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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Analytic approximations to the modon dispersion relation

Three explicit analytic approximations are given to the modon dispersion relation developed by Flierl et al. (1980) to describe Gulf Stream rings and related phenomena in the oceans and atmosphere. The solutions are in the form of k(q), and are developed in the form of a power series in q for small q, an inverse power series in 1/q for large q, and a two-point Pade approximant. The low order Pade approximant is shown to yield a solution for the dispersion relation with a maximum relative error for the lowest branch of the function equal to one in 700 in the q interval zero to infinity.

Boyd, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The contribution of vapor deposition to amorphous rims on lunar soil grains

Recent analysis analytical electron microscope study of lunar soils showed that the approximately 60-nm-wide amorphous rims surrounding many lunar soils grains exhibit distinct compositional differences from their hosts. On average, the amorphous rim compositions reflect the local bulk soil composition with the exceptions of Si and S, which are enriched relative to the bulk soil. These chemical trends led us to propose that the amorphous rims were in fact deposits of impact-generated vapors produced during regolith gardening, a hypothesis that runs contrary to the generally accepted view that the rims are produced through amorphization of the outer parts of mineral grains by interaction with the solar wind. Analytical data are reported for amorphous rims on individual minerals in lunar soils in order to show that the magnitude of the chemical differences between rim and host are so great that they require a major addition of foreign elements to the grain surfaces. The average composition of amorphous rims is listed as a function of host mineralogy as determined in microtone thin sections using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry in the transmission electron microscope. As the host mineral becomes chemically more complex, the chemical differences are not as clear. The average rim compositions are remarkably similar and are independent of the host grain mineralogy. Whether there are 'sputtering' or radiation effects superimposed on the vapor-deposited material can be debated. We do not explicitly exclude the effects of radiation damage as a contributing factor to the formation of amorphous rims; we are merely emphasizing the major role played by condensed vapors in the formation of amorphous rims on lunar soil grains.

Keller, L. P.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Probing the Masses of the PSR JO621+1002 Binary System Through Relativistic Apsidal Motion

Orbital, spin and astrometric parameters of the millisecond pulsar PSR J0621+1002 have been determined through six years of timing observations at three radio telescopes. The chief result is a measurement of the rate of periastron advance, omega=0 deg.0116 +/-0 deg.0008/yr. Interpreted as a general relativistic effect, this implies the sum of the pulsar mass, m(1), and the companion mass, m(2), to be M=m(1)+m(2)= 2.81 +/-0.30 solar mass. The Keplerian parameters rule out certain combinations of m(1) and m(2), as does the non-detection of Shapiro delay in the pulse arrival times. These constraints, together with the assumption that the companion is a white dwarf, lead to the maximum likelihood values m(1)=1.69((sup +0.30)(sub -0.30)) solar mass and m(2)=0.98((sup +0.32)(sub -0.12) solar mass (68% confidence). The other major finding is that the pulsar experiences dramatic variability in its dispersion measure (DM), with gradients as steep as 0.013 pc/cu cm/yr. A structure function analysis of the DM variations uncovers spatial fluctuations in the interstellar electron density that cannot be fit to a single power law, unlike the Kolmogorov turbulent spectrum that has been seen in the direction of other pulsars. Other results from the timing analysis include the first measurements of the pulsar's proper motion, mu=3.5+/-0.3 mas/yr, and of its spin-down rate, dP/dt=4.7 x 10(exp -20), which, when corrected for kinematic biases and combined with the pulse period, P=28.8 ms, gives a characteristic age of 1.1 x 10(exp 10) yr and a surface magnetic field strength of 1.2 x 10 (exp 9) G.

Spaver, Eric M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Electromagnetic cyclotron-loss-cone instability associated with weakly relativistic electrons

The amplification of fast extraordinary mode waves at frequencies very close to the electron cyclotron frequency, due to the presence of a population of energetic electrons with a loss-cone type distribution, is studied. Low-energy background electrons are included in the analysis. Two types of loss-cone distribution functions are considered, and it is found that the maximum growth rates for both distribution functions are of the same order of magnitude. When the thermal effects of the energetic electrons are included in the dispersion equation, the real frequencies of the waves are lower than those obtained by using the cold plasma approximation. This effect tends to enhance the growth rate. An idealized case including a parallel electric field such that the distribution function of the trapped energetic electrons is modified is also considered. It is assumed that the parallel electric field can remove the low-energy background electrons away from the source region of radiation. Both these effects increase the growth rate.

