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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 NTRS1974

The effects of the physical and chemical properties of soils on the spectral reflectance of soils

The effects of organic matter, free iron oxides, texture, moisture content, and cation exchange capacity on the spectral reflectance of soils were investigated along with techniques for differentiating soil orders by computer analysis of multispectral data. By collecting soil samples of benchmark soils from the different climatic regions within the United States and using the extended wavelength field spectroradiometer to obtain reflectance values and curves for each sample, average curves were constructed for each soil order. Results indicate that multispectral analysis may be a valuable tool for delineating and quantifying differences between soils.

Montgomery, O. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A physical and chemical model of early lunar history

A 'cool' thermal model of the moon's early history is discussed in terms of lunar petrology. Heat from the totally molten outer half of the moon's volume was, according to the model, lost to space and to the lunar interior, so that, barring additions of heat from external sources, all petrogenesis operating exclusively on material of the initially totally molten zone must have occured in an environment of decreasing temperatures. Mare basalts would result from hybridization by migration, mixing, and reequilibration of a variety of intercumulus liquids. Evidence is considered for the layered structure and a significant structural boundary that should result from differentiation of the approximately 350-km-thick initially totally molten zone. Magnetization of lunar rocks is considered.

Hubbard, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Determination of physical and chemical states of lubricants in concentrated contacts, part 1

A Fourier emission infrared microspectrometer, set up on a vibration-proof optical table and interfaced to a dedicated minicomputer, was used to record infrared emission spectra from elastohydrodynamic bearing contacts. Its range was extended to cover the entire mid-infrared from 2 to 15 micron. A series of experiments with 5P4E polyphenyl ether showed the existence of a temperature gradient through the lubricant in an ehd contact, which is perpendicular to the flow direction. The experiments also show marked polarization of some of the spectral bands, indicating a molecular alignment. Alignment is less evident at high pressure than at low pressure. To account for this behavior, a model is suggested along the lines developed for the conformational changes observed in long-chain polymers when subjected to increased pressure--to accommodate closer packing, molecules become kinked and curl up. Experiments with a traction fluid showed periodic changes of flow pattern associated with certain spectral changes. These observations will be studied further. A study by infrared attenuated total reflection spectrophotometry was undertaken to determine whether gamma irradiation would change polyethylene wear specimens. The results were negative.

Lauer, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Determination of physical and chemical states of lubricants in concentrated contacts, part 2

Infrared emission spectroscopy through a window in an operating bearing continued to provide most of the information gathered on the state of lubricants subjected to elastohydrodynamic (EHD) conditions. Other measurements were traction, scanning electron microscopy and elemental surface analysis X-rays. A very significant finding was the decomposition of a naphthenic oil lubricant in the presence of small concentrations of an organic chloride. Olefins and aromatics were formed in ever increasing amounts prior to total lubricant failure. An aromatic fluid also failed in the presence of chloride. A correlation was found between changes of the alignment of lubricant molecules evidence by infrared polarization and changes of traction under varying EHD stresses.

Lauer, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Optical properties of the crustal aerosol - Relation to chemical and physical characteristics

Crustal aerosol absorption, expressed as a wavelength dependent imaginary index of refraction, n(im), was measured at both visible and infrared wavelengths. Measurements at visible wavelengths show values of n(im) that range from 0.02 at 300 nm to 0.004 to 700 nm. Infrared measurements show an absorption that is dominated by a silicate absorption with a maximum value of n(im) of about 1 near 10 microns. Comparisons of the present measurements with other reported measurements of well-documented crustal aerosols show a great deal of similarity among the measured values. It is shown that these measured optical properties, and the similarities and differences in the measured values, can be understood in terms of mineralogical characteristics of the aerosol and fractionation processes that occur in the generation and transport of these aerosols.

