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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 1,351 records · Page 75

Energetics of CO 2 and H 2 O adsorption on alkaline earth metal doped TiO 2

The process of CO 2 and H 2 O adsorption on the surface of nano-oxide semiconductors is important in the overall performance of artificial photosynthesis and other applications. In this study, we explored the thermodynamics of CO 2 and H 2 O adsorption on TiO 2 as a function of surface chemistry. We applied gas adsorption calorimetry to investigate the energetics of adsorption of those molecules on the surface of anatase nanoparticles. In an attempt to increase TiO 2 surface affinity to CO 2 and H 2 O, TiO 2 was doped with alkaline earth metals (MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) by manipulating the chemical synthesis. Adsorption studies using diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy at different temperatures indicate that due to the segregation of alkaline earth metals on the surface of TiO 2 nanoparticles, both CO 2 and subsequent H2O adsorption amounts could be increased. CO 2 adsorbs in two different manners, forming carbonates which can be removed at temperatures lower than 700 °C, and a more stable linear adsorption that remains even at 700 °C. Additionally to the surface energetic effects, doping also increased specific surface area, resulting in further improvement in net gas adsorption.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Application of Modern Aperture Integration (AI) and Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) Techniques for Analysis of Large Reflector Antennas

The application of aperture integration (AI) and geometrical theory of diffraction (GTO) techniques to analyze large reflector antennas is outlined. The following techniques were used: computer modeling, validation of analysis and computer codes, computer aided design modifications, limitation on the conventional aperture integration (AIC) method, extended aperture integration (AIE) method, the AIE method for feed scattering calculations, near field probing predictions for 15 meter model, limitation on AIC for surface tolerance effects, aperture integration on the surface (AIS) method, and AIC and GTD calculations for compact range reflector.

Rudduck, R. C.↗

Ground Reflectance Measurements from Thematic Mapper Data

Satellite radiance data are measures of solar radiation that has been reflected by the Earth's surface and scattered and absorbed by atmospheric gases and aerosols. Of concern to geologists are the surface reflectance and the degrading effects on surface resolution and albedo contrast introduced by atmospheric phenomena. The objects of this research have been to: (1) provide an empirical relationship between scanner radiance and ground reflectance allowing interpretation of the satellite data in terms of the surface parameter, and (2) assess the precision with which surface spectral reflectance may be recovered from LANDSAT-4 TM data in the presence of perturbing atmospheric and instrumental factors. The approach is field-oriented, and utilizes ground observations of surface spectral reflectance with portable spectrometers and radiometers to develop the required empirical relationships.

Conel, J. E.↗

Microwave remote sensing and radar polarization signatures of natural fields

Theoretical models developed for simulation of microwave remote sensing of the Earth surface from airborne/spaceborne sensors are described. Theoretical model calculations were performed and the results were compared with data of field measurements. Data studied included polarimetric images at the frequencies of P band, L band, and C band, acquired with airborne polarimeters over a agricultural field test site. Radar polarization signatures from bare soil surfaces and from tree covered fields were obtained from the data. The models developed in this report include: (1) Small perturbation model of wave scatterings from randomly rough surfaces, (2) Physical optics model, (3) Geometrical optics model, and (4) Electromagnetic wave scattering from dielectric cylinders of finite lengths, which replace the trees and branches in the modeling of tree covered field. Additionally, a three-layer emissivity model for passive sensing of a vegetation covered soil surface is also developed. The effects of surface roughness, soil moisture contents, and tree parameters on the polarization signatures were investigated.

