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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Microgravity Testing of a Surface Sampling System for Sample Return from Small Solar System Bodies

The return of samples from solar system bodies is becoming an essential element of solar system exploration. The recent National Research Council Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey identified six sample return missions as high priority missions: South-Aitken Basin Sample Return, Comet Surface Sample Return, Comet Surface Sample Return-sample from selected surface sites, Asteroid Lander/Rover/Sample Return, Comet Nucleus Sample Return-cold samples from depth, and Mars Sample Return [1] and the NASA Roadmap also includes sample return missions [2] . Sample collection methods that have been flown on robotic spacecraft to date return subgram quantities, but many scientific issues (like bulk composition, particle size distributions, petrology, chronology) require tens to hundreds of grams of sample. Many complex sample collection devices have been proposed, however, small robotic missions require simplicity. We present here the results of experiments done with a simple but innovative collection system for sample return from small solar system bodies.

Franzen, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Solar wind and terrestrial atmosphere effects on lunar sample surface composition

Samples returned from the Apollo missions have been shown to have undergone a partial surface oxidation with the degree of oxidation being dependent on the intensity and duration of exposure to a terrestrial or other oxidizing atmosphere. Exposure to atomic hydrogen at room temperature, or molecular hydrogen above 100 C results in a surface reduction. The adsorption of water vapor on a test sample was found to be only slightly dependent on the state of surface oxidation, a situation consistent with the formation of hydroxyl groups on the surface when a sample is exposed to hydrogen. That hydroxyl groups are indeed formed is substantiated by the release of water vapor (and by release of heavy water following exposure to deuterium), indicating that water vapor can be synthesized from solar wind hydrogen and sample oxygen. Observations of trace amounts of methane indicate that the reduction process is by no means restricted to the formation of water vapor.

Cadenhead, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Photoelectron spectrometer with means for stabilizing sample surface potential

An improved X-ray photoelectron spectrometer is disclosed, which includes circuit means to determine the surface potential of a sample, e.g., an insulator. The circuit means comprise an electron gun, whose potential is modulated at a preselected frequency above and below a selected potential with respect to the spectrometer common potential, e.g., ground. The beam of electrons is directed to the sample surface. The sample's surface potential is offset by an offset power supply with respect to the spectrometer common potential until the ac current which flows through the sample reaches a peak amplitude. A lock-in amplifier is included to measure the ac current in phase with the modulating frequency.

Grunthaner, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The Viking gas exchange experiment results from Chryse and Utopia surface samples

Immediate gas changes occurred when untreated Martian surface samples were humidified and/or wet by an aqueous nutrient medium in the Viking lander gas exchange experiment. The evolutions of N2, CO2, and Ar are mainly associated with soil surface desorption caused by water vapor, while O2 evolution is primarily associated with decomposition of superoxides inferred to be present on Mars. On recharges with fresh nutrient and test gas, only CO2 was given off, and its rate of evolution decreased with each recharge. This CO2 evolution is thought to come from the oxidation of organics present in the nutrient by gamma Fe2O3 in the surface samples. Atmospheric analyses were also performed at both sites. The mean atmospheric composition from four analyses is N2, 2.3%; O2, not greater than 0.15%; Ar, 1.5% and CO2, 96.2%.

Oyama, V. I.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of Surface Sampling Techniques for the Canister Deposition Field Demonstration (FY22 Update)

This report describes the proposed surface sampling techniques and plan for the multi-year Canister Deposition Field Demonstration (CDFD). The CDFD is primarily a dust deposition test that will use three commercial 32PTH2 NUHOMS welded stainless steel storage canisters in Advanced Horizontal Storage Modules, with planned exposure testing for up to 10 years at an operating ISFSI site. One canister will be left at ambient condition, unheated; the other two will have heaters to achieve canister surface temperatures that match, to the degree possible, spent nuclear fuel (SNF) loaded canisters with heat loads of 10 kW and 40 kW. Surface sampling campaigns for dust analysis will take place on a yearly or bi-yearly basis. The goal of the planned dust sampling and analysis is to determine important environmental parameters that impact the potential occurrence of stress corrosion cracking on SNF dry storage canisters. Specifically, measured dust deposition rates and deposited particle sizes will improve parameterization of dust deposition models employed to predict the potential occurrence and timing of stress corrosion cracks on the stainless steel SNF canisters. The size, morphology, and composition of the deposited dust and salt particles will be quantified, as well as the soluble salt load per unit area and the rate of deposition, as a function of canister surface temperature, location, time, and orientation. Previously, a preliminary sampling plan was developed, identifying possible sampling locations on the canister surfaces and sampling intervals; possible sampling methods were also described. Further development of the sampling plan has commenced through three different tasks. First, canister surface roughness, a potentially important parameter for air flow and dust deposition, was characterized at several locations on one of the test canisters. Second, corrosion testing to evaluate the potential lifetime and aging of thermocouple wires, spot welds, and attachments was initiated. Third, hand sampling protocols were developed, and initial testing was carried out. The results of those efforts are presented in this report. The information obtained from the CDFD will be critical for ongoing efforts to develop a detailed understanding of the potential for stress corrosion cracking of SNF dry storage canisters.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

