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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Experimental payloads - Inception to integration

Space payload management concepts previously outlined (Bader and Farlow, 1971) are reviewed and are extended to include the aircraft research management scheme. The application of this scheme to the Space Shuttle, both as an orbiting laboratory and as a launch vehicle for unmanned spacecraft is discussed. It is shown that low-cost short-lead-time procedures, based on experience with the use of ordinary laboratory equipment aboard aircraft, are for the most part directly transferable to the Space Shuttle.

Bader, M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Researches on interactions of satellite-speed helium atoms with aluminum and quartz surfaces

Three major areas were experimentally studied: (1) energy transfer in collisions of satellite-speed (700 m/sec) helium atoms with a cleaned satellite-type aluminum surface was investigated using the molecular-beam technique. Spatial and energy distributions of reflected helium atoms were measured and analyzed, (2) The gross accommodation coefficient for a satellite-speed (7000 m/sec) helium beam entering a 2-inch-diameter aluminum spherical cavity was determined by measuring the exit velocity distribution of the leaving helium atoms using a metastable time-of-flight method. Results indicate that the 7000-m/sec satellite-speed helium atoms entering the cavity gain full accommodation with the room-temperature inner surface of the sphere through a large number of collisions before leaving the spherical cavity; and (3) the feasibility of producing a satellite-speed atomic hydrogen beam by arc-heating, for use in studies of interactions of satellite-surfaces with hydrogen atoms under laboratory conditions, was investigated. It was found that a stable arc-heated molecular hydrogen beam can be obtained using the arc-heater, and that a partially dissociated hydrogen beam can be produced. Photographs of laboratory equipment are shown.

Liu, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Studies related to the development of the Viking 1975 labeled release experiment

The labeled release life detection experiment on the Viking 1975 Mars mission is based on the concept that microorganisms will metabolize radioactive organic substrates in a nutrient medium and release radioactive carbon dioxide. Several experiments, using laboratory equipment, were carried out to evaluate various aspects of the concept. Results indicate: (1) label is released by sterilization-treated soil, (2) substantial quantities of label are retained in solution under basic conditions, (3) the substrate used, as well as position of label in the molecule, affect release of label, (4) label release is depressed by radiolytic decomposition of substrates, and (5) About 100,000 organisms are required to produce a detectable response. These results, suggest additional areas for testing, add to the data base for interpretation of flight results, and have significance for broader application of this technique for assessing microbial activity.

Devincenzi, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Microwave absorption of oxygen measured with a Fabry-Perot spectrometer

A semiconfocal configuration of a Fabry-Perot interferometer is described, which can be used for measuring moderately weak absorption at a fixed microwave frequency as a function of pressure by measuring the change in the Q of the system when the gas is introduced. An accuracy of 0.3 dB/km at 58.82 GHz is achieved with just conventional laboratory equipment. The absorption need not be resonant, and can be determined as a function of such physical factors as pressure, temperature, and mixture composition. Oxygen absorption measurements support calculations based on theories of line overlap inside the oxygen absorption band at subatmospheric pressure.

Poon, R. K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Utilization of the wastes of vital activity

The recycling of wastes from the biological complex for use in life-support systems is discussed. Topics include laboratory equipment, heat treatment of waste materials, mineralization of waste products, methods for production of ammonium hydroxide and nitric acid, the extraction of sodium chloride from mineralized products, and the recovery of nutrient substances for plants from urine.

Gusarov, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A dc model for power switching transistors suitable for computer-aided design and analysis

A model for bipolar junction power switching transistors whose parameters can be readily obtained by the circuit design engineer, and which can be conveniently incorporated into standard computer-based circuit analysis programs is presented. This formulation results from measurements which may be made with standard laboratory equipment. Measurement procedures, as well as a comparison between actual and computed results, are presented.

Wilson, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Computer modeling of dendritic web growth processes and characterization of the material

High area throughput rate will be required for the economical production of silicon dendritic web for solar cells. Web width depends largely on the temperature distribution on the melt surface while growth speed is controlled by the dissipation of the latent heat of fusion. Thermal models were developed to investigate each of these aspects, and were used to engineer the design of laboratory equipment capable of producing crystals over 4 cm wide; growth speeds up to 10 cm/min were achieved. The web crystals were characterized by resistivity, lifetime and etch pit density data as well as by detailed solar cell I-V data. Solar cells ranged in efficiency from about 10 to 14.5% (AM-1) depending on growth conditions. Cells with lower efficiency displayed lowered bulk lifetime believed to be due to surface contamination.

Seidensticker, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Oxygen production for interplanetary return missions

Interplanetary missions with extraterrestrial returns are limited by large propulsion mass requirements. The injected mass landed on an extraterrestrial body can be reduced substantially by utilizing indigenous materials for the production of propellant on the extraterrestrial body. Analyses reported show that for Mars return missions, in situ production of oxygen during the wait between landing and the next low-energy return opportunity reduces the Earth-launch mass requirements to the allowable limit for direct entry and direct return missions. A small chemical processor using radioisotope thermal energy can extract oxygen several times its own mass from carbon dioxide, during the several-hundred-days wait on Mars. The fundamental element of the concept is the electrolytic process. Solid electrolyte cells for extracting oxygen from gaseous feedstock are identified. The basic physical principles underlying the extraction process are analyzed, and the relations between the major parameters established. The laboratory equipment for experimental investigation of the process is presented.

