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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

The early light curve of A0620-00

The Ariel-5 All-Sky Monitor measured the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity of 0620-00 for two days shortly after peak emission in August 1975, and continuously throughout September 1975. The effective exposure each day for this source (and every other source in the 80% of the celestial sphere covered by the monitor) is approximately 250 sq cm sec. The light curve obtained through October 1 (when the spin axis was again pointed to A0620-00) is shown. The intensity difference at maximum is obviously a manifestation of the very soft spectrum of the source. Clearly, A0620-00 was approximately four times as bright as Sco X-1 at maximum in the band 3-6 keV. The decay is quite smooth, but cannot be fit with a single e-folding time. The interval between the early All-Sky Monitor points and the onset of continuous coverage has an inferred e-folding time of 22 days, but it is continually increasing throughout September. A0620-00 is apparently similar in its X-ray character to the very strong, long-lasting transient X-ray sources which presently number six. In contrast, only three can be sensibly reconciled with the lower-intensity, shorter-duration hard-spectrum transients which have been found to pulse on a time scale of minutes.

Kaluzienski, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Observations of variable X-ray sources in globular clusters

The discovery is reported of a variable X-ray source at midgalactic latitude in the globular cluster NGC 1851, and observations are reported which confirm the existence of variable X-ray sources in NGC 7078 and NGC 6441. The new source, designated MX 0513-40, was found to vary in intensity by a factor of at least 5 over a sixteen-day period and to have a hard spectrum as compared to that of the Crab Nebula in the energy range from 1 to 10 keV. The source in NGC 7078 (3U 2131+11) was found to vary by more than a factor of 2 over a 500-day period. Strong evidence of variability is presented for the source in NGC 6441 (3U 1746-37). It is concluded that both MX 0513-40 and 3U 2131+11 are probably stellar objects and are no more than about 160 kpc distant.

Clark, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On two new X-ray sources in the SMC and the high luminosities of the Magellanic X-ray sources

The discovery of two new X-ray sources, SMC X-2 and SMC X-3, in the Small Magellanic Cloud is reported. They have hard spectra, and their luminosities in the energy range 2-11 keV are 1.0 and 0.7 by 10 to the 38th power erg/sq cm per sec, respectively. It is shown that the luminosity distribution of the known Magellanic X-ray sources, which are now nine in number, is shifted toward higher luminosities with respect to that of similar sources in the Galaxy, and that the cause of the shift is probably an underabundance of heavy elements in the material accreted by the X-ray sources.

Clark, G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Investigation of superconducting interactions and amorphous semiconductors

Research papers on superconducting interactions and properties and on amorphous materials are presented. The search for new superconductors with improved properties was largely concentrated on the study of properties of thin films. An experimental investigation of interaction mechanisms revealed no new superconductivity mechanism. The properties of high transition temperature, type 2 materials prepared in thin film form were studied. A pulsed field solenoid capable of providing fields in excess of 300 k0e was developed. Preliminary X-ray measurements were made of V3Si to determine the behavior of cell constant deformation versus pressure up to 98 kilobars. The electrical properties of amorphous semiconducting materials and bulk and thin film devices, and of amorphous magnetic materials were investigated for developing radiation hard, inexpensive switches and memory elements.

Janocko, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Transistor screening evaluation SJ6708H

A manufacturer was contracted to screen 125 transistors capable of withstanding the high level inductive voltages obtained when switching inductive loads. Planned differences included a change in die bonding to comply with NASA's desire for hard solder die attachment which further necessitated a change in package to conform to the required die mounting system. Evaluation of the electrical performance and recommended changes were made during the preliminary build phase of the program. The following sections are outlined: (1) narrative outline; (2) customer data summary and X-ray reports; (3) device specification; (4) failure analysis reports; (5) test facilities list; and (6) test measurement data.

Barton, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Adherence of sputtered titanium carbides

Sputtered coatings of the refractory metal carbides are of great interest for applications where hard wear-resistant materials are desired. The usefulness of sputtered refractory carbides is often limited, in practice, by spalling or interfacial separation. In this work improvements in the adherence of refractory carbides on iron, nickel and titanium based alloys were obtained by using oxidation, reactive sputtering or sputtered interlayers to alter the coating-substrate interfacial region. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and argon ion etching were used to characterize the interfacial regions, and an attempt was made to correlate adherence as measured in wear tests with the chemical nature of the interface.