Wong, H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The propagation characteristics of the plate modes of acoustic emission waves in thin aluminum plates and thin graphite/epoxy composite plates and tubes

Acoustic emission was interpreted as modes of vibration in plates. Classical plate theory was used to predict dispersion curves for the two fundamental modes and to calculate the shapes of flexural waveforms produced by vertical step function loading. There was good agreement between theoretical and experimental results for aluminum. Composite materials required the use of a higher order plate theory (Reissner-Mindlin) to get good agreement with the measured velocities. Four composite plates with different laminate stacking sequences were studied. The dispersion curves were determined from phase spectra of the time dependent waveforms. Plate modes were shown to be useful for determining the direction of source motion. Aluminum plates were loaded by breaking a pencil lead against their surface. By machining slots at angles to the plane of a plate, the direction in which the force acted was varied. Changing the source motion direction produced regular variations in the waveforms. To demonstrate applicability beyond simple plates, waveforms produced by lead breaks on a thin walled composite tube were also shown to be interpretable as plate modes. The tube design was based on the type of struts proposed for Space Station Freedom's trussed structures.

Prosser, William H.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Polymerization initated at sidewalls of carbon nanotubes

The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes that can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs. Additionally, these materials can also be blended with pre-formed polymers to establish compatibility and enhanced dispersion of nanotubes in otherwise hard to disperse matrices resulting in significantly improved material properties. The resultant polymer-carbon nanotube materials can also be used in drug delivery processes due to their improved dispersion ability and biodegradability, and can also be used for scaffolding to promote cellular growth of tissue.

Tour, James M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Electron density power spectrum in the local interstellar medium

Interstellar scintillation (ISS), fluctuations in the amplitude and phase of radio waves caused by scattering in the interstellar medium, is important as a diagnostic of interstellar plasma turbulence. ISS is also of interest because it is noise for other radio astronomical observations. The unifying concern is the power spectrum of the interstellar electron density. Here we use ISS observations through the nearby (less than or approximately =1 kpc) (ISM) to estimate the spectrum. From measurements of angular broadening of pulsars and extragalactic sources, decorrelation bandwidth of pulsars, refractive steering of features in pulsar dynamic spectra, dispersion measured fluctuations of pulsars, and refractive scintillation index measurements, we construct a composite structure function that is approximately power law over 2 x 10(exp 6) m less than scale less than 10(exp 13) m. The data are consistent with the structure function having a logarithmic slope versus baseline less than 2; thus there is a meaningful connection between scales in the radiowave fluctuation field and the scales in the electron density field causing the scattering. The data give an upper limit to the inner scale, l(sub o) less than or approximately 10(exp 8) m and are consistent with much smaller values. We construct a composite electron density spectrum that is approximately power law over at least the approximately = 5 decade wavenumber range 10(exp -13)/m less than wavenumber less than 10(exp -8)/m and that may extend to higher wavenumbers. The average spectral index of electron density over this wavenumber range is approximately = 3.7, very close to the value expected for a Kolmogorov process. The outer scale size, L(sub o), must be greater than or approximately = 10(exp 13) m (determined from dispersion measure fluctuations). When the ISS data are combined with measurements of differential Faraday rotation angle, and gradients in the average electron density, constraints can be put on the spectrum at much smaller wave numbers. The composite spectrum is consistent with a Kolmogorov-like power law over a huge range (10 or more decades) of spatial wavenumber with an infrared outer scale L(sub o) greater than or approximately 10(exp 18)m. This power-law subrange-expressed as ratio of outer to inner scales-is comparable to or larger than that of other naturally occurring turbulent fluids, such as the oceans or the solar wind. We outline some of the theories for generating and maintaining such a spectrum over this huge wavenumber range.

