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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 1,081 records · Page 60

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NASA NTRS1987

Evidence for methane and ammonia in the coma of comet P/Halley

Methane and ammonia abundances in the coma of Halley are derived from Giotto ion mass spectrometer data using an Eulerian model of chemical and physical processes inside the contact surface to simulate Giotto high-intensity spectrometer ion mass spectral data for mass-to-charge ratios (m/q) from 15 to 19. The ratio m/q = 19/18 as a function of distance from the nucleus is not reproduced by a model for a pure water coma. It is necessary to include the presence of NH3, and uniquely NH3, in coma gases in order to explain the data. A ratio of production rates Q(NH3)/Q(H2O) = 0.01 = 0.02 results in model values approximating the Giotto data. Methane is identified as the most probable source of the distinct peak at m/q = 15. The observations are fit best with Q(CH4)/Q(Q2O) = 0.02. The chemical composition of the comet nucleus implied by these production rate ratios is unlike that of the outer planets. On the other hand, there are also significant differences from observations of gas phase interstellar material.

Allen, M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Investigations into the shape-preserving interpolants using symbolic computation

Shape representation is a central issue in computer graphics and computer-aided geometric design. Many physical phenomena involve curves and surfaces that are monotone (in some directions) or are convex. The corresponding representation problem is given some monotone or convex data, and a monotone or convex interpolant is found. Standard interpolants need not be monotone or convex even though they may match monotone or convex data. Most of the methods of investigation of this problem involve the utilization of quadratic splines or Hermite polynomials. In this investigation, a similar approach is adopted. These methods require derivative information at the given data points. The key to the problem is the selection of the derivative values to be assigned to the given data points. Schemes for choosing derivatives were examined. Along the way, fitting given data points by a conic section has also been investigated as part of the effort to study shape-preserving quadratic splines.

Lam, Maria↗

NASA NTRS1989

Vacuum microelectronics for beam power and rectennas

Vacuum Microelectronic devices can be described as vacuum transistors or micro-miniature vacuum tubes, as one chooses. The fundamental reason behind this new technology is the very large current densities available from field emitters, namely as high as 10(8) A/sq cm. Array current densities as high as 1000 A/sq cm have been measured. Total electron transit times from source to drain for 1 micron feature size devices have been predicted to be about 150fs. This very short transit time implies the possibility of submillimeter wave transmitters and rectennas in devices which can operate with reasonably high voltages and which are small in size and are lightweight. In addition, they are expected to be extremely radiation hard and very temperature insensitive. That is, they are expected to have radiation hardness characteristics similar to vacuum tubes, and both the high temperature and low temperature limits should be determined by the package. That is, there should be no practical intrinsic temperature or carrier freezeout problems for devices based on metals or composites. But the technology is difficult to implement at the present time because it is based on 300 to 500 angstrom radius field emitters which must be relatively uniform. There is also the need to understand the non-equilibrium transport physics in the near-surface regions of the field emitters.

Gray, Henry F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A comparison of experimental data with CFD for the NSWC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel No. 9 Mach 14 Nozzle

An experimental and numerical study has been performed of the flow physics occurring in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel No.9 Mach 14 Nozzle. Mach 8, 10, 14, and 18 test section conditions are obtained utilizing various axisymmetric contoured wind tunnel nozzles. Numerical and experimental results are presented for the Mach 14 configuration.

Korte, John J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Diffraction Analysis Of Reflector Antennas

POMESH is computer program capable of predicting performance of reflector antennas. Calculates both farfield patterns and gains by use of physical-optics approximation of equivalent surface currents. Intended for relatively small reflectors. Useful in situations in which surfaces described by irregular data that must be interpolated and in which surface derivatives not known. Flexible and robust. Also calculates near fields and useful for subreflector computations. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Hodges, Richard E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Martian particle size based on thermal inertia corrected for elevation-dependent atmospheric properties

Thermal inertia is commonly used to derive physical properties of the Martian surface. If the surface is composed of loosely consolidated grains, then the thermal conductivity derived from the inertia can theoretically be used to compute the particle size. However, one persistent difficulty associated with the interpretation of thermal inertia and the derivation of particle size from it has been the degree to which atmospheric properties affect both the radiation balance at the surface and the gas conductivity. These factors vary with atmospheric pressure so that derived thermal inertias and particle sizes are a function of elevation. By utilizing currently available thermal models and laboratory information, a fine component thermal inertia map was convolved with digital topography to produce particle size maps of the Martian surface corrected for these elevation-dependent effects. Such an approach is especially applicable for the highest elevations on Mars, where atmospheric back radiation and gas conductivity are low.