FY23 Update: Surface Sampling Activities for the Canister Deposition Field Demonstration

This report describes the results of a field demonstration of the proposed surface sampling techniques and plan for the multi-year Canister Deposition Field Demonstration (CDFD). The CDFD will evaluate salt deposition rates on three commercial 32PTH2 NUHOMS welded stainless steel storage canisters in Advanced Horizontal Storage Modules. Exposure testing is planned for up to 10 years and will incorporate periodic surface sampling campaigns. The goal of the planned dust sampling and analysis is to determine important environmental parameters that impact the potential occurrence of stress corrosion cracking on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters. Specifically, measured dust deposition rates and deposited particle sizes will improve parameterization of dust deposition models employed to predict the potential occurrence and timing of stress corrosion cracks on the stainless steel SNF canisters. Previously, a preliminary sampling plan was developed, identifying possible sampling locations on the canister surfaces and sampling intervals; possible sampling methods were also described. Building from previous work, this report documents hand sampling from a spent nuclear fuel canister on a transfer skid mockup designed by Sandia National Laboratories. The sampling took place from a boom lift and salts were collected from mounted sample plates. The results of these efforts are presented in this report and compared to previous laboratory-controlled tests. The information obtained from the CDFD will be critical for ongoing efforts to develop a detailed understanding of the potential for stress corrosion cracking of SNF dry storage canisters.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1988

Soil development and sampling strategies for the returned Martian surface samples

Sampling of the Martian surface materials should be based on the experience gained from the study of soils and rocks collected in cold, dry environments, i.e., dry valleys of Antarctica. Previous studies have suggested that some of our best terrestrial analogs of the Martian soils are represented by those found in the polar deserts of Antarctica. Special sampling considerations must be taken into account when obtaining these samples because they represent at least five distinct types of materials. Weathering of planetary regolith materials occurs from both chemical and physical interactions of the planet's surface materials with the atmosphere and, if present, the hydrosphere and biosphere along with extraplanetary objects which may produce the original surface materials and produce secondary materials that are product of equilibrium between the atmosphere and study weathering processes and regolith development occurring on Martian-like surfaces, simulation studies must be carried out in materials in the field.

Gibson, Everett K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Stereochemistry of amino acids in surface samples of a marine sediment

In two surface samples of marine sediment, the percentages of D-alanine and D-aspartic acid are significantly higher than the other D-amino acids and are similar to the range found in soils. The percentage of D-glutamic acid is also higher than the other amino acids but less than D-alanine and D-aspartic acid. These D-amino acids may come mainly from bacteria.

Pollock, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Detailed Design of an Earth Entry Vehicle for Comet Surface Sample Return

The 2013 Decadal Survey for New Frontiers missions identifies several high-value science missions, including Comet Surface Sample Return (CSSR). A CSSR mission will advance the scientific community's fundamental understanding of the origin of the solar system and the contribution of comets to the volatile inventory of the Earth. An entry capsule, or earth entry vehicle (EEV), is be required to protect the scientific payload from the extreme conditions of atmospheric entry, descent, and landing. The Decadal Survey Mission Concept Study along with an APL (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab) 2007-2008 Comet Surface Sample Mission Study details several of the driving requirements for a CSSR EEV; these include a payload volume and mass and inertial entry velocity of 9 kilometers per second. The mission concept study selected a Multi-Mission Earth Entry Vehicle (MMEEV) design concept derived from the Mars Sample Return (MSR) entry capsule design because of its increased reliability over a parachute-based vehicle. This presentation will explore detailed design of a CSSR-capable Earth Entry Vehicle, including trajectories, aeroheating predictions and associated thermal protection system masses, and onboard instrumentation for entry science.