Armstrong, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2017

The Nanograv Nine-Year Data Set: Measurement and Analysis of Variations in Dispersion Measures

We analyze dispersion measure(DM) variations of 37 millisecond pulsars in the nine-year North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) data release and constrain the sources of these variations. DM variations can result from a changing distance between Earth and the pulsar, inhomogeneities in the interstellar medium, and solar effects. Variations are significant for nearly all pulsars, with characteristic timescales comparable to or even shorter than the average spacing between observations. Five pulsars have periodic annual variations, 14 pulsars have monotonically increasing or decreasing trends, and 14 pulsars show both effects. Of the four pulsars with linear trends that have line-of-sight velocity measurements, three are consistent with a changing distance and require an overdensity of free electrons local to the pulsar. Several pulsars show correlations between DM excesses and lines of sight that pass close to the Sun. Mapping of the DM variations as a function of the pulsar trajectory can identify localized interstellar medium features and, in one case, an upper limit to the size of the dispersing region of 4 au. Four pulsars show roughly Kolmogorov structure functions (SFs), and another four show SFs less steep than Kolmogorov. One pulsar has too large an uncertainty to allow comparisons. We discuss explanations for apparent departures from a Kolmogorov-like spectrum, and we show that the presence of other trends and localized features or gradients in the interstellar medium is the most likely cause.

pulsars: general↗
NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary results from the noctilucent sampling from Kiruna in 1970.

On Aug. 8, 1970 at 0148 and 0354 local time, two Pandora sounding rocket payloads were launched from the ESRO range in Kiruna, Sweden, during a noctilucent cloud display. Large numbers of particles were collected, many of which appear to be micrometeorites coated with a low density material. Typical electron micrographs are shown, and numerical densities as a function of altitude are given. Particle composition information has been obtained by use of dispersive X-ray analysis equipment attached to our Philips EM 300 electron microscope.

Hallgren, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The coupling of Alfven and compressional waves

The article studies the hydromagnetic wave propagation characteristics in a mixture of cold and hot plasma in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field. Electron and ion distribution functions with a temperature anisotropy and a density gradient are used to obtain the dispersion equation by solving the Vlasov equation and Maxwell equations. From the solutions of the dispersion equation we find that the Alfven waves can couple to unstable drift mirror waves under certain conditions. The polarization of the coupled waves is studied for varying parameters of temperature anisotropy and the cold to hot density ratio. From detailed comparison of the theoretical results with the low-frequency wave properties observed in the magnetosphere we propose that the storm-associated magnetic field oscillations with periods of 100-600 s might be caused by the coupling of Alfven waves and the unstable drift mirror waves.

Lin, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Multi-Scale CNT-Based Reinforcing Polymer Matrix Composites for Lightweight Structures

Reinforcing critical areas in carbon polymer matrix composites (PMCs), also known as fiber reinforced composites (FRCs), is advantageous for structural durability. Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have extremely high tensile strength, they can be used as a functional additive to enhance the mechanical properties of FRCs. However, CNTs are not readily dispersible in the polymer matrix, which leads to lower than theoretically predicted improvement in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of CNT composites. The inability to align CNTs in a polymer matrix is also a known issue. The feasibility of incorporating aligned CNTs into an FRC was demonstrated using a novel, yet commercially viable nanofiber approach, termed NRMs (nanofiber-reinforcing mats). The NRM concept of reinforcement allows for a convenient and safe means of incorporating CNTs into FRC structural components specifically where they are needed during the fabrication process. NRMs, fabricated through a novel and scalable process, were incorporated into FRC test panels using layup and vacuum bagging techniques, where alternating layers of the NRM and carbon prepreg were used to form the reinforced FRC structure. Control FRC test panel coupons were also fabricated in the same manner, but comprised of only carbon prepreg. The FRC coupons were machined to size and tested for flexural, tensile, and compression properties. This effort demonstrated that FRC structures can be fabricated using the NRM concept, with an increased average load at break during flexural testing versus that of the control. The NASA applications for the developed technologies are for lightweight structures for in-space and launch vehicles. In addition, the developed technologies would find use in NASA aerospace applications such as rockets, aircraft, aircraft/spacecraft propulsion systems, and supporting facilities. The reinforcing aspect of the technology will allow for more efficient joining of fiber composite parts, thus offering additional weight savings. More robust structures capable of withstanding micrometeoroid and space debris impacts will be possible with the enhanced mechanical properties imparted by the aligned CNTs incorporated into the fiber composite structure, as well as the potential for improved electrical and thermal properties. The materials fabrication approach developed in the present effort is a platform for customer applications where additional reinforcement is required or would be beneficial, especially in FRC structures and component parts. Depending upon the specific customer application, the NRM could be tailored to the specific matrix resin and desired property enhancement.

Eberly, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1971

Opacity of tungsten-seeded hydrogen to 2500 K and 115 atmospheres.