Mo, Tsan↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Outer Solar System

The session 'Outer Solar System" inlcuded:Monte Carlo Modeling of [O I] 630 nm Auroral Emission on Io; The Detection of Iron Sulfide on Io; Io and Loki in 2003 as Seen from the Infrared Telescope Facility Using Mutual Satellite and Jupiter Occultations; Mapping of the Zamama-Thor Region of Io; First Solar System Results of the Spitzer Space Telescope; Mapping the Surface of Pluto with the Hubble Space Telescope; Experimental Study on Fischer-Tropsch Catalysis in the Circum-Saturnian Subnebula; New High-Pressure Phases of Ammonia Dihydrate; Gas Hydrate Stability at Low Temperatures and High Pressures with Applications to Mars and Europa; Laboratory UV Photolysis of Planetary Ice Analogs Containing H2O + CO2 (1:1); The OH Stretch Infrared Band of Water Ice and Its Temperature and Radiation Dependence; Band Position Variations in Reflectance Spectra of the Jovian Satellite Ganymede; Comparison of Porosity and Radar Models for Europa s Near Surface; Combined Effects of Diurnal and Nonsynchronous Surface Stresses on Europa; Europa s Northern Trailing Hemisphere: Lineament Stratigraphic Framework; Europa at the Highest Resolution: Implications for Surface Processes and Landing Sites; Comparison of Methods to Determine Furrow System Centers on Ganymede and Callisto; Resurfacing of Ganymede by Liquid-Water Volcanism; Layered Ejecta Craters on Ganymede: Comparisons with Martian Analogs; Evaluation of the Possible Presence of CO2-Clathrates in Europa s Icy Shell or Seafloor; Geosciences at Jupiter s Icy Moons: The Midas Touch; Planetary Remote Sensing Science Enabled by MIDAS (Multiple Instrument Distributed Aperture Sensor); and In Situ Surveying of Saturn s Rings.

Source record↗

Space Environment Effects on Materials : An Overview

A general overview on the space environment and its effects on materials is presented. The topics include: 1) Impact of Space Effects on Spacecraft Costs; 2) Space Environment Effects on Spacecraft by Source; 3) Primary Source of Space Effects: The Sun; 4) The Earth's Environment; 5) Trapped Radiation Belts; 6) Aurora Are Everywhere; 7) Spacecraft Interactions; 8) Atmospheric Effects; 9) Contaminant Effects on Materials; 10) Meteoroid/Debris Effects on Materials; 11) Spacecraft Surface Charging; 12) Surface Discharge Effects; 13) Internal Electrostatic Discharge--Satellite Killer; 14) Plasma Interactions DS-1 Ion Engines; 15) Radiation Effects on Spacecraft Systems and Materials; 16) Total Ionizing Dose Effects Total Ionizing Dose Effects; 17) Man-Made Sources of Space Effects Man-Made Sources of Space Effects; and 18) Space Environments Versus Interactions.

charged particles↗

Preliminary micrometeoroid and debris effects on LDEF thermal control surfaces

Thermal control surfaces returned from space exhibited synergistic effects of simultaneous exposure to various natural environments. The thermal control surfaces of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) were exposed to 5.75 years of low Earth orbit environments. Since LDEF was gravity-gradient stabilized and directionally stable (i.e., no rotation), the effects of each of the environments (meteoroid and space debris impacts, thermal cycling, atomic oxygen, and ultraviolet light exposure) can be distinguished via changes in material responses to hypervelocity impacts. The extent of these impacts are being visually and microscopically characterized using thermal control surfaces archived at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in order to determine the relationship between environment exposure and resulting ring sizes, delamination areas, and penetration diameters. The characterization of these affected areas will provide spacecraft system designers with the information they require to determine degradation of thermal control systems during satellite lifetimes.

Allbrooks, Martha K.↗

Are cooler surfaces a cost-effect mitigation of urban heat islands?

Much research has gone into technologies to mitigate urban heat islands by making urban surfaces cooler by increasing their albedos. To be practical, the benefit of the technology must be greater than its cost. Here, this report provides simple methods for quantifying the maxima of some benefits that albedo increases may provide. The method used is an extension of an earlier paper that estimated the maximum possible electrical energy saving achievable in an entire city in a year by a change of albedo of its surfaces. The present report estimates the maximum amounts and monetary savings of avoided CO 2 emissions and the decreases in peak power demands. As examples, for several warm cities in California, a 0.2 increase in albedo of pavements is found to reduce CO 2 emissions by < 1 kg per m 2 per year. At the current price of CO 2 reduction in California, the monetary saving is < US$ 0.01 per year per m 2 modified. The resulting maximum peak-power reductions are estimated to be < 7% of the base power of the city. In conclusion, the magnitudes of the savings are such that decision-makers should choose carefully which urban heat island mitigation techniques are cost effective.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Scanning-electron-microscopy observations and mechanical characteristics of ion-beam-sputtered surgical implant alloys

An electron bombardment ion thruster was used as an ion source to sputter the surfaces of orthopedic prosthetic metals. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs were made of each ion beam textured surface. The effect of ion texturing an implant surface on its bond to bone cement was investigated. A Co-Cr-W alloy and surgical stainless steel were used as representative hard tissue implant materials to determine effects of ion texturing on bulk mechanical properties. Work was done to determine the effect of substrate temperature on the development of an ion textured surface microstructure. Results indicate that the ultimate strength of the bulk materials is unchanged by ion texturing and that the microstructure will develop more rapidly if the substrate is heated prior to ion texturing.