Bridges, N. T.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Use of AVIRIS data to the definition of optimised specifications for land applications with future spaceborne imaging spectrometers

Recent experience with airborne imaging spectrometers demonstrated the advantages of narrow band sensors over broad band scanners for characterizing the nature, extent, and physical status of typical land surfaces. Information on key spectral features associated with various land surfaces can be obtained from the data of such instruments, which can be used to simulate spaceborne imaging spectrometer data and to assess their information content if comprehensive underpinning is provided by ground data. The collection of such information was an issue of airborne imaging spectrometer campaigns like the NASA MAC-Europe 1991. Airborne and ground data obtained from different test sites in Europe are utilized for a comparative analysis of the spectral signatures of various land surfaces (vegetation, bare soils and rocks, and mixed soil/rock-vegetation) as seen from different imaging spectrometers like Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), GERIS 63 band scanner, and CASI. The following items are discussed: (1) the significance of different spectral regions within the wavelength interval between 0.4 m and 2.5 m for the differentiation of different land units; (2) recommendations on the optimum band selection and band-widths to be used for the application of future satellite-based imaging spectrometers for land applications; (3) the boundaries for the detection of plant features in mixed-soil plant spectra and the influence of different soil properties on the mixture of the spectra; (4) recommendations on the optimum spatial resolution and recording dates for the discrimination of spectral features of various surface types; and (5) evaluation of different data compressing techniques for the optimum extraction of spectral information from imaging spectrometry data.

Bodechtel, J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A model for the origin of Martian polygonal terrain

Extensive areas of the Martian northern plains in Utopia and Acidalia Planitiae are characterized by 'polygonal terrain.' Polygonal terrain consists of material cut by complex troughs defining a pattern resembling mudcracks, columnar joints, or frost-wedge polygons on the Earth. However, the Martian polygons are orders of magnitude larger than these potential Earth analogs, leading to severe mechanical difficulties for genetic models based on simple analogy arguments. Stratigraphic studies show that the polygonally fractured material in Utopia Planitia was deposited on a land surface with significant topography, including scattered knobs and mesas, fragments of ancient crater rims, and fresh younger craters. Sediments or volcanics deposited over topographically irregular surfaces can experience differential compaction producing drape folds. Bending stresses due to these drape folds would be superposed on the pervasive tensile stresses due to desiccation or cooling, such that the probability of fracturing is enhanced above buried topographic highs and suppressed above buried topographic lows. Thus it was proposed that the scale of the Martian polygons is controlled by the spacing of topographic highs on the buried surface rather than by the physics of the shrinkage process.

Mcgill, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Analysis of Ku-band cross section at low incidence angles

This study is using airborne Ku-band data to address questions which have implications for both model function development and for advancing our physical understanding of the sea surface. Concurrent measurements of ocean directional spectra, significant wave height, and mean surface roughness are made using the capabilities of the radar ocean wave spectrometer (ROWS). The NASA/GSFC's ROWS is a 15 GHz pulse compressed radar which is a radar sensor designed to measure the direction of the long wave components using spectral analysis of the tilt induced reflectively modulation. The ROWS are modified to cycle at 50 Hz for the scanning spectrometer antenna and a wide beamwidth nadir altimeter mode. This change allows the sensor to simultaneously measure directional wave spectra, wave height, mean square slope parameter, and small scale surface roughness. The surface stress caused by the wind is widely believed to be the predominant quantity related to the Ku-band radar cross section for a wide range of incidence angles. The complete coverage in the quasi specular region provided by one sensor is essential to understand the uncertainties between the scattering model and what is happening on the surface. For this presentation, special attention is devoted to sort out some measurement of the anisotropy associated with the band of high frequencies. Using the other geophysical parameters, comparisons are then made with the classic spectral form currentlyused to describe the wind impact on the sea surface.

