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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

Electron scattering by highly polar molecules. I - KI

Electron-impact energy-loss spectra of KI were studied experimentally in the 15- to 130-deg angular range at impact energies of 6.7, 15.7, and 60 eV. The spectra reveal a number of excitation features which have not been detected previously and indicate that KI is a strong photon absorber in the vacuum-UV region. From the spectra, differential and integral electronically elastic and inelastic cross sections have been obtained by normalizing the experimental data to theoretical results at low scattering angles. Rotational excitation cross sections corresponding to delta j = 0, plus or minus 1, have been calculated using a dipole-plus-repulsive-core interaction potential and the distorted-wave approximation. For comparison, the rotational excitation cross sections have also been calculated in the Born point-dipole approximation.

Rudge, M. R. H.↗

Electronic Design Automation: Integrating the Design and Manufacturing Functions

As the complexity of electronic systems grows, the traditional design practice, a sequential process, is replaced by concurrent design methodologies. A major advantage of concurrent design is that the feedback from software and manufacturing engineers can be easily incorporated into the design. The implementation of concurrent engineering methodologies is greatly facilitated by employing the latest Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. These tools offer integrated simulation of the electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing functions and support virtual prototyping, rapid prototyping, and hardware-software co-design. This report presents recommendations for enhancing the electronic design and manufacturing capabilities and procedures at JSC based on a concurrent design methodology that employs EDA tools.

Bachnak, Rafic↗

Global Characteristics of the Correlation and Time Lag Between Solar and Ionospheric Parameters in the 27-day Period

The 27-day variations of topside ionosphere are investigated using the in-situ electron density measurements from the CHAMP planar Langmuir probe and GRACE K-band ranging system. As the two satellite systems orbit at the altitudes of approx. 370 km and approx. 480 km, respectively, the satellite data sets are greatly valuable for examining the electron density variations in the vicinity of F2-peak. In a 27-day period, the electron density measurements from the satellites are in good agreements with the solar flux, except during the solar minimum period. The time delays are mostly 1-2 day and represent the hemispherical asymmetry. The globally-estimated spatial patterns of the correlation between solar flux and in-situ satellite measurements show poor correlations in the (magnetic) equatorial region, which are not found from the ground measurements of vertically-integrated electron content. We suggest that the most plausible cause for the poor correlation is the vertical movement of ionization due to atmospheric dynamic processes that is not controlled by the solar extreme ultraviolet radiation.

Global Characteristics↗

Silicon Carbide Epitaxial Films Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

Silicon carbide (SiC) holds great potential as an electronic material because of its wide band gap energy, high breakdown electric field, thermal stability, and resistance to radiation damage. Possible aerospace applications of high-temperature, high-power, or high-radiation SiC electronic devices include sensors, control electronics, and power electronics that can operate at temperatures up to 600 C and beyond. Commercially available SiC devices now include blue light-emitting diodes (LED's) and high-voltage diodes for operation up to 350 C, with other devices under development. At present, morphological defects in epitaxially grown SiC films limit their use in device applications. Research geared toward reducing the number of structural inhomogeneities can benefit from an understanding of the type and nature of problems that cause defects. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has proven to be a useful tool in characterizing defects present on the surface of SiC epitaxial films. The in-house High-Temperature Integrated Electronics and Sensors (HTIES) Program at the NASA Lewis Research Center not only extended the dopant concentration range achievable in epitaxial SiC films, but it reduced the concentration of some types of defects. Advanced structural characterization using the AFM was warranted to identify the type and structure of the remaining film defects and morphological inhomogeneities. The AFM can give quantitative information on surface topography down to molecular scales. Acquired, in part, in support of the Advanced High Temperature Engine Materials Technology Program (HITEMP), the AFM had been used previously to detect partial fiber debonding in composite material cross sections. Atomic force microscopy examination of epitaxial SiC film surfaces revealed molecular-scale details of some unwanted surface features. Growth pits propagating from defects in the substrate, and hillocks due, presumably, to existing screw dislocations in the substrates, were imaged. Away from local defects, step bunching was observed to yield step heights of hundreds of angstroms, with possible implications for the uniformity of dopants incorporated in SiC devices during fabrication. The quantitative topographic data from the AFM allow the relevant defect information to be extracted, such as the size and distribution of step bunching and the Burgers vector of screw dislocations. These atomic force microscopy results have furthered the understanding of the dynamic epitaxial SiC growth process. A model describing the observed hillock step bunching has been proposed. This cooperation between researchers involved in crystal growth, electronic device fabrication, and surface structural characterization is likely to continue as atomic force microscopy is used to improve SiC films for high-temperature electronic devices for NASA's advanced turbine engines and space power devices, as well as for future applications in the automotive industry.

Source record↗

Investigation of the use of microwave image line integrated circuits for use in radiometers and other microwave devices in X-band and above

Program results are described in which the use of a/high permittivity rectangular dielectric image waveguide has been investigated for use in microwave and millimeter wavelength circuits. Launchers from rectangular metal waveguide to image waveguide are described. Theoretical and experimental evaluations of the radiation from curved image waveguides are given. Measurements of attenuation due to conductor and dielectric losses, adhesives, and gaps between the dielectric waveguide and the image plane are included. Various passive components are described and evaluations given. Investigations of various techniques for fabrication of image waveguide circuits using ceramic waveguides are also presented. Program results support the evaluation of the image line approach as an advantageous method for realizing low loss integrated electronic circuits for X-band and above.