Weigand, A. J.↗

Long‐Term Observations of Turbulence Vertical Velocity Spectra in a Convective Mixed Layer: Dependence on Land‐Surface Forcing in the U.S. Southern Great Plains

Doppler lidar vertical velocity retrievals were analyzed for the scale and structure of mixed-layer turbulence over a 7-year period, on fair-weather warm season days (442 cases) in the U.S. Southern Great Plains. Based on the hypothesized influence of land-surface forcing and updraft size on convective boundary layer clouds, a spectral analysis was performed to quantify effects of surface forcing (surface buoyancy flux, friction velocity, and evaporative fraction) on turbulence scale. Significant (order-of-magnitude) variations in spectral density were found in the energy-production subrange and mesoscale regimes. Integral scale decreased with increasing buoyancy flux (and Monin-Obukhov stability parameter), while spectral density in the energy-production subrange increased, implying a transition to buoyancy-driven cellular structures with narrower updrafts. The influence of stability parameter was limited to the neutral to convective transition, and could not explain the wide variation in spectral density in the mesoscale regime. However, high friction velocity (u* > 0.5 m s –1 ) was associated with larger integral scale (updraft width), and a greater portion of spectral density in the mesoscale regime. Lidar profiles and radar reflectivity for individual cases revealed evidence of roll and wave-like structures contributing to mesoscale variability on high friction velocity days, suggesting shear instabilities on days with wetter land surface conditions and smaller buoyancy flux. The role of friction velocity emphasizes the multivariate nature of surface influences on turbulence, and implies that variance-based turbulence closures may not be adequate for capturing effects of surface forcing on updraft size.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Investigation of the Jet Effects on a Flat Surface Downstream of the Exit of a Simulated Turbojet Nacelle at a Free-Stream Mach Number of 2.02

An investigation at a free-stream Mach number of 2.02 was made to determine the effects of a propulsive jet on a wing surface located in the vicinity of a choked convergent nozzle. Static-pressure surveys were made on a flat surface that was located in the vicinity of the propulsive jet. The nozzle was operated over a range of exit pressure ratios at different fixed vertical distances from the flat surface. Within the scope of this investigation, it was found that shock waves, formed in the external flow because of the presence of the propulsive jet, impinged on the flat surface and greatly altered the pressure distribution. An integration of this pressure distribution, with the location of the propulsive jet exit varied from 1.450 propulsive-jet exit diameters to 3.392 propulsive-jet exit diameters below the wing, resulted in an incremental lift for all jet locations that was equal to the gross thrust at an exit pressure ratio of 2.86. This incremental lift increased with increase in exit pressure ratio, but not so rapidly as the thrust increased, and was approximately constant at any given exit pressure ratio.

Bressette, Walter E.↗

Strain-driven surface reconstruction and cation segregation in layered Li(Ni 1– x – y Mn x Co y )O 2 (NMC) cathode materials

The composition, structure and phase transformations occurring on cathode surfaces greatly affect the performance of Li-ion batteries. Li-Ion diffusion and surface–electrolyte interaction are two major phenomena that impact the capacity and cell impedance. The effects of surface reconstruction (SR) of cathode materials on the performance of Li-ion batteries are of current interest. However, the origin and evolution of the SR are still not well understood. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the processes taking place during surface segregation and reconstruction. Facet dependent segregation was found in Li(Ni 1– x – y Mn x Co y )O 2 (NMC) cathodes. Specifically, Co tends to segregate to the (104) surface of the primary particles within the transition metal layer, while Ni ions tend to segregate to the (012) surface in the Li layer, forming a SR. Experimental evidence shows the SR to be epitaxial with the bulk of the as-synthesized material, and the new SR phase is pinned to the NMC unit cell leading to a strained SR. Here, we demonstrate that strain can stabilize a spinel structure of the SR layers. Understanding the effects of surface strain opens a new avenue for the design of cathode materials with enhanced surface properties.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Unusual materials effects observed on the thermal control surfaces experiment (S0069)

