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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 NTRS1979

The study of 'microsurfaces' using thermal desorption spectroscopy

The use of a newly combined ultrahigh vacuum technique for studying continuous and particulate evaporated thin films using thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transmission electron diffraction (TED) is discussed. It is shown that (1) CO thermal desorption energies of epitaxially deposited (111) Ni and (111) Pd surfaces agree perfectly with previously published data on bulk (111) single crystal, (2) contamination and surface structural differences can be detected using TDS as a surface probe and TEM as a complementary technique, and (3) CO desorption signals from deposited metal coverages of one-thousandth of a monolayer should be detectable. These results indicate that the chemisorption properties of supported 'microsurfaces' of metals can now be investigated with very high sensitivity. The combined use of TDS and TEM-TED experimental methods is a very powerful technique for fundamental studies in basic thin film physics and in catalysis.

Thomas, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Influence of Ductility on the Performance of Lunar Habitat Structures Under Recurrent Disturbances

This research examines how ductility affects the durability of lunar surface structures against recurring disturbances like moonquakes, micrometeorite impacts, and thermal cycles over an extended period. The structural performance at various levels of ductility was determined by adjusting material parameters and the thickness of a reference multilayered dome structure. Moonquake and micrometeorite impact-induced lateral displacements were estimated using a reduced-order model under a control-oriented dynamic computational modeling framework. The study considered the degradation of the metallic dome’s strength properties over time due to thermal cycles. Fragility curves were generated by assessing the likelihood of reaching three predefined damage levels as a result of multiple hazards. Additionally, a discounted cash flow analysis was conducted to incorporate a financial aspect into the performance comparison. The findings revealed that structures with sufficient ductility capacity have a lower probability of sustaining severe damage or collapsing within a shorter time frame. Hence, having ductile structures in lunar environments is advantageous as it allows the postponement of maintenance and repair actions, thereby conserving scarce resources for more urgent tasks. Moreover, the financial analysis demonstrated that lunar habitats with higher ductile capacities result in larger net present values, offering a higher return on the initial investment.

Arsalan Majlesi↗
NASA NTRS2002

Sensitivities of Tropical Cyclones to Surface Friction and the Coriolis Parameter in a 2-D Cloud-Resolving Model

The sensitivities to surface friction and the Coriolis parameter in tropical cyclogenesis are studied using an axisymmetric version of the Goddard cloud ensemble model. Our experiments demonstrate that tropical cyclogenesis can still occur without surface friction. However, the resulting tropical cyclone has very unrealistic structure. Surface friction plays an important role of giving the tropical cyclones their observed smaller size and diminished intensity. Sensitivity of the cyclogenesis process to surface friction. in terms of kinetic energy growth, has different signs in different phases of the tropical cyclone. Contrary to the notion of Ekman pumping efficiency, which implies a preference for the highest Coriolis parameter in the growth rate if all other parameters are unchanged, our experiments show no such preference.

Chao, Winston C.↗
NASA NTRS2010

A Compendium of Scale Surface Microstructures: Ni(pt)al Coatings Oxidized at 1150 C for 2000 1-h Cycles

The surface structure of scales formed on Ni(Pt)Al coatings was characterized by SEM/EDS/BSE in plan view. Two nominally identical {100} samples of aluminide coated CMSX4 single crystal were oxidized at 1150 C for 2000 1-h cycles and were found to produce somewhat disparate behavior. One sample, with less propensity for coating grain boundary ridge deformation, presented primarily alpha-Al2O3 scale structures, with minimal weight loss and spallation. The original scale structure, still retained over most of the sample, consisted of the classic theta-alpha transformation-induced ridge network structure, with approx. 25 nm crystallographic steps and terraces indicative of surface rearrangement to low energy alumina planes. The scale grain boundary ridges were often decorated with a fine, uniform distribution of (Hf,Ti)O2 particles. Another sample, producing steady state weight losses, exhibited much interfacial spallation and a complex assortment of different structures. Broad areas of interfacial spalling, crystallographically-faceted (Ni,Co)(Al,Cr)2O4 spinel, with an alpha-Al2O3 base scale, were the dominant features. Other regions exhibited nodular spinel grains, with fine or (Ta,Ti)-rich (rutile) particles decorating or interspersed with the spinel. While these features were consistent with a coating that presented more deformation at extruded grain boundaries, the root cause of the different behavior between the duplicate samples could not be conclusively identified.

Smialek, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Algebraic surface grid generation in three-dimensional space

An interactive program for algebraic generation of structured surface grids in three dimensional space was developed on the IRIS4D series workstations. Interactive tools are available to ease construction of edge curves and surfaces in 3-D space. Addition, removal, or redistribution of points at arbitrary locations on a general 3-D surface or curve is possible. Also, redistribution of surface grid points may be accomplished through use of conventional surface splines or a method called 'surface constrained transfinite interpolation'. This method allows the user to redistribute the grid points on the edges of a surface patch; the effect of the redistribution is then propagated to the remainder of the surface through a transfinite interpolation procedure where the grid points will be constrained to lie on the surface. The program was written to be highly functional and easy to use. A host of utilities are available to ease the grid generation process. Generality of the program allows the creation of single and multizonal surface grids according to the user requirements. The program communicates with the user through popup menus, windows, and the mouse.

