Engineering topics

Rice, S. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Rice, S. H..

7 records

NASA NTRS1985

Fabrication of optical components for the ultraviolet spectrometer and polarimeter on the Solar Maximum Mission

The Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite was launched in February 1980 into a 573 km high circular orbit. It contains X-ray, UV, and optical instruments for the simultaneous observation of solar flares. The ultraviolet spectrometer and polarimeter (UVSP) is one of these instruments. The objectives of the UVSP require the employment of a raster scanning telescope to study the spatial dynamics of flares, the use of a high resolution spectrometer to select and scan spectral lines for temperature and velocity diagnostics, and the utilization of a polarimeter to measure magnetic fields in the solar transition zone. The present paper has the objective to provide a description of the optical fabrication techniques developed for the instrument. Attention is given to telescope mirrors, metering rods, the Ebert mirror, grating blanks, a four-mirror polarizer, beam splitter assemblies, beam splitter fabrication, deflector mirrors, and shipping containers.

Spencer, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Technique for Machining Glass

Process for machining glass with conventional carbide tools requires a small quantity of a lubricant for aluminum applied to area of glass to be machined. A carbide tool is then placed against workpiece with light pressure. Tool is raised periodically to clear work of glass dust and particles. Additional lubricant is applied as it is displaced.

Rice, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Method for milling and drilling glass

A process for machining glass by placing a rotating carbide working surface under minimum pressure against an area of glass to be worked is described. Concurrently the region between the working surface and the area of glass is wet with a lubricant consisting essentially of a petroleum carrier, a complex mixture of esters and a complex mixture of naturally occurring aromatic oils.

Rice, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Method of forming a sharp edge on an optical device

A sharp edge is formed on an optical device by placing the optical device in a holding mechanism; grinding one surface so that it and a surface of the holding mechanism are co-planar; and polishing both the surface of the optical device and the surface of the holding mechanism with felt until an edge on the surface of the optical device adjacent to the surface of the holding mechanism obtains a desired sharpness.

Fleetwood, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Fabricating wedge-shaped beam splitters

Fast economical fabrication produces wedge-shaped beam splitter with 0.3 micrometer edge, compared to conventional methods that have yielded 2 micrometer edges. Typical beam splitter made by new process is prism-shaped with right-triangle cross-section.

Fleetwood, C. M., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Method of treating the surface of a glass member

A method is described of treating a surface of a glass member intended to abut a transparent element for disrupting the light interference fringes formed between the surfaces. The method involves the steps of grinding the surface to form irregularities thereon; bathing the surface with an aqueous solution containing between substantially 41.3 percent and 45.7 percent by volume of sulfuric acid and between substantially 54.3 percent and 58.7 percent by volume of hydrofluoric acid for a time sufficient to polish the irregularities until the glass member is about 90 percent light transmissive; and washing the glass member with a liquid having a temperature substantially lower than the temperature of the aqueous solution for preventing further reaction between the aqueous solution and the surface.

Rice, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Elimination of color rings on film negatives

Abrasive grinding of glass surface, using grinding-grit size of 22.5 micron, prevents formation of interference ring during photoprocessing. To polish irregularities for improved light transmission, contact surface is bathed in aqueous solution of sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid.

Fleetwood, C. M., Jr.↗