A number of unusual effects were observed on the Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment (TCSE) test samples, front cover, and structural components. These effects include atomic oxygen (AO) texturing of the exposed surface of the silver Teflon (Ag/FEP) thermal control material, 'brownish' discoloration of the Ag/FEP material, changes in fluorescence of thermal control paint samples, and meteoroid/debris impact effects on silver Teflon.

Zwiener, James M.↗

Investigation for In-Situ Removal of Carbon from Optical Surfaces

The ability to effectively clean optical surfaces of carbon to restore performance without damage is of great importance for soft x-ray beamlines. There is currently a good deal of focus on prevention and cleaning through the use of simple oxygen introduction in the presence of beam. This technique is being both studied and applied effectively at other synchrotron facilities. This investigation focused on testing techniques without the presence of beam, to be applied in-situ for carbon removal. This investigation included oxygen plasma and ozone cleaning (both ozone generated by UV light and ozone generator).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An Effect of Chemical Modification of Surface of Carbon Nanotubes on Their Thermal Conductivity

An effect of partial chemical modification of the surface of a single-walled carbon nanotube on its thermal conductivity is studied. Numerical simulation of heat transfer showed that partial hydrogenation (fluorination) of a nanotube (addition of hydrogen and fluorine atoms from its outer side) can lead to more than a tenfold decrease in thermal conductivity. When the length of the nanotube increases, its thermal conductivity increases in proportion to the logarithm of the length, whereas the proportionality coefficient decreases with an increase in density of hydrogen or fluorine atoms attached. A thermal conductivity reduction coefficient does not depend on the length of the nanotube, but depends on temperature (the lower the temperature, the stronger the decrease) and density of the attached atoms p. When p < 0.25, an increase in density monotonically decreases the thermal conductivity. A decrease is maximum, when density p is 0.25. If only one half of the nanotube is hydrogenated, this half has a lower thermal conductivity. Such a nanotube becomes anisotropic and can be used as a heat transfer rectifier with no more than two percent rectification efficiency.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effects of Atmospheric and Surface Dust on the Sublimation Rates of CO2 on Mars

We present an overview of our modeling work dedicated to study the effects of atmospheric dust on the sublimation of CO2 on Mars. The purpose of this study is to better understand the extent to which dust storm activity can be a root cause for interannual variability in the planetary CO2 seasonal cycle, through modifying the springtime regression rates of the south polar cap. We obtain calculations of the sublimation fluxes for various types of polar surfaces and different amounts of atmospheric dust. These calculations have been compared qualitatively with the regression patterns observed by Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) in both visible and infrared wavelengths, for two years of very different dust histories (1999, and 2001).

Bonev, B. P.↗

Effects of an adjacent metal surface on spin wave propagation

We experimentally investigate and model the effects of a copper surface adjacent to a surface on which spin waves propagate in a thin film of yttrium iron garnet (YIG). Investigation was performed using a phase detection method, which can map out the spin wave velocity as a function wavevector for small wavevector with high resolution. This velocity is in good agreement with a simple model and allows for extraction of the separation between the YIG film and the copper.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Novel duplex vapor-electrochemical method for silicon solar cells

Optimization studies were carried out for the SiF4-Na reaction with solid Na feed. The goals of the study were the consistent production of high purity reaction products and the gathering of relevant information needed to scale-up the reactor. Parameters studied include: (1) effect of surface to volume ratio of Na slices on the extent of reaction; (2) effect of Na surface oxidation on the extent of reaction; (3) effect of external heating on the extent of SiF4-Na reaction; (4) effect of Na slice addition rate on extent of the reaction; and (5) SiF4-Na reaction - high pressure experiments. An investigation was also made of the possible role played by NaF as a fluxing agent during the separation of silicon by melting of the reaction product (Si + NaF) mixture. Since silicon can be produced by the thermite reaction between Na2SiF6 and Na, studies were initiated to gather information on parameters which control the efficiency of the thermite reaction.

Nanis, L.↗