Chapron, B.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Physical properties (particle size, rock abundance) from thermal infrared remote observations: Implications for Mars landing sites

Critical to the assessment of potential sites for the 1997 Pathfinder landing is estimation of general physical properties of the martian surface. Surface properties have been studied using a variety of spacecraft and earth-based remote sensing observations, plus in situ studies at the Viking lander sites. Because of their value in identifying landing hazards and defining scientific objectives, we focus this discussion on thermal inertia and rock abundance derived from middle-infrared (6 to 30 microns) observations. Used in conjunction with other datasets, particularly albedo and Viking orbiter images, thermal inertia and rock abundance provide clues about the properties of potential Mars landing sites.

Christensen, P. R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Probing the chemistry of nickel/metal hydride battery cells using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a valuable tool for investigating the chemical and physical processes occurring at electrode surfaces. It offers information about electron transfer at interfaces, kinetics of reactions, and diffusion characteristics of the bulk phase between the electrodes. For battery cells, this technique offers another advantage in that it can be done without taking the battery apart. This non-destructive analysis technique can thus be used to gain a better understanding of the processes occurring within a battery cell. This also raises the possibility of improvements in battery design and identification or prediction of battery characteristics useful in industry and aerospace applications. EIS as a technique is powerful and capable of yielding significant information about the cell, but it also requires that the many parameters under investigation can be resolved. This implies an understanding of the processes occurring in a battery cell. Many battery types were surveyed in this work, but the main emphasis was on nickel/metal hydride batteries.

Isaac, Bryan J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Geometry modeling and grid generation using 3D NURBS control volume

The algorithms for volume grid generation using NURBS geometric representation are presented. The parameterization algorithm is enhanced to yield a desired physical distribution on the curve, surface and volume. This approach bridges the gap between CAD surface/volume definition and surface/volume grid generation. Computational examples associated with practical configurations have shown the utilization of these algorithms.

Yu, Tzu-Yi↗

NASA NTRS1993

Application of capillary fluid management techniques to the design of a phase separating microgravity bioreactor

Manned space missions require the development of compact, efficient, and reliable life support systems. A number of aqueous biological conversion processes are associated with bioregenerative life support systems. Vessels, or bioreactors, capable of supporting these processes in microgravity must be developed. An annular flow bioreactor has been conceived. It has the potential to incorporate containment, phase separation, gas exchange, and illumination into a single vessel. The bioreactor utilizes capillary fluid management techniques and is configured as a cylindrical tube in which a two-phase liquid-gas flow is maintained. Vanes placed around the inner perimeter enhance capillary forces and cause the liquid phase to attach and flow along the interior surface of the tube. No physical barrier is required to complete phase separation. It is shown analytically that liquid film thickness is limited only by vane geometry and that an annular flow bioreactor capable of managing 284 liters would occupy 0.7 cubic m, less than half the volume of a Spacelab experiment rack.

Finger, Barry W.↗

NASA NTRS1995

STS-73 Flight Day 5

On this fifth day of the STS-73 sixteen day mission, the crew Cmdr. Kenneth Bowersox, Pilot Kent Rominger, Payload Specialists Albert Sacco and Fred Leslie, and Mission Specialists Kathryn Thornton, Catherine 'Cady' Coleman, and Michael Lopez-Alegria are shown performing several of the spaceborne experiments onboard the United States Microgravity Lab-2 (USML-2). These experiments are downlinked to Mission Control from the Spacelab using the High-Packed Digital Television (HI-PAC) systems onboard the Shuttle. The experiments shown include the Drop Physics Module (DPM) experiment, the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE), the Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) experiment, and a Hand-Held Diffusion Test Cell experiment. Lopez-Alegria is interviewed in Spanish by two Spanish radio show hosts. Earth views include cloud cover, the Earth's horizon and atmospheric boundary layers, and several oceans.

