Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Scott, B. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Scott, B. W..

Investigation of hydrogen and helium pumping by sputter ion pumps for Jupiter and outer planets mass spectrometer

The phenomena of ion pumping is reviewed with emphasis on the pumping mechanism for hydrogen and helium. The experimental tests measure the performance of a small, flight proven ion pump which has a nominal four liter/second pumping speed for air. The speed of this pump for hydrogen and helium, and for hydrogen/helium mixes, is presented with particular detail regarding the time dependence. Pump test results are related to anticipated performance of the mass spectrometer by the pumping speeds for the gases to the partial pressure in the ion source. From this analysis, the pump specifications are quantified in terms of mission goals and in terms of observed pumping speeds for the various gases, load levels, and time periods.

Scott, B. W.↗

Solar wind photoplate study

An ion sensitive emulsion detection system has been considered for use in a cycloidal focusing mass spectrometer to measure the various atomic species which comprise the solar plasma. The responses of Ilford Q2 and Kodak SC7 emulsions were measured with N(+) ions at 6 keV to 10 keV, He(++) ions at 750 eV to 2500 eV, and H(+) ions at 550 eV to 1400 eV. These ions have the approximate range of velocities (about 300-500 km/sec) encountered in the solar wind. The work was carried out on a specially prepared magnetic sector mass analyzer. Characteristic response curves were generated, each one utilizing approximately 50 data points at three or more current densities. In addition to the ion response, measurements of the response of these emulsions to a photon flux simulating the visible portion of the solar spectrum were made. The results obtained will be presented in detail and interpreted in relation to other data available for these emulsions.

Scott, B. W.↗

Atmospheric contaminant sensor, book 1

Design and fabrication of a mass spectrometer system for use as an atmospheric monitor by submarine is reported. The performance design goals are presented. The operation of the system is essentially automatic, providing continuous display of the partial pressures of the principal atmospheric constituents and a pushbutton update display of two freon trace contaminants. The freon update cycle takes 15 or 30 seconds, depending on which are measured. Trouble free, long term, reliable operation, and ease of maintenance are the primary system requirements. The requirement of the freon detection with high sensitivity and high resolution made redesign of the overall analyzer housing and magnet necessary.

Scott, B. W.↗