Trajectory Analysis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Conceptual Architecture for Venus Surface Sample Return

A conceptual architecture for retrieval of a sample of the surface of Venus is proposed. The mission concept incorporates a high-temperature aircraft to retrieve the sample from the surface and raise it into the upper atmosphere, a balloon-borne platform to produce fuel from the carbon dioxide atmosphere of Venus, and a launch vehicle to bring the sample into Venus orbit, where it is retrieved by an Earth-return vehicle.

Venus↗
NASA NTRS2005

Surface Sampling System for Low-Gravity Missions

SpaceWorks has identified several sampling missions that could benefit from the technology developed under this project. Requirements were established for the surface sampling system. SpaceWorks teamed with Virginia Tech to identify and select a baseline adhesive suitable for the surface sampling system. SpaceWorks identified Solimide foam as the baseline substrate material. SpaceWorks conducted extensive testing to characterize the performance of the substrate/adhesive combination. A prototype version of the sampler head was designed and built by SpaceWorks.

Preble, Jeffrey C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Force-Control Algorithm for Surface Sampling

A G-FCON algorithm is designed for small-body surface sampling. It has a linearization component and a feedback component to enhance performance. The algorithm regulates the contact force between the tip of a robotic arm attached to a spacecraft and a surface during sampling.

Acikmese, Behcet↗
NASA NTRS2008

Analytical Model of the Nonlinear Dynamics of Cantilever Tip-Sample Surface Interactions for Various Acoustic-Atomic Force Microscopies

A comprehensive analytical model of the interaction of the cantilever tip of the atomic force microscope (AFM) with the sample surface is developed that accounts for the nonlinearity of the tip-surface interaction force. The interaction is modeled as a nonlinear spring coupled at opposite ends to linear springs representing cantilever and sample surface oscillators. The model leads to a pair of coupled nonlinear differential equations that are solved analytically using a standard iteration procedure. Solutions are obtained for the phase and amplitude signals generated by various acoustic-atomic force microscope (A-AFM) techniques including force modulation microscopy, atomic force acoustic microscopy, ultrasonic force microscopy, heterodyne force microscopy, resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM), and the commonly used intermittent contact mode (TappingMode) generally available on AFMs. The solutions are used to obtain a quantitative measure of image contrast resulting from variations in the Young modulus of the sample for the amplitude and phase images generated by the A-AFM techniques. Application of the model to RDF-AFUM and intermittent soft contact phase images of LaRC-cp2 polyimide polymer is discussed. The model predicts variations in the Young modulus of the material of 24 percent from the RDF-AFUM image and 18 percent from the intermittent soft contact image. Both predictions are in good agreement with the literature value of 21 percent obtained from independent, macroscopic measurements of sheet polymer material.

Cantrell, John H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Search for organic and volatile inorganic compounds in two surface samples from the Chryse Planitia region of Mars

Two surface samples collected from the Chryse Planitia region of Mars were heated to temperatures up to 500 C, and the volatiles that they evolved were analyzed with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Only water and carbon dioxide were detected. This implies that organic compounds have not accumulated to the extent that individual components could be detected at levels of a few parts per billion by weight in the samples. Proposed mechanisms for the accumulation and destruction of organic compounds are discussed in the light of this limit.

Biemann, K.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Analysis of the Touch-And-Go Surface Sampling Concept for Comet Sample Return Missions

This paper studies the Touch-and-Go (TAG) concept for enabling a spacecraft to take a sample from the surface of a small primitive body, such as an asteroid or comet. The idea behind the TAG concept is to let the spacecraft descend to the surface, make contact with the surface for several seconds, and then ascend to a safe location. Sampling would be accomplished by an end-effector that is active during the few seconds of surface contact. The TAG event is one of the most critical events in a primitive body sample-return mission. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dynamic behavior of a representative spacecraft during the TAG event, i.e., immediately prior, during, and after surface contact of the sampler. The study evaluates the sample-collection performance of the proposed sampling end-effector, in this case a brushwheel sampler, while acquiring material from the surface during the contact. A main result of the study is a guidance and control (G&C) validation of the overall TAG concept, in addition to specific contributions to demonstrating the effectiveness of using nonlinear clutch mechanisms in the sampling arm joints, and increasing the length of the sampling arms to improve robustness.

Touch-and-Go (TAG)↗