Brainard, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Observations of A0620-00 by SAS-3

The transient X-ray source A0620-00 was observed by the SAS-3 group with the SAS-3 X-ray observatory. At maximum X-ray luminosity limits of 2% were placed on periodic variations from 0.2 ms - 2,000 sec. A precise position was obtained with the rotating modulation collimator. This led directly to radio and optical identification by groups at the NRAO, Arecibo, and McGraw Hill Observatories. The low energy (0.15-0.9 keV) system was pointed at the source, and a spectrum was derived. Hardness ratios are presented, as well as detailed light curves.

Bradt, H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Friction and wear properties of three hard refractory coatings applied by radiofrequency sputtering

The adherence, friction, and wear properties of thin hard refractory compound coatings applied to 440C bearing steel by radiofrequency sputtering were investigated. Friction and wear tests were done with nonconforming pin on disk specimens. The compounds examined were chromium carbide, molybdenum silicide, and titanium carbide. The adherence, friction, and wear were markedly improved by the application of a bias voltage to the bearing steel substrate during coating deposition. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the improvement may be due to a reduction in impurities in bias deposited coatings. A fivefold reduction in oxygen concentration in MoSi2 coating by biasing was noted. Chromium carbide was not effective as an antiwear coating. Molybdenum silicide provided some reduction in both friction and wear. Titanium carbide exhibited excellent friction and antiwear properties at light loads. Plastic flow and transfer of the coating material onto the pin specimen appears to be important in achieving low friction and wear.

Brainard, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An alpha particle instrument with alpha, proton, and X-ray modes for planetary chemical analyses

The interaction of alpha particles with matter is employed in a compact instrument that could provide rather complete in-situ chemical analyses of surfaces and thin atmospheres of extraterrestrial bodies. The instrument is a miniaturized and improved version of the Surveyor lunar instrument. The backscattering of alpha particles and (alpha, p) reactions provide analytical data on the light elements (carbon-iron). An X-ray mode that detects the photons produced by the alpha sources provides sensitivity and resolution for the chemical elements heavier than about silicon. The X-rays are detected by semiconductor detectors having a resolution between 150 and 250 eV at 5.9 keV. Such an instrument can identify and determine with good accuracy 99 percent of the atoms (except hydrogen) in rocks. For many trace elements, the detecting sensitivity is a few ppm. Auxiliary sources could be used to enhance the sensitivities for elements of special interest. The instrument could probably withstand the acceleration involved in semi-hard landings.

Economou, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The transient periodic X-ray source in Taurus, A0535+26

Eighteen X-ray light curves of the 104-sec periodicity in the Taurus X-ray nova A 0535+26 are analyzed which were obtained by SAS-3 in six energy intervals between 1 and 35 keV during the period from May 30 to June 2, 1975. It is shown that the pulse structure is relatively simple at energies above 19 keV, but develops a complex series of five irregularly spaced maxima at lower energies. The energy spectrum averaged over the 104-sec period is found to be extremely hard, with a best-fit temperature of about 30 keV for the exponential spectrum, an excess at about 15 keV, and a steepening above 20 keV. It is suggested that A 0535+26 may be a compact object in a binary system containing the peculiar Be star HDE 245770. The transient behavior could arise due to episodic mass loss by the primary or because the compact object is in a highly eccentric orbit about the companion, with appreciable mass transfer occurring only at periastron.

Bradt, H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

TRIIG - Time-lapse reproduction of images through interactive graphics

Description of the hardware and software implementing the system of time-lapse reproduction of images through interactive graphics (TRIIG). The system produces a quality hard copy of processed images in a fast and inexpensive manner. This capability allows for optimal development of processing software through the rapid viewing of many image frames in an interactive mode. Three critical optical devices are used to reproduce an image: an Optronics photo reader/writer, the Adage Graphics Terminal, and Polaroid Type 57 high speed film. Typical sources of digitized images are observation satellites, such as ERTS or Mariner, computer coupled electron microscopes for high-magnification studies, or computer coupled X-ray devices for medical research.