Richter, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A dc model for power switching transistors suitable for computer-aided design and analysis

The proposed dc model for bipolar junction power switching transistors is based on measurements which may be made with standard laboratory equipment. Those nonlinearities which are of importance to power electronics design are emphasized. Measurements procedures are discussed in detail. A model formulation adapted for use with a computer program is presented, and a comparison between actual and computer-generated results is made.

Wilson, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Electrochemical Assay of Gold-Plating Solutions

Gold content of plating solution is assayed by simple method that required only ordinary electrochemical laboratory equipment and materials. Technique involves electrodeposition of gold from solution onto electrode, the weight gain of which is measured. Suitable fast assay methods are economically and practically necessary in electronics and decorative-plating industries. If gold content in plating bath is too low, poor plating may result, with consequent economic loss to user.

Chiodo, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite monitoring of sea surface pollution

Thermal IR data from NASA's Heat Capacity Mapping Mission were used in a study of the feasibility of detecting oil spills in the seas around the UK. The period of observation covered the years 1978/9, in which there were no major spills in the area. A video processor capable of generating false color renderings of any satellite image from eight density levels was used in the synoptic search for spills. Other laboratory equipment, and associated analyses, were used to study the thermal behavior of oil spills on water. Oil spills may appear to be warmer or cooler that the surrounding sea, depending on numerous factors.

Fielder, G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Electric vehicle test report Cutler-Hammer Corvette

Vehicles were characterized for the state of the art assessment of electric vehicles. The vehicle evaluated was a Chevrolet Corvette converted to electric operation. The original internal combustion engine was replaced by an electric traction motor. Eighteen batteries supplied the electrical energy. A controller, an onboard battery charger, and several dashboard instruments completed the conversion. The emphasis was on the electrical portion of the drive train, although some analysis and discussion of the mechanical elements are included. Tests were conducted both on the road (actually a mile long runway) and in a chassis dynamometer equipped laboratory. The majority of the tests performed were according to SAE Procedure J227a and included maximum effort accelerations, constant speed range, and cyclic range. Some tests that are not a part of the SAE Procedure J227a are described and the analysis of the data from all tests is discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Life sciences flight experiments program - Overview

The considered LSFE program focuses on Spacelab life sciences missions planned for the 1984-1985 time frame. Life Sciences Spacelab payloads, launched at approximately 18-months intervals, will enable scientists to test hypotheses from such disciplines as vestibular physiology, developmental biology, biochemistry, cell biology, plant physiology, and a variety of other life sciences. An overview is presented of the LSFE program that will take advantage of the unique opportunities for biological experimentation possible on Spacelab. Program structure, schedules, and status are considered along with questions of program selection, and the science investigator working groups. A description is presented of the life sciences laboratory equipment program, taking into account the general purpose work station, the research animal holding facility, and the plant growth unit.

Berry, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The laboratory module

Of the five modules comprising the Orbiting Quarantine Facility, the Laboratory Module must provide not only an extensive research capability to permit execution of the protocol, but also the flexibility to accommodate second-order testing if nonterrestrial life is discovered in the sample. The biocontainment barriers that protect the sample and the researchers from cross contamination are described. Specifically, the laboratory layout, laboratory equipment, the environmental control and life support system, and containment assurance procedures are discussed. The metal manipulation arm proposed for use within the biocontainment cabinets is described. Sample receipt and processing procedures are outlined.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1983

The LSLE echocardiograph - Commercial hardware aboard Spacelab

The Life Sciences Laboratory Equipment Echocardiograph, a commercial 77020AC Ultrasound Imaging System modified to meet NASA's spacecraft standards, is described. The assembly consists of four models: display and control, scanner, scan converter, and physioamplifiers. Four separate processors communicate over an IEE-488 bus, and the system has more than 6000 individual components on 35 printed circuit cards. Three levels of self test are provided: a short test during power up, a basic test initiated by a front panel switch, and interactive tests for specific routines. Default mode operation further enhances reliability. Modifications of the original system include the replacement of ac power supplies with dc to dc converters, a slide-out keyboard (to prevent accidental operation), Teflon insulated wire, and additional shielding for the ultrasound transducer cable.

Schwarz, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Animal experimentation in Spacelab - Present and future U.S. plans

Current development of life-sciences hardware and experiments for the fourth Spacelab mission in the Life Sciences Flight Experiments Program at NASA Ames is reviewed. The research-animal holding facility, the general-purpose work station, and the life sciences laboratory equipment are characterized, and the 14 Ames projects accepted for the mission are listed and discussed. Several hardware systems and experimental procedures will be verified on the Spacelab-3 mission scheduled for late 1984.

Berry, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Science in space with the Space Station

The potential of the Space Station as a versatile scientific laboratory is discussed, reviewing plans under consideration by the NASA Task Force on Scientific Uses of the Space Station. The special advantages offered by the Station for expanding the scope of 'space science' beyond astrophysics, geophysics, and terrestrial remote sensing are stressed. Topics examined include the advantages of a manned presence, the scientific value and cost effectiveness of smaller, more quickly performable experiments, improved communications for ground control of Station experiments, the international nature of the Station, the need for more scientist astronauts for the Station crew, Station on-orbit maintenance and repair services for coorbiting platforms, and the need for Shuttle testing of proposed Station laboratory equipment and procedures.

Banks, Peter M.↗