Warsi, Saif↗
NASA NTRS1985

Extensional tectonics on continents and the transport of heat and matter

Intracontinental zones of extensional tectonic style are commonly of finite width and length. Associated sedimentary troughs are fault-controlled. The evolution of those structures is accompanied by volcanic activity of variable intensity. The characteristic surface structures are usually underlaid by a lower crust of the transitional type while deeper subcustal areas show delayed travel times of seismic waves especially at young tectonic provinces. A correspondence between deep-seated processes and zones of continental extension appears obvious. A sequential order of mechanisms and their importance are discussed in the light of modern data compilations and quantitative kinematic and dynamic approaches. The Cenozoic exensional tectonics related with the Rhine River are discussed.

Neugebauer, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Hyperbolic Methods for Surface and Field Grid Generation

This chapter describes the use of hyperbolic partial differential equation methods for structured surface grid generation and field grid generation. While the surface grid generation equations are inherently three dimensional, the field grid generation equations can be formulated in two or three dimensions. The governing equations are derived from orthogonality relations and cell area/volume constraints; and are solved numerically by marching from an initial curve or surface. The marching step size and marching distance can be prescribedly the user. Exact specifications of the side and outer boundaries are not possible with a one sweep marching scheme but limited control is achievable. Excellent orthogonality and grid clustering characteristics are provided by hyperbolic methods with one to two orders of magnitude savings in time over typical elliptic methods. Since hyperbolic grid generation methods do not require the exact specifications of the side and outer boundaries of a grid, these methods are particularly well suited for the overlapping grid approach for solving problems on complex configurations. Grid generation software based on hyperbolic methods and their applications on several complex configurations will be described.

Chan, William M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Modeling the surface and interior structure of comet nuclei using a multidisciplinary approach

The goal was to investigate the structural properties of the surface of comet nucleus and how the surface should change with time under effect of solar radiation. The basic model that was adopted was that the nucleus is an aggregate of frosty particles loosely bound together, so that it is essentially a soil. The nucleus must mostly be composed of dust particles. The observed mass ratios of dust to gas in the coma is never much greater than unity, but this ratio is probably a much lower limit than that of the nucleus because it is vastly easier to remove the gaseous component by sublimation than by carrying off the dust. Therefore the described models assumed that the particles in the soil were frost covered grains of submicron basic size, closely resembling the interstellar grains. The surface properties of such a nucleus under the effects of heating and cooling as the nucleus approaches and recedes from the Sun generally characterized.

Odell, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Simulation studies for surfaces and materials strength

The progress report for the period May 1, 1992 to October 31, 1992 is presented. During this period investigations were carried out in three areas. Binding energies and high energy binding sites were calculated for carbon atoms deposited on a (2 x 1) dimerized Si(100) surface. Structure- and energy-related properties of defects formed on relaxed diamond surfaces were investigated. Tersoff-type model functions for Si were employed to investigate the energetics of the following processes: (1) neutral monovacancy and divacancy formation and migration energies; (2) neutral bond-centered, site sharing, tetrahedral, and hexagonal self-interstitial formation and migration energies; and (3) the variation of these energies with distance from a bulk site of Frenkel defect formation and from (100) and (111) surfaces. Calculations are included in the appendices.

Halicioglu, Timur↗
NASA NTRS1999

Charge Transfer Process During Collision of Riming Graupel Pellet with Small Ice Crystals within a Thundercloud

A charge transfer process during the collision of a riming graupel pellet and an ice-crystal at low temperature is proposed. During riming, the surface structure of graupel deviates from perfect crystalline structure. A concept of quasi-solid layer (QSL) formation on the surface is introduced. This QSL contains defects formed during riming. In absence of impurities, positively charged X-defect abundance is considered in the outer layer. These defects are assumed to be the charge carriers during the charge transfer process. Some part of the QSL is stripped off by the colliding ice crystals, which thereby gain some positive charge, leaving the graupel pellet negatively charged. With the proposed model, fC to pC of charge transfer is observed per collision. A transition temperature between -10 C to -15 C is also noted beyond which the QSL concept does not hold. This transition temperature is dependent on the bulk liquid water content of the cloud.