Buckner, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

X-ray bursts from MXB 1837+05

Results are reported for SAS 3 observations of 22 bursts from the X-ray source designated MXB 1837+05. Assuming that all the bursts come from one source, the source position is determined to be right ascension (1950) 18 hr 37.9 min, declination (1950) 5 deg 4.2 min. Integrated burst intensities are listed along with ratios of counts in different energy channels, and it is found that there are significant variations in these ratios from burst to burst. The bursts are also shown to exhibit a variety of temporal structures (including double peaks) and changes in spectral hardness. No regularity was detected in the burst occurrence times during one observing period, but four bursts during another period seemed to recur at regular intervals of about 6.3 hr. It is concluded that an intensity-interval correlation similar to that for a rapid burster does not exist for MXB 1837+05 and that this source is probably identical with the relatively strong and steady source Ser X.1.

Li, F. K.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The hard start phenomena in hypergolic engines. Volume 3: Physical and combustion characteristics of engine residuals

An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of starting problems in the hypergolic rocket engines of the Apollo reaction control (RCS) engines. The scope of the investigation was as follows: (1) to establish that chemical reactions occurred during the preignition and post combustion periods, (2) to identify the chemical species of the products of preignition and post combustion reaction, and (3) to determine the explosive nature of the identified species. The methods used in identifying the chemical products are described species. The infrared spectra, X-ray spectra, and other signatures of the compounds are presented. The physical and explosion characteristics of various hypergolic agents are reported.

Miron, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1959

Measurements of Total Hemispherical Emissivity of Several Stably Oxidized Nickel-Titanium Carbide Cemented Hard Metals from 600 F to 1,600 F

The total hemispherical emissivity of several nickel-titanium carbide cemented hard metals have been measured over a temperature range from 600 F to l,600 F. A variety of cemented hard metals were obtained from the Kennametal Corporation. A brief discussion of the apparatus employed and the procedures used for this investigation is included. The results of the tests of specimens in the as-received and polished states indicate a nearly constant emissivity for each material tested over the temperature range considered and only slight differences in emissivity values for the different materials. Values obtained on the stably oxidized specimens range from 0.90 to 0.94 at 6000 F and o.88 to 0.92 at 1,600 F for the as-received specimens and from 0.82 to 0.89 at 600 F and 0.85 to 0.87 at 1,600 F for the polished specimens. The surface analysis of the oxidized materials as obtained by X-ray diffraction methods and metallographic techniques are presented as an aid to reproducing the surface on which these measurements were made.

Wade, William R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Observation of a cosmic gamma-ray burst on Apollo 16. I - Temporal variability and energy spectrum

A cosmic gamma-ray event occurring April 27, 1972 at 10.68 UT was observed by gamma-ray and X-ray spectrometers on Apollo 16 as well as by Vela 6A. Analysis has yielded a detailed time profile of the entire event, an energy spectrum covering three order of magnitude (2.0 to 7.9 KeV and 0.067 to 5.1 MeV) and a source location. A well-defined onset prior to the main impulse period and a probable precursor are reported. The total energy of the event over the observed range was 2 x 10 to the minus 4th power ergs/sq cm. The data indicate the presence of a hard component which persists during the entire event, with a softer variable component becoming dominant during the most explosive burst portion.

Metzger, A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Upper limits of hard gamma-ray emission from six X-ray sources

The Cornell 100-inch gamma-ray telescope has been used to set upper limits for the gamma-ray flux above 400 MeV from the X-ray sources Cyg X-1, Cyg X-2, Cyg X-3, Cas A, Cas B, and Per X-1. An upper limit for the diffuse flux of the galactic disk was set which is consistent with OSO-3 and SAS-2 data. A new measurement of the atmospheric gamma-ray generation rate is presented.

Campbell, M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Absorption dips at low X-ray energies in Cygnus X-1

Absorbing material in Cygnus X-1 jitters near the line joining the two stars, out of the orbital plane is described. Three looks with the Copernicus satellite at Cygnus X-1 have produced four examples of absorption dips (decreases in the 2 to 7 keV flux from Cygnus X-1 with an increase of spectral hardness consistent with photoelectric absorption).

Murdin, P. G.↗