in the Langley GCM, behavior that should be important to budgets of upper-tropospheric water vapor and chemical species.

Salby, Murry↗

Thermal decomposition of clcn.

Shock tube study of thermal decomposition of cyanogen chloride using specific cyanide absorption spectroscopy

CHEMICAL KINETICS↗

ERTS-1 Virgin Islands experiment 589: Determine boundaries of ERTS and aircraft data within which useful water quality information can be obtained

The author has identified the following significant results. The boundaries of application of ERTS-1 and aircraft data are established for St. Thomas harbor within which useful water quality information can be obtained. In situ physical, chemical, and biological water quality and benthic data were collected. Moored current meters were employed. Optical measurements of solar irradiance, color test panel radiance and water absorption were taken. Procedures for correlating in situ optical, biological, and chemical data with underflight aircraft I2S data and ERTS-1 MSS scanner data are presented. Comparison of bulk and precision CCT computer printout data for this application is made, and a simple method for geometrically locating bulk data individual pixels based on land-water interface is described. ERTS spacecraft data and I2S aircraft imagery are correlated with optical in situ measurements of the harbor water, with the aircraft green photographic and ERTS-1 MSS-4 bands being the most useful. The biological pigments correlate inversely with the optical data for inshore areas and directly further seaward. Automated computer data processing facilitated analysis.

Coulbourn, W. C.↗

Chemical modification of semiconductor surfaces

Results of research on the chemical modification of TiO2 powders in the gas phase and the examination of the modified powders by infrared absorption spectroscopy are comprehensively summarized. The range of information obtainable by IR spectroscopy of chemically modified semiconductors, and a definition of the optimum reaction conditions for synthesizing a monolayer of methylsilanes using vapor phase reaction conditions were considered.

Finklea, H. O.↗

Chemical transitions for interstellar C2 and CN in cloud envelopes

Observations were made of absorption from CH, C2, and CN toward moderately reddened stars in Sco, OB2, Ceo OB3, and Taurus/Auriga. For these directions, most of the reddening is associated with a single cloud complex, for example, the rho Ophiuchus molecular cloud, and as a result, the observations probe moderately dense material. When combined with avaliable data for nearby directions, the survey provides the basis for a comprehensive analysis of the chemistry for these species. The chemical transitions affecting C2 and CN in cloud envelopes were analyzed. The depth into a cloud at which a transition takes place was characterized by tau(sub uv), the grain optical depth at 1000 A. One transition at tau(sub uv) approx. = 2, which arises from, the conversion of C(+) into CO, affects the chemistries for both molecules because of the key role this ion plays. A second one involving production terms in the CN chemistry occurs at tau(sub uv) of approx. = 3; neutral reactions which C2 and CH is more important at larger values for tau(sub uv). The transition from photodissociation to chemical destruction takes place at tau(sub uv) approx. = 4.5 for C2 and CN. The observational data for stars in Sco OB2, Cep OB3, and Taurus/Auriga were studied with chemical rate equations containing the most important production and destruction mechanisms. Because the sample of stars in Sco OB2 includes sight lines with A(sub v) ranging from 1-4 mag, sight lines dominated by photochemistry could be analyzed separately from those controlled by gas-phase destruction. The analysis yielded values for two poorly known rate constants for reactions involved in the production of CN; the reactions are C2 + N yields CN + C and C(+) + NH yields all products. The other directions were analyzed with the inferred values. The predicted column densities for C2 and CN agree with the observed values to better than 50%, and in most instances 20%. When combining the estimates for density and temperature derived from chemical modeling and molecular excitation for a specific cloud, such as the rho Ophiuchus molecular cloud, the portion of the cloud envelope probed by C2 and CN absorption was found to be in pressure equilibrium.

Federman, S. R.↗

Grain size analysis and high frequency electrical properties of Apollo 15 and 16 samples

The particle size distribution of eleven surface fines samples collected by Apollo 15 and 16 was determined by the method of measuring the sedimentation rate in a column of water. The fact that the grain size distribution in the core samples shows significant differences within a few centimeters variation of depth is important for the understanding of the surface transportation processes which are responsible for the deposition of thin layers of different physical and/or chemical origin. The variation with density of the absorption length is plotted, and results would indicate that for the case of meter wavelength radar waves, reflections from depths of more than 100 meters generally contribute significantly to the radar echoes obtained.

Gold, T.↗