Patterson, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Physical and chemical characteristics of Mount St. Helens airborne debris

Tephra and aerosols from the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington were sampled in the lower stratosphere with a WB-57F aircraft. The main body of the plume was intercepted over western Kansas on May 20, 48 hours after the eruption, at an altitude of 15.2 km. Concentrations on filter samples were 26 ng of SO4(-2) of air and 579 ng of ash/g of air. Angular glass pyroclasts ranged in size from 0.5 to 10 microns, with a mean grain of 2 microns. Samples collected at altitudes of 16.7 and 12.5 km had only traces of SO4(-2) and ash. A second flight was flown, 72 hours after the eruption, on May 21. From north Texas to central Wyoming, at an altitude of 15.2 km less than 0.5 to 38 ng of ash/g of air and 1.0 to 2.2 ng of SO4(-2)/g of air were sampled. At an altitude of 18.3 km, from central Wyoming to NW New Mexico, the plume density and character were variable.

Sedlacek, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Simulation studies of the physical and chemical processes occurring in the stratospheric clouds of the Mount St. Helens eruptions of May and June 1980

The large and diverse set of observational data collected in the high-altitude clouds of May 18, May 25, and June 13, 1980 was organized and analyzed for trends which reveal the processes at work. The data were used to guide and constrain model simulations of the volcanic eruptions. A comprehensive one-dimensional model of stratospheric sulfate aerosols, sulfur precursor gases, and volcanic ash and dust particles is utilized which accounts for homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry in the clouds, aerosol nucleation and growth, and cloud expansion. Computational results are given for the time histories of the gaseous species concentrations, sulfate aerosol size dispersions, and ash burdens in the eruption clouds. The long-term buildup of stratospheric aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere and the persistent effects of injected chlorine and water vapor on ozone are discussed. It is concluded that SO2, water vapor, and ash are the most important substances injected by the volcano into the stratosphere, with respect to both the widespread effects on composition and the impact on climate. It is found that the volcano probably had little influence on the climate ( 0.05 K global surface cooling) or on stratospheric ozone ( 0.2 percent maximum hemispherical reduction).

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Determination of physical and chemical states of lubricants in concentrated contacts, part 3

Solid and liquid thin films were analyzed by infrared emission Fourier microspectrophotometry. The apparatus used is a commercial absorption instrument modified to an emission instrument, comprising a rotating polarizing device, a miniature blackbody temperature reference adjustable in temperature and radiant flux and a microscope lens with a high numerical aperture in the entrance system for increased sensitivity and resolution. Studies of lubricant behavior in a simulated ball bearing showed the alignment of the fluid molecules in the Hertzian area. Polyphenyl ether plus 1% 1,1,2-trichloroethane (TCE) required lower shear rates for the same degree of alignment than without TCE. The experiment was run with 440 C stainless steel balls coated with TiN, a chemically inert material. In both cases, the alignment was strongly influenced by the presence of TCE. The results showed (1) the dependence of alignment of fluid molecules on flow and not on adsorption at metallic surfaces, (2) phase separation between lubricant and additive under high pressure which results in two phase flow and (3) reduction in traction of torque transmitting (traction) fluids.

Lauer, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. I - Metamorphism related studies of Antarctic and other type 3 ordinary chondrites

New thermoluminescence (TL) sensitivity measurements on 17 finds and one fall are presented, and petrologic assignments are made on the basis of TL sensitivity and silicate heterogeneity. The correlation that exists between TL sensitivity and glow curve shape is discussed, with the difference in the glow curve shapes of meteorite types 3.4 and less and type 3.5 and greater being tentatively attributed to an order-disorder transition in plagioclase, the TL phosphor. A correlation between TL sensitivity and heteogeneity of the silicate composition is found, but it tends to break down in the most heterogeneous meteorites. For Antarctic meteorites, the TL data show a much more restricted range in TL sensitivity than in silicate heterogeneity. The Quinyambie meteorite is the only one not consistent with the observed trend. Several explanations are offered, none of them totally satisfactory.