Experimental investigation and measurement of the radiant heat attenuation of an aerosol which may serve as a gas core nuclear-rocket propellant. The experiment uses a tungsten-hydrogen aerosol heated to temperatures as high as 2500 K under pressures up to 115 atmospheres. The hydrogen aerosol is produced by dispersion of submicron-sized particles of tungsten in hydrogen gas. A narrow beam of broad spectrum (visible and ultraviolet) light is passed through it with the attenuation being measured as a function of wavelength. Other aerosol characteristics examined include the nature and extent of chemical reactions between the seed material and the hydrogen and the degree of dispersion of the seed material obtained before and after heating. Chemical equilibrium calculations and vapor pressure data for the refractory metals indicate that tungsten is a prime candidate for the seed material in the gas core nuclear rocket.

Williams, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Dispersion of ensembles of non-interacting particles

The dynamics of an ensemble of noninteracting particles dispersing from a common origin and moving in a common force field with an initial distribution of momenta is analyzed using an approach where the particles are considered as a continuum described by a phase-space distribution function. General solutions are obtained for both the distribution function and the associated spatial density function. The linear case of small departures from circular orbits in an axisymmetric gravitational field is treated along with the specific case of particle dispersion from an object in a circular orbit in the same type of field. Numerical results are presented for the latter case, and consideration is given to the inverse problem of determining the initial time and velocity distribution from knowledge of the ensemble structure at a later time. Explicit results are provided for the case of an ellipsoidal distribution of initial momenta, and a numerical procedure is indicated for treating more general cases.

Heard, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Laws of effluent dispersion in the steady-state atmospheric surface layer in stable and unstable conditions

The two-dimensional diffusion equation has been solved by an integral method to obtain the distribution of ground-level concentration of an inert effluent emitted from a semi-infinite area source in a steady-state and horizontally homogeneous atmospheric surface layer. Mean wind velocity and eddy diffusivity profiles derived from empirically determined flux-profile relations of Businger et al. (1971) for stable and unstable surface layers were used. It is found that concentration as a function of downwind distance can be described by a simple formula over distances of practical interest in surface layer dispersion. Corresponding results for a cross-wind infinite line source are obtained by simple differentiation. The concentration distribution is completely determined by the friction velocity, the Monin-Obukhov length, the roughness length, and the effluent source strength. The generalization of the integral method needed to obtain accurate solutions of the diffusion equation with the given wind velocity and diffusivity profiles is discussed in an appendix.

Lebedeff, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Doppler broadening effect on collision cross section functions - Deconvolution of the thermal averaging

The surprising feature of the Doppler problem in threshold determination is the 'amplification effect' of the target's thermal energy spread. The small thermal energy spread of the target molecules results in a large dispersion in relative kinetic energy. The Doppler broadening effect in connection with thermal energy beam experiments is discussed, and a procedure is recommended for the deconvolution of molecular scattering cross-section functions whose dominant dependence upon relative velocity is approximately that of the standard low-energy form.

Bernstein, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The optical constants of several atmospheric aerosol species - Ammonium sulfate, aluminum oxide, and sodium chloride

An investigation is conducted of problems which are related to a use of measured optical constants in the simulation of the optical constants of real atmospheric aerosols. The techniques of measuring optical constants are discussed, taking into account transmission measurements through homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials, the immersion of a material in a liquid of a known refractive index, the consideration of the minimum deviation angle of prism measurement, the interference of multiply reflected light, reflectivity measurements, and aspects of mathematical analysis. Graphs show the real and the imaginary part of the refractive index as a function of wavelength for aluminum oxide, NaCl, and ammonium sulfate. Tables are provided for the dispersion parameters and the optical constants.

Toon, O. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Intumescent-ablators as improved thermal protection materials

Nitroaromatic amine-based intumescent coatings were improved with regard to their thermal protection ability by adding endothermic decomposing fillers with endotherms at or near the exothermic reaction of the intumescent agent, since the effectiveness of the intumescent coatings without fillers is reduced by the exothermic behavior of the coatings during thermal activation. Fillers were dispersed directly in the base coating. Potassium fluoborate, ammonium fluoborate, zinc borate, and ammonium oxalate function as endothermic ablative materials at specific temperature regions, and also enhance the char formation during the intumescent process.

Sawko, P. M.↗