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Results for “Effective diffusivity”

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Composition and properties of the so-called 'diamond-like' amorphous carbon films

The composition of amorphous 'diamond-like' films made by direct low energy ion beam deposition, R.F. discharge and sputtering was determined by nuclear reaction analysis, IR spectroscopy and microcombustion chemical analysis. The nuclear reaction analysis showed very similar hydrogen depth profiles for all three types of samples. The atomic ratio of hydrogen to carbon was approximately 0.2 at the film surface and rose to approximately 1.0 at a depth of 500 A. The integrated intensity of the C-H stretching band at about 2900 per cm indicates that the amount of chemically bonded hydrogen is less than the total hydrogen content. Combustion analysis confirmed the overall atomic ratio of hydrogen to carbon determined by nuclear reaction analysis. The chemical state of the non-bonded hydrogen was not determined; however, the effective diffusion coefficient computed from the hydrogen depth profile was extremely low. This indicates either that the films are exceedingly impermeable or that the non-bonded hydrogen requires an additional activated step to leave the films, e.g., desorption or chemical reaction.

Angus, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Transverse diffusion of electrons in a magnetoplasma

Plasma density and temperature profiles were measured for plasma electrons which were generated by a plasma source and ionization from a 1 kev electron beam. Electron plasma parameters were measured with a cylindrical Langmuir probe which was moved perpendicular to the axis of the beam and field. Electron densities decreased exponentially from the beam center and the decay constant varied with magnetic field in accordance with the Bohm theory of cross field diffusion. This enhanced diffusion effect due to instabilities generated by the electron beam is orders of magnitude larger than that due to particle collisions.

Mcintyre, Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simulation of charged particle transport on the MPP

Computations of cosmic ray transport based upon finite difference methods are afflicted by instabilities, inaccuracies, and artifacts. To avoid these problems, a Monte Carlo formulation was developed which is closely related not only to the finite difference formulation, but also to the underlying physics of transport phenomena. Implementations of this approach are currently running on the Massively Parallel Processor at Goddard, whose enormous computing power overwhelms the poor statistical accuracy that usually limits the use of stochastic methods. In a Monte Carlo simulation of rectilinear transport, the coherent and diffusive effects that appeared are in good quantitative agreement with both finite difference and analytical calculations.

Earl, James A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The abundance and relative volatility of refractory trace elements in Allende Ca,Al-rich inclusions - Implications for chemical and physical processes in the solar nebula

The relative volatilities of lithophile refractory trace elements (LRTE) were determined using calculated 50-percent condensation temperatures. Then, the refractory trace-element abundances were measured in about 100 Allende inclusions. The abundance patterns found in Allende Ca,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) and ultrarefractory inclusions were used to empirically modify the calculated LRTE volatility sequence. In addition, the importance of crystal-chemical effects, diffusion constraints, and grain transport for the origin of the trace-element chemistry of Allende CAIs (which have important implications for chemical and physical processes in the solar nebula) is discussed.

Kornacki, Alan S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The design and preliminary calibration of a boundary-layer flow channel

Design procedures for a new low-speed boundary-layer research channel are described. The channel is an open-circuit wind tunnel for the study of two-dimensional boundary layers under controlled pressure gradients, and follows design guidelines from published literature on blower tunnels with wide-angle diffusers. The contraction was arranged in a modular fashion permitting two different test sections of square and high-aspect-ratio cross section. A radical type of wide-angle diffuser was employed, and a stream-tube computer code (GE Streamtube Curvature Code) was used to check the contraction designs. The alternate test sections have the following specifications: 2- by 2-foot cross section with a fixed velocity of 23 ft/sec, and a boundary-layer section with a 0.5- by 2-foot cross section at a fixed velocity of approximately 89 ft/sec. Experimental techniques and data are described for the evaluation of diffuser effectiveness, boundary-layer channel characteristics, and overall performance of the facility.

Rao, Dhanvada M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Nonlinear photorefractive response at high modulation depths

The response of photorefractive materials to sinusoidal intensity patterns of high modulation depths is considered. It is shown that the induced refractive-index response in this regime is highly nonlinear. Concise analytic expressions for the various nonlinear harmonics of the photorefractive response field are developed and compared with exact numerical solutions of the underlying charge-transport equations as well as with the results of previous theoretical models over a broad range of physical parameters. We show that the nonlinear response characteristics are strongly dependent on both the magnitude of applied electric fields and the relative concentrations of charge donor and acceptor sites in the material. For drift dominated recording, in particular, we determine analytically that in the limit of a minimal acceptor/donor ratio, the amplitudes of higher spatial harmonics of the response reach a maximum and eventually decay as functions of increasing applied field, whereas these amplitudes reach a nonzero limit in the case of a near-unity acceptor/donor ratio. Finally, we generalize our results to account for diffusion effects in an appended derivation.