Sears, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens - Physical and chemical processes in the stratospheric clouds

The large and diverse set of observational data collected in the high-altitude plumes of the May 18, May 25, and June 13, 1980 eruptions is organized and analyzed with a view to discerning the processes at work. The data serve to guide and constrain detailed model simulations of the volcanic clouds. For this purpose, use is made of a comprehensive one-dimensional model of stratospheric sulfate aerosols, sulfur precursor gases, and volcanic ash and dust. The model takes into account gas-phase and condensed-phase (heterogeneous) chemistry in the clouds, aerosol nucleation and growth, and cloud expansion. Computational results are presented for the time histories of the gaseous species concentrations, aerosol size distributions, and ash burdens of the eruption clouds. Also investigated are the long-term buildup of stratospheric aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere and the persistent effects of injected chlorine and water vapor on stratospheric ozone. It is concluded that SO2, water vapor, and ash were probably the most important substances injected into the stratosphere by the Mount St. Helens volcano, both with respect to their widespread effects on composition and their effect on climate.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. II Thermoluminescence of sixteen type 3 ordinary chondrites and relationships with oxygen isotopes

Thermoluminescence (TL) sensitivity values for sixteen type 3 ordinary chondrites, fourteen of them from Antarctica, have been measured. The values obtained (normalized to the TL sensitivity of the Dhajala meteorite) range from 1.6 (Allan Hills A77216) to 0.010 (Allan Hills A77176), and include two (Reckling Peak A80207 and Allan Hills A77176) that are particularly low. They fill a hiatus in the TL distribution that previously existed between St. Mary's County and Bishunpur, the latter being a meteorite with one of the lowest TL sensitivities known. The histogram of TL sensitivity values now shows a single distribution with higher values preferred; it resembles the histogram for L chondrites occupying the petrologic types 3, 4, 5, and 6. There is a tendency for the TL sensitivity of meteorites to decrease as delta O-18 increases. Theoretically, it is possible that the range of delta O-18 values observed may reflect progressive loss of O in the form of CO at very low temperatures, but very restrictive physical conditions and a complex history seem to be required.

Sears, D. W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Spectral properties of mixtures of montmorillonite and dark grains - Implications for remote sensing minerals containing chemically and physically adsorbed water

The spectral properties from 0.4 to 3 microns of montmorillonite plus dark carbon grains (called opaques) of various sizes are studied as a function of the weight fraction of opaques present. The reflectance level and band depths of the 1.4-, 1.9-, 2.2-, and 2.8-micron water and/or OH absorption features are analyzed using derived empirical relationships and scattering theory. It is found that the absorption band depths and reflectance level are a very nonlinear function of the weight fraction of opaques present but can be predicted in many cases by simple scattering theory. The 2.8-micron bound water fundamental band is the most difficult absorption feature to suppress. The overtone absorptions are suppressed a greater amount than the fundamental but are still apparent even when 10-20 wt pct opaques are present. The relationships observed and the simple scattering theory presented show that quantitative compositional remote sensing studies are feasible for surfaces containing complex mineral mixtures.

Clark, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. III Chondrules from the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties have been measured in 58 chondrules separated from the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite. The pyrolytic chondrules are noted to have higher mass-normalized TL values than nonpyrolytic ones. Significant correlations are noted between log(TL) and the bulk CaO, Al2O3, and MnO content of the chondrules. These, together with correlations of log(TL) with the CaO, Al2O3, SiO2 and normative anorthite content of the chondrule glass, indicate an association of the TL and the abundance and position of mesostasis. It is suggested that the TL level in a given chondrule is governed by its bulk composition and metamorphism, and it is hypothesized that the devitrification resistance of unequilibrated chondrule mesostasis explains the unequilibration of certain chondrules in type 3 ordinary chondrites.