Knox, R. M.↗

Interpretation of columnar content measurements of the solar-wind turbulence

The temporal spectrum of measurements of the integrated electron columnar content between the earth and a distant source are considered. The relation between this spectrum and the three-dimensional wavenumber spectrum of the solar-wind density is derived under the assumption that the correlation scale is the smallest scale of interest. The specific case of round-trip measurements to a spacecraft is investigated for a power-law solar-wind density spectrum. The resulting spectrum has a power-law envelope one power less steep than the solar-wind density spectrum with several deep minima superposed.

Callahan, P. S.↗

Columnar content measurements of the solar-wind turbulence near the sun

Turbulence in the solar wind near the sun is investigated using records of changes in the integrated electron columnar content along the line of sight to Mariners 6, 7, and 9. The comoving turbulence spectrum is found to be well represented by a power law with an index of about 3.9. The turbulence is shown to decline with heliocentric distance, and the data suggest a region of enhanced turbulence near the sun. The Mariner-9 spectral amplitudes are found to correspond with Zurich sunspot numbers. Implications of the present observations are discussed for contemporary theories on solar-wind heating.

Callahan, P. S.↗

Twinsat earth gravity field mapping

Results of a sensitivity study on the proposed Lo-Lo (Twinsat) satellite-to-satellite tracking mission are described. The relative range-rate signal due to a local gravitational anomaly is investigated as a function of height and satellite separation. It is shown that the signal strength is weak and that an optimal combination of signal strength and resolution is achieved when the satellites are separated by 3 deg along-track. The signal does not resolve point masses closer than 5 deg apart when the satellites are at 300 km altitude. The influence of other factors on the system is evaluated, including the low frequency gravitation field effect on the orbit and the dependence of the noise of the data type on (electronic) integration time.

Lowrey, B. E.↗

Advanced supersonic propulsion study, phase 4

Installation characteristics for a Variable Stream Control Engine (VSCE) were studied for three advanced supersonic airplane designs. Sensitivity of the VSCE concept to change in technology projections was evaluated in terms of impact on overall installed performance. Based on these sensitivity results, critical technology requirements were reviewed, resulting in the reaffirmation of the following requirements: low-noise nozzle system; a high performance, low emissions duct burner and main burner; hot section technology; variable geometry components; and propulsion integration features, including an integrated electronic control system.

Howlett, R. A.↗

A fifty channel electrically scanned pressure module

A unique miniature pressure sensor system consisting of an array of fifty integrated sensor pressure transducers with integral electronic logic and switching is described. Solid state processing of the piezoresistive array is combined with hybrid microelectronics to produce a very small, dense (80 cc displacement), high reliability pressure measuring system. Application to high speed data acquisition, energy conservation in wind tunnels and flight test is discussed. Test data are presented typifying system performance.

Mallon, J. R.↗

A miniature 48-channel pressure sensor module capable of in situ calibration

A new high data rate pressure sensor module with in situ calibration capability has been developed by the Langley Research Center to help reduce energy consumption in wind-tunnel facilities without loss of measurement accuracy. The sensor module allows for nearly a two order of magnitude increase in data rates over conventional electromechanically scanned pressure sampling techniques. This module consists of 16 solid state pressure sensor chips and signal multiplexing electronics integrally mounted to a four position pressure selector switch. One of the four positions of the pressure selector switch allows the in situ calibration of the 16 pressure sensors; the three other positions allow 48 channels (three sets of 16) pressure inputs to be measured by sensors. The small size of the sensor module will allow mounting within many wind-tunnel models, thus eliminating long tube lengths and their corresponding slow pressure response.

Gross, C.↗

Electronically scanned pressure sensor module with in SITU calibration capability

This high data rate pressure sensor module helps reduce energy consumption in wind tunnel facilities without loss of measurement accuracy. The sensor module allows for nearly a two order of magnitude increase in data rates over conventional electromechanically scanned pressure sampling techniques. The module consists of 16 solid state pressure sensor chips and signal multiplexing electronics integrally mounted to a four position pressure selector switch. One of the four positions of the pressure selector switch allows the in situ calibration of the 16 pressure sensors; the three other positions allow 48 channels (three sets of 16) pressure inputs to be measured by the sensors. The small size of the sensor module will allow mounting within many wind tunnel models, thus eliminating long tube lengths and their corresponding slow pressure response.

Gross, C.↗

Quantum chemical calculation of the equilibrium structures of small metal atom clusters

A decomposition of the molecular energy is presented that is motivated by the atom superposition and electron delocalization physical model of chemical binding. The energy appears in physically transparent form consisting of a classical electrostatic interaction, a zero order two electron exchange interaction, a relaxation energy, and the atomic energies. Detailed formulae are derived in zero and first order of approximation. The formulation extends beyond first order to any chosen level of approximation leading, in principle, to the exact energy. The structure of this energy decomposition lends itself to the fullest utilization of the solutions to the atomic sub problems to simplify the calculation of the molecular energy. If nonlinear relaxation effects remain minor, the molecular energy calculation requires at most the calculation of two center, two electron integrals. This scheme thus affords the prospects of substantially reducing the computational effort required for the calculation of molecular energies.

Kahn, L. R.↗