Datta, Saswati↗
NASA NTRS1998

Galileo Outreach Compilation

This NASA JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) video production is a compilation of the best short movies and computer simulation/animations of the Galileo spacecraft's journey to Jupiter. A limited number of actual shots are presented of Jupiter and its natural satellites. Most of the video is comprised of computer animations of the spacecraft's trajectory, encounters with the Galilean satellites Io, Europa and Ganymede, as well as their atmospheric and surface structures. Computer animations of plasma wave observations of Ganymede's magnetosphere, a surface gravity map of Io, the Galileo/Io flyby, the Galileo space probe orbit insertion around Jupiter, and actual shots of Jupiter's Great Red Spot are presented. Panoramic views of our Earth (from orbit) and moon (from orbit) as seen from Galileo as well as actual footage of the Space Shuttle/Galileo liftoff and Galileo's space probe separation are also included.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2022

In Situ Measurements of Surface Texture with Virtual Environments Support Science-Driven Human Surface Operations on the Moon and Beyond

Visualization tools enabling real-time scientific analysis are important for supporting future astronaut operations on the lunar surface. Such tools can be built into virtual environments to support scientific investigations, as well as situational awareness, real-time decision making, and efficient communication between astronauts and ground and support systems. Understanding how these tools can be optimized for science is essential for upcoming Artemis missions. In this contribution, we discuss how measurements of surface texture at multiple length scales can greatly enhance in situ science on/of the Moon, and eventually Mars, asteroids, and beyond. Roughness measurements at various wavelengths directly support objectives defined in the Artemis Science Plan, including (O1) “understanding planetary processes,” (O2) “understanding volatile cycles,” and (O3) “interpreting the impact history of the Earth-Moon system” . Key scientific analyses enabled by texture measurements at different length scales include: ● Sub-centimeter scales: Texture measurements can help constrain lava flow crystallinity, lava rheology, emplacement flow dynamics, and cooling histories (O1). Measurements of lacunarity (voids in fractal fill space) can shed light on eruptive volatile content, residence time of migrating volatiles, and near-surface volume available for micro-cold trapping of volatiles (O1, O2). ● Centimeter–meter scales: Texture measurements can be used for the differentiation of individual lava flows, the reconstruction of local stratigraphies and emplacement sequences, characterization of post-emplacement surface modification processes (O1, O3). Derived roughness (polarization) metrics can be used in the detection of water ice and characterization of ice properties (e.g., purity, grade, depth, abundance). ● Hectometer–Kilometer scales: Texture measurements can be used to differentiate major geologic surface units and surface structures (O1), constrain the presence of abundant ground ices (O2), and analyze surface modification and estimate surface age (O3). Real-time measurements of surface texture across these multiple length scales will enable efficient sample identification and scientific investigations by future astronauts. To support these investigations and the objective classification of surface texture, virtual environments employed by astronauts should be able to instantaneously convert raw data into processed data (e.g., digital terrain and elevation models) and derived metrics (e.g., RMS, std, Hurst, CPR) and perform statistical analyses (e.g., PCA, outliers, correlation matrices). Such tools are being developed and tested by the Resource Exploration and Science of our Cosmic Environment (RESOURCE) team, a node of NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), and are an excellent example of the powerful synergies of human and robotic ground assets critical in the return of humans to the Moon.

Ariel N. Deutsch↗
NASA NTRS1991

A Graphically Interactive Approach to Structured and Unstructured Surface Grid Quality Analysis

A graphically interactive approach to structured and unstructured surface grid quality analysis is described. A Surface Analysis Code SurfACe) is developed to help a user analyze surface grid quality based on surface normal vectors, first and second derivatives of these vectors, normal, Gaussian, and mean curvatures, orthogonality, aspect ratio, and cell area. The results demonstrate how this approach can be used to reduce surface grid generation errors and increase the cost effectiveness of Computational Fluid Dynamics as an aircraft design tool.

Stewart, John E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Cooling and deformation of sulfur flows

A simple one-dimensional cooling analysis is used to consider the cooling of a flow of pure sulfur on the Ionian surface by a combination of upward radiation and downward conduction, and some speculations on the nature of surface structures and optical properties for such a flow are made. It is concluded that surface folding caused by compressive stresses, crustal foundering due to tensile fracturing and density inversions, and local turbulence may result in regularly spaced surface ridges periodically interrupted by upwellings of liquid sulfur onto the frozen surface of the flow. The model suggests that although the color of the surface crust of a quickly quenched sulfur flow will not necessarily reflect the local internal temperature of the flow, diapiric upwellings and convection from beneath this crust should indicate the progressive cooling of the inner, more fluid zones of the flow.

Fink, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Deployable reflector antenna performance optimization using automated surface correction and array-feed compensation

Methods for increasing the electromagnetic (EM) performance of reflectors with rough surfaces were tested and evaluated. First, one quadrant of the 15-meter hoop-column antenna was retrofitted with computer-driven and controlled motors to allow automated adjustment of the reflector surface. The surface errors, measured with metric photogrammetry, were used in a previously verified computer code to calculate control motor adjustments. With this system, a rough antenna surface (rms of approximately 0.180 inch) was corrected in two iterations to approximately the structural surface smoothness limit of 0.060 inch rms. The antenna pattern and gain improved significantly as a result of these surface adjustments. The EM performance was evaluated with a computer program for distorted reflector antennas which had been previously verified with experimental data. Next, the effects of the surface distortions were compensated for in computer simulations by superimposing excitation from an array feed to maximize antenna performance relative to an undistorted reflector. Results showed that a 61-element array could produce EM performance improvements equal to surface adjustments. When both mechanical surface adjustment and feed compensation techniques were applied, the equivalent operating frequency increased from approximately 6 to 18 GHz.

Schroeder, Lyle C.↗