Sears, D. W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Boundary conditions for the paleoenvironment: Chemical and physical processes in the pre-solar nebula

The first interstellar hydrocarbon ring, cyclopropenylidene (C3H2) is being studied. Both a survey of galactic sources in several C3H2 transitions and a more detailed study of a subset of these sources are under way. In the latter category is a study of the nearby cold dark cloud TMC-1, which is a potential formation site for solar type stars. A spectra is shown of seven rotational transitions which have been observed at the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory. Three of these were detected for the first time in any astronomical source: the 3 sub 30 to 2 sub 21 transition at 216 GHz, the 2 sub 21 to 1 sub 10 transition at 122 GHz, and the 1 sub 11 to 0 sub 00 transition at 52 GHz. From the data it is apparent that C3H2 is quite spacially extended in typical interstellar molecular clouds, and that at least in TMC-1 it is one of the most abundant organic molecules.

Irvine, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. VII - Annealing studies of the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite and the thermal history of chondrules and chondrites

Samples of the Dhajala meteorite were annealed at 600-1000 C for 1, 2, 10, 20 and 100 h and their thermoluminescence (TL) properties were measured. After annealing at less than 900 deg, the TL sensitivity decreased by a factor of two; at higher temperatures, it fell by an order of magnitude. Data indicate that the annealing treatment caused the low-temperature feldspar in Dhajala to be converted to feldspar of a high-temperature (disordered) form. Low-temperature feldspar was found in the meteorite's TL-sensitive chondrules which comprised about 20 percent of those separated. It is suggested that these chondrules suffered greater crystallization of their mesostasis than the other chondrules, and equilibrated to lower temperatures. Based on TL data, there appears to be no relationship between post-metamorphic cooling rate and petrologic type for the 3.5-3.9 chondrites.

Keck, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Boundary conditions for the paleoenvironment: Chemical and physical processes in the pre-solar nebula

Detailed study of the first interstellar hydrocarbon ring, cyclopropenylidene (C3H2), is continuing. The singly deuterated isotope of this molecule, C3HD, was observed in several cold interstellar clouds. The results of a large survey for C3H2 in galactic sources of various types will soon be completed. It appears that cyclopropenylidene is present in virtually all interstellar clouds of at least moderate density. In order to make the first determinations of the CO2/CO abundance ratio in interstellar sources, observations of protonated CO2 were pursued. The spectrum from 18.5 to 22 GHz for several interstellar clouds is being systematically measured. Particular attention is being given to the cold, dark clouds TMC-1 and L124N, which may be formation sites for solar mass stars. The phenomena of maser emission from molecules of methanol is being studied in certain interstellar clouds. A comparison of 1 millimeter continuum emission from dust with the column density of carbon monoxide as determined from the rare C(18)O isotope for 4 molecular clouds in the Galaxy is nearing completion. Papers published during the period of this report are listed.

Irvine, William M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and potential applications of graphite fluoride fibers

Graphite fluoride fibers can be produced by fluorinating pristine or intercalated graphite fibers. The higher the degree of graphitization of the fibers, the higher the temperature needed to reach the same degree of fluorination. Pitched based fibers were fluorinated to flourine-to-carbon atom rations between 0 and 1. The graphite fluoride fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ration near 1 have extensive visible structural damage. On the other hand, fluorination of fibers pretreated with bromine or fluorine and bromine result in fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ratio nearly equal to 0.5 with no visible structural damage. The electrical resistivity of the fibers is dependent upon the fluorine to carbon atom ratio and ranged from .01 to 10 to the 11th ohm/cm. The thermal conductivity of these fibers ranged from 5 to 73 W/m-k, which is much larger than the thermal conductivity of glass, which is the regular filler in epoxy composites. If graphite fluoride fibers are used as a filler in epoxy or PTFE, the resulting composite may be a high thermal conductivity material with an electrical resistivity in either the insulator or semiconductor range. The electrically insulating product may provide heat transfer with lower temperature gradients than many current electrical insulators. Potential applications are presented.

Hung, Ching-Cheh↗