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NASA NTRS1995

STS-73 Flight Day 11

On this eleventh day of the STS-73 sixteen day mission, the crew Cmdr. Kenneth Bowersox, Pilot Kent Rominger, Payload Specialists Albert Sacco and Fred Leslie, and Mission Specialists Kathryn Thornton, Catherine 'Cady' Coleman, and Michael Lopez-Alegria are shown performing several of the spaceborne experiments onboard the United States Microgravity Lab-2 (USML-2). The experiments shown included the Drop Physics Module (DPM) and the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE). Thermistors are used in the STDCE to study the fluid dynamics behind particle motion.

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NASA NTRS1995

STS-73 Flight Day 12

On this twelfth day of the STS-73 sixteen day mission, the crew Cmdr. Kenneth Bowersox, Pilot Kent Rominger, Payload Specialists Albert Sacco and Fred Leslie, and Mission Specialists Kathryn Thornton, Catherine 'Cady' Coleman, and Michael Lopez-Alegria are shown performing several of the spaceborne experiments onboard the United States Microgravity Lab-2 (USML-2). The experiments shown included the Drop Physics Module (DPM) experiment, the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE), and the Astroculture (tm)(ASC) demonstration. Rominger was interviewed by a Colorado radio news show and asked questions about the mission and living in space. Earth views included cloud cover.

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NASA NTRS1995

STS-73 Flight Day 14

On this fourteenth day of the STS-73 sixteen day mission, the crew Cmdr. Kenneth Bowersox, Pilot Kent Rominger, Payload Specialists Albert Sacco and Fred Leslie, and Mission Specialists Kathryn Thornton, Catherine 'Cady' Coleman, and Michael Lopez-Alegria are shown performing several of the spaceborne experiments onboard the United States Microgravity Lab-2 (USML-2). The experiments shown include the Drop Physics Module (DPM) experiment, the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE), the Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC) experiment, and an experiment on fuel combustion and combustion products. Bowersox, Sacco, Thornton, and Rominger (the red team) were interviewed by high school students from Worcester, Massachusetts, who asked questions regarding the mission's experiments and general questions about living in space. Earth views included a black and white image of the Earth's atmospheric boundary layers.

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NASA NTRS1998

Low Speed Aerodynamics of the X-38 CRV

This project was performed in support of the engineering development of the NASA X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV)system. Wind tunnel experiments were used to visualize various aerodynamic phenomena encountered by the CRV during the final stages of descent and landing. Scale models of the CRV were used to visualize vortex structures above and below the vehicle, and in its wake, and to quantify their trajectories. The effect of flaperon deflection on these structures was studied. The structure and dynamics of the CRV's wake during the drag parachute deployment stage were measured. Regions of high vorticity were identified using surveys conducted in several planes using a vortex meter. Periodic shedding of the vortex sheets from the sides of the CRV was observed using laser sheet videography as the CRV reached high angles of attack during the quasi-steady pitch-up prior to parafoil deployment. Using spectral analysis of hot-film anemometer data, the Strouhal number of these wake fluctuations was found to be 0.14 based on the model span. Phenomena encountered in flight test during parafoil operation were captured in scale-model tests, and a video photogrammetry technique was implemented to obtain parafoil surface shapes during flight in the tunnel. Forces on the parafoil were resolved using tension gages on individual lines. The temporal evolution of the phenomenon of leading edge collapse was captured. Laser velocimetry was used to demonstrate measurement of the porosity of the parafoil surface. From these measurements, several physical explanations have been developed for phenomena observed at various stages of the X-38 development program. Quantitative measurement capabilities have also been demonstrated for continued refinement of the aerodynamic technologies employed in the X-38 project. Detailed results from these studies are given in an AIAA Paper, two slide presentations, and other material which are given on a Web-based archival resource. This is the Digital Library of the Georgia Tech Experimental Aerodynamics Group.

Komerath, N. M.↗