Vachss, Frederick↗
NASA NTRS1988

High-peak-power low-threshold AlGaAs/GaAs stripe laser diodes on Si substrates grown by migration-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy

A high-peak-power low-threshold AlGaAs/GaAs double-heterostructure stripe laser diode on Si substrats, grown by hybrid migration-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy (MEMBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been demonstrated for the first time. These devices showed the highest peak powers of up to 184 mW per facet reported so far for double-heterostructure stripe laser diodes on Si substrates, room-temperature pulsed threshold currents as low as 150 mA, and differential quantum efficiencies as high as 30 percent without mirror facet coating. An intrinsic threshold current density has been estimated to be about 2 kA/sq cm when taking current spreading and lateral diffusion effects into account. Low dislocation density shows that MEMBE can be a useful method to grow high-quality GaAs and AlGaAs/GaAs layers on Si substrates by combining with MOCVD.

Kim, Jae-Hoon↗
NASA NTRS1988

Nonlinear absorption properties of AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum wells grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

The nonlinear absorption properties of the excitonic resonances associated with multiple quantum wells (MQWs) in AlGaAs/GaAs grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are reported. The dependence of the saturation properties on growth parameters, especially growth temperature, and the well width are described. The minimum measured saturation intensity for these materials is 250 W/sq cm, the lowest reported value to date. The low saturation intensities are the result of excellent minority carrier properties. A systematic study of minority carrier lifetimes in quantum wells are reported. Lifetimes range from 50-350 ns depending on growth temperature and well width. When corrected for lateral diffusion effects and the measured minority carrier lifetime, the saturation data suggest that saturation intensities as low as 2.3 W/sq cm can be achieved in this system. The first measurements of the dependence of the exciton area and the magnitude of the excitonic absorption on well width are prsented. The growth of MQW structures on transparent GaP substrates is demonstrated and the electroabsorption properties of these structures are reviewed.

Lee, Hsing-Chung↗
NASA NTRS1989

Implications of a strongly peaked polar magnetic field

Using the flux-transport equation in the absence of sources, the relation between a highly peaked polar magnetic field and the poleward meridional flow that concentrates it is studied. If the maximum flow speed v(m) greatly exceeds the effective diffusion speed, then the field has a quasi-equilibrium configuration in which the poleward convection of flux via meridional flow approximately balances the equatorward spreading via supergranular diffusion. Recent measurements would then give v(m) of about 7 m/s.

Sheeley, N. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nonequilibrium chemical and radiation coupling phenomena in AOTV flowfields

A flowfield model for the nonequilibrium stagnation region of high altitude entry vehicles which includes nonequilibrium chemistry, multitemperature, viscous, conduction, and diffusion effects is presented. It contains coupled nongray nonequilibrium radiative transfer for atoms and molecules and local thermodynamic nonequilibrium phenomena. Comparison with Fire 2 flight data verifies that the model is reasonably accurate; and it has been applied to two AFE trajectory points, a high speed return from Mars, a series of points at 80 km for 12 to 16 km/sec, and three altitudes at 16 km/sec. Based on these results shock slip is significant, radiation cooling/coupling is minor at AFE conditions but important by 14 km/sec and dominant at 16 km/sec, radiation for the AFE is small but important and primarily molecular, above 12 km/sec atomic radiation is a significant or dominant portion of the total heating, and local thermodynamic nonequilibrium is important and should be included in all models.

Carlson, Leland A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Single-mode lasing of Ho:Tm:YAG at 2.091 microns in a monolithic crystal

This paper demonstrates single-longitudinal-mode lasing of Ho:Tm:YAG at 2.091 microns in a diode-laser-pumped monolithic crystal. Heterodyne detection at 2.1 microns is demonstrated, and energy diffusion effects on spatial hole burning are discussed. Temperature tuning over 4.5 A is demonstrated.

Storm, Mark E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Hydrogen no-vent fill testing in a 1.2 cubic foot (34 liter) tank

Experimental results of no-vent fill testing with liquid hydrogen in a 1.2 cubic foot (34 liter) stainless steel tank are presented. More than 40 tests were performed with various liquid inlet temperatures, inlet flowrates, initial tank wall temperatures, and liquid injection techniques. Fill levels equal to or exceeding 90 percent by volume were achieved in 40 percent of the tests with the tank pressure limited to a maximum of 30 psia. Three liquid injection techniques were employed; top spray, upward pipe discharge, and bottom diffuser. Effects of each of the varied parameters on the tank pressure history and final fill level are evaluated. The final fill level is found to be indirectly proportional to the initial wall and inlet liquid temperatures and directly proportional to the inlet liquid flowrate. Furthermore, the top spray is the most efficient no-vent fill method of the three configurations examined. The success of this injection method is primarily due to condensation of the ullage vapor onto the incoming liquid droplets. Ullage condensation counteracts the tank pressure rise resulting from energy exchange between the fluid and the warmer tank walls, and ullage compression. Upward pipe discharge from the tank bottom is the next most efficient method. Fluid circulation induced by this fill configuration tends to diminish thermal stratification in the bulk liquid, