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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Numerical simulation of a disk-shaped electron accelerating electrostatic probe

This paper presents a method utilizing the numerical plasma simulation particle-in-cell technique for studying electron accelerating probe characteristics. A probe configuration other than the commonly used plane, cylindrical, or spherical case will be studied; the probe configuration used is that of a disk. Cylindrical geometry is used in the simulation model. One of the advantages of a numerical simulation is the ease with which the details of the system can be examined. Therefore, in addition to the current-voltage characteristics of the static probe, other results are presented such as the time evolution of the plasma properties and studies of the sheath region surrounding the probe.

Nonnast, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Numberical simulation of the effects of radially injected barium plasma in the ionosphere

The morphology of the ion cloud in the radial shaped charge barium injection was studied. The shape of the ion cloud that remains after the explosive products and neutral barium clears away was examined. The ion cloud which has the configuration of a rimless wagon wheel is shown. The major features are the 2.5 km radius black hole in the center of the cloud, the surrounding ring of barium ion and the spokes of barium ionization radiating away from the center. The cloud shows no evolution after it emerges from the neutral debris and it is concluded that it is formed within 5 seconds of the event. A numerical model is used to calculate the motion of ions and electrons subject to the electrostatic and lorenz forces.

Swift, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Precise tracking of the Magellan and Pioneer Venusorbiters by same-beam interferometry. Part 1: Dataaccuracy analysis

Simultaneous tracking of two spacecraft in orbit about a distant planet by two widely separated Earth-based radio antennas provides more-accurate positioning information than can be obtained by tracking each spacecraft separately. A demonstration of this tracking technique, referred to as same-beam interferometry (SBI), is currently being done using the Magellan and Pioneer 12 orbiters at Venus. Signals from both spacecraft fall within the same beamwidth of the Deep Space Station antennas. The plane-of-sky position difference between spacecraft is precisely determined by doubly differenced phase measurements. This radio metric measurement naturally complements line-of-sight Doppler. Data was first collected from Magellan and Pioneer 12 on August 11-12, 1990, shortly after Magellan was inserted into Venus orbit. Data were subsequently acquired in February and April 1991, providing a total of 34 hours of same-beam radio metric observables. Same-beam radio metric residuals have been analyzed and compared with model measurement error predictions. The predicted error is dominated by solar plasma fluctuations. The rms of the residuals is less than predicted by about 25 percent for 5-min averages. The shape of the spectrum computed from residuals is consistent with that derived from a model of solar plasma fluctuations. This data type can greatly aid navigation of a second spacecraft when the first is well-known in its orbit.

Border, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Stochastic charging of dust grains in planetary rings: Diffusion rates and their effects on Lorentz resonances

Dust grains in planetary rings acquire stochastically fluctuating electric charges as they orbit through any corotating magnetospheric plasma. Here we investigate the nature of this stochastic charging and calculate its effect on the Lorentz resonance (LR). First we model grain charging as a Markov process, where the transition probabilities are identified as the ensemble-averaged charging fluxes due to plasma pickup and photoemission. We determine the distribution function P(t;N), giving the probability that a grain has N excess charges at time t. The autocorrelation function tau(sub q) for the strochastic charge process can be approximated by a Fokker-Planck treatment of the evolution equations for P(t; N). We calculate the mean square response to the stochastic fluctuations in the Lorentz force. We find that transport in phase space is very small compared to the resonant increase in amplitudes due to the mean charge, over the timescale that the oscillator is resonantly pumped up. Therefore the stochastic charge variations cannot break the resonant interaction; locally, the Lorentz resonance is a robust mechanism for the shaping of etheral dust ring systems. Slightly stronger bounds on plasma parameters are required when we consider the longer transit times between Lorentz resonances.

Schaffer, L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Model for interpreting Doppler broadened optical line emission measurements on axially symmetric plasma

A plasma model, previously developed to interpret neutral-particle analyzer measurements on E x B heating devices, is adapted to analyze Doppler broadened charge-exchange-neutral lines measured by an optical monochromator. Comparison of theoretical with experimental results indicates that azimuthal drift as well as cyclotron motion are quite influential in determining line shapes and widths, and thus important in temperature determination, even when the monochromator line of sight is intersecting the plasma axis of symmetry. At this central sighting position, however, results are quite insensitive to radial ion density distribution when time lag between the charge-exchange-excitation events and emission is neglected. Line shapes and widths obtained by sighting across chords of plasma at various distances from the plasma axis of symmetry indicate a strong dependence on time lag.

Englert, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Accretion magnetosphere stability. II - Polar cap 'drip'

The entry of plasma past the shielding magnetic field of a collapsed object is examined. It is concluded that a plausible entry mode is simply a 'dripping' motion of the polar caps of the magnetopause, owing to radiation of the hot compressed plasma there. The plasma 'drips' would hit the object's surface either near the magnetic poles or in a ring-shaped 'auroral' zone around the poles. Insofar as this entry mode is concerned, no special role is played by finite plasma resistivity since the plasma can reach the stellar object even if the conductivity is infinite.

Michel, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The L equals 6.7 quiet time barium shaped charge injection experiment 'Chachalaca'

Near dawn on October 9, 1972, UT, a barium plasma injection experiment was carried out from Poker Flat, Alaska, during quiet magnetic conditions (Kp equals 1+). The visible plasma flux tube produced was more diffuse than the flux tubes in previous experiments, but it could be tracked for 30 min out to an altitude of 2.5 earth radii. The flux tube remained integral for about 20 min, when a single striation separated from the main streak. Comparisons of the observed flux tube orientation with theoretical field models show no significant deviations ascribable to field-aligned currents. Cross-field drift rates of the foot of the flux tube indicate an E field of approximately 7 mV/m at 200-km altitude. Although an attempt was made via a jet aircraft flight, barium ions were not detected in the southern conjugate region. No energetic particle precipitation phenomena were observed which could be ascribed to the barium plasma injection.

Wescott, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Relationship between energetic particles and plasmas in the distant plasma sheet

Measurements of ions from three different instruments on the IMP-7 and 8 spacecraft are combined to yield the differential energy spectra of ions over the entire energy range of 100 eV to 4 MeV in the earth's distant (30 to 40 earth radii) plasma sheet. These spectra, obtained during times of relatively small bulk flow velocities, span the intensity range from 10 to the -5th to 10 to the 5th per sq cm-sec-sr-keV, varying smoothly over the entire energy range both when the plasma is cold (about 1 keV) and hot (about 9 keV). Overall, the shape of the spectrum resembles a Maxwellian but with a high energy (not less than 50 keV) tail described well by a power law. The high energy tail is displaced in a parallel fashion to higher or lower intensities when the plasma is hot or cold, respectively. It is found that the energetic particle populations in the plasma sheet appear to be directly related to the mean thermal energies of the corresponding plasmas.

Sarris, E. T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Implications of large flow velocity signatures in nearly isotropic ion distributions

ISEE-1 energetic ion distributions are compared with previously published lower-energy ISEE-1 H(+) and He(2+) distributions in the quiet-time plasma sheet at about 15 earth radii and within about 1 earth radius of the expected neutral sheet position. Although moment calculations performed over the nearly isotropic H(+) and He(2+) plasma distributions yield low bulk velocities of less than 14 km/s, the spectral shapes of these signatures are indicative of high flow speeds. It is suggested that H(+) and H(2+) ions of solar wind origin were accelerated through an electrostatic potential of about 2.4 kV prior to the ISEE-1 observations in the plasma sheet on a closed magnetospheric field line, and that a second plasma sheet population existed at this ISEE-1 position in the geomagnetic field.

Williams, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Outer satellite atmospheres: Their nature and planetary interactions

Modeling capabilities and initial model calculations are reported for the peculiar directional features of the Io sodium cloud discovered by Pilcher and the extended atomic oxygen atmosphere of Io discovered by Brown. Model results explaining the directional feature by a localized emission from the satellite are encouraging, but as yet, inconclusive; whereas for the oxygen cloud, an escape rate of 1 to 2 x 10 to the 27th power atoms/sec or higher from Io is suggested. Preliminary modeling efforts were also initiated for the extended hydrogen ring-atmosphere of Saturn detected by the Voyager spacecraft and for possible extended atmospheres of some of the smaller satellites located in the E-ring. Continuing research efforts reported for the Io sodium cloud include further refinement in the modeling of the east-west asymmetry data, the asymmetric line profile shape, and the intersection of the cloud with the Io plasma torus. In addition, the completed pre-Voyager modeling of Titan's hydrogen torus is included and the near completed model development for the extended atmosphere of comets is discussed.

Smyth, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Adherent Thermal Barrier For Combustion Chamber

In improved method, fabrication begins with machining of aluminum mandrel to requisite cylindrical shape. Heat-barrier coating - yttria-stablized zirconia - plasma-sprayed on mandrel to thickness of 0.076 mm. Nickel/chromium layer about 0.025 mm thick sprayed on zirconia. Thin zirconia coating reduces maximum operating temperature of copper wall of chamber from 844 to 334 K. At lower temperature, copper liner stronger and undergoes less strain and less tendency to distort and crack.

Quentmeyer, Richard J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

On Ba(+) production in the CRIT 2 experiment

Analysis of partical data from the CRIT 2 experiment, studying Alfven's critical ionization velocity (CIV) effect, shows that the density of newly created ions (presumably Ba(+) from the shaped-charge beam) is consistent with the increase in total plasma density measured by the independent RF plasma probe on board (Swenson et al., 1990) at the most active time period. We model this ion production using the measured electron flux data and the neutral barium model of Stenbaek-Nielsen et al. (1990a). To identify the main source mechanisms which may contribute most to the barium ionization, a simple model for the barium ion density at the payload location is developed based on Liouvilles theorem. We estimate that the electron impact ionization is responsible for 90% of the barium ion production observed by CRIT 2 in the first release and up to 45% in the second release. By employing a two-state approximation calculation (Rapp and Francis, 1962), the Ba-O(+) charge exchange cross section is found to range from about 2.0 X 10(exp -17) sq cm at a velocity of 4 km/s to 2.0 X 10(exp -15) sq cm at a velocity of 20 km/s. This result suggests that the Ba-O(+) charge exchange is probably dominant among all the non-CIV ionization processes. By considering the charge exchange process in our density model, the barrium ion densities are calculated for the two releases on CRIT II. The comparison between the model results and the observed data is found to be resonably consistent if the cross sections, as calculated above, are multiplied by 0.3 for the first release and 1.0 for the second release. Our result suggests that the charge exchange process could be the most important non-CIV ionization mechanism in the CRIT II experiment and it should be considered carefully case by case in CIV experiments.

Liou, K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

VPS GRCop-84 Liner Development Efforts

For the past several years, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been working with Plasma Processes, Inc. (PPI) to fabricate combustion chamber liners using the Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) process. Multiple liners of a variety of shapes and sizes have been created. Each liner has been fabricated with GRCop-84 (a copper alloy with chromium and niobium) and a functional gradient coating (FGC) on the hot wall. While the VPS process offers versatility and a reduced fabrication schedule, the material system created with VPS allows the liners to operate at higher temperatures, with maximum blanch resistance and improved cycle life. A subscal unit (5K lbf thrust class) is being cycle tested in a LOX/Hydrogen thrust chamber assembly at MSFC. To date, over 75 hot-fire tests have been accumulated on this article. Tests include conditions normally detrimental to conventional materials, yet the VPS GRCop-84 liner has yet to show any signs of degradation. A larger chamber (15K lbf thrust class) has also been fabricated and is being prepared for hot-fire testing at MSFC near the end of 2003. Linear liners have been successfully created to further demonstrate the versatility of the process. Finally, scale up issues for the VPS process are being tackled with efforts to fabricate a full size, engine class liner. Specifically, a liner for the SSME's Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) has recently been attempted. The SSME size was chosen for convenience, since its design was readily available and its size was sufficient to tackle specific issues. Efforts to fabricate these large liners have already provided valuable lessons for using this process for engine programs. The material quality for these large units is being evaluated with destructive analysis and these results will be available by the end of 2003.

Elam, Sandra K.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Low Pressure Plasma Sprayed Overlay Coatings for GRCop-84 Combustion Chamber Liners for Reusable Launch Vehicles

An advanced Cu-8(at.%)Cr-4%Nb alloy developed at NASA's Glenn Research Center, and designated as GRCop-84, is currently being considered for use as combustor chamber liners and nozzle ramps in NASA s future generations of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). However, past experience has shown that unprotected copper alloys undergo an environmental attack called "blanching" in rocket engines using liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. Potential for sulfidation attack of the liners in hydrocarbon-fueled engines is also of concern. Protective overlay coatings alloys are being developed for GRCop-84. The development of this coatings technology has involved a combination of modeling, coatings development and characterization, and process optimization. Coatings have been low pressure plasma sprayed on GRCop-84 substrates of various geometries and shapes. Microstructural, mechanical property data and thermophysical results on the coated substrates are presented and discussed.

Raj, S. V.↗
NASA NTRS2005

VPS Process for Copper Components in Thrust Chamber Assemblies

For several years, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been working with Plasma Processes, Inc., (PPI) to fabricate thrust chamber liners with GRCop-84. Using the vacuum plasma spray (VPS) process, chamber liners of a variety of shapes and sizes have been created. Each has been formed as a functional gradient material (FGM) that creates a unique protective layer of NiCrAlY on the GRCop-84 liner s hot wall surface. Hot-fire testing was successfully conducted on a subscale unit to demonstrate the liner's durability and performance. Similar VPS technology has also been applied to create functional gradient coatings (FGC) on copper injector faceplates. Protective layers of NiCrAlY and zirconia were applied to both coaxial and impinging faceplate designs. Hot-fire testing is planned for these coated injectors in April 2005. The resulting material systems for both copper alloy components allows them to operate at higher temperatures with improved durability and operating margins.

Elam, Sandra↗
NASA NTRS2005

Fabrication of High Temperature Cermet Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Processing techniques are being developed to fabricate refractory metal and ceramic cermet materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). Significant advances have been made in the area of high-temperature cermet fuel processing since RoverNERVA. Cermet materials offer several advantages such as retention of fission products and fuels, thermal shock resistance, hydrogen compatibility, high conductivity, and high strength. Recent NASA h d e d research has demonstrated the net shape fabrication of W-Re-HfC and other refractory metal and ceramic components that are similar to UN/W-Re cermet fuels. This effort is focused on basic research and characterization to identify the most promising compositions and processing techniques. A particular emphasis is being placed on low cost processes to fabricate near net shape parts of practical size. Several processing methods including Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) and conventional PM processes are being evaluated to fabricate material property samples and components. Surrogate W-Re/ZrN cermet fuel materials are being used to develop processing techniques for both coated and uncoated ceramic particles. After process optimization, depleted uranium-based cermets will be fabricated and tested to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and hot H2 erosion properties. This paper provides details on the current results of the project.

Hickman, Robert↗
NASA NTRS2018

Semiclassical Calculations of Stark Broadening Parameters of He I Lines Revisited

Stark broadening parameters for spectral lines of He I lines, calculated using numerically improved semiclassical formalism of Griem are reported and favorably compared with the original results of Griem. The comparison with other sets of data is carried out and results presented also. In addition, new Stark broadening parameters are available now in extended electron temperature range from 2500 K to 80000 K.

Physics↗
NASA NTRS1991

Precise tracking of the Magellan and Pioneer Venus orbiters by same-beam interferometry

Results of a demonstration of same-beam interferometry, the simultaneous tracking of two spacecraft in orbit about a distant planet by widely separated earth-based radio antennas, are presented with regard to the Magellan and Pioneer 12 orbiters at Venus. Signals from both spacecraft fall within the same beamwidth of the tracking antennas. The plane-of-sky position difference between spacecraft is precisely determined by double-differenced phase measurements. This data type complements line-of-sight Doppler and improves orbital accuracy by up to an order of magnitude. The predicted error is dominated by solar plasma fluctuations, and is 15.1 psec for a 5-min integration. The rms of the residuals is less than this by about 25 percent. The shape of the spectrum computed from residuals is consistent with that derived from a model of solar plasma fluctuations. Same-beam interferometry is expected to enhance tracking accuracy and efficiency for proposed multiple missions to Mars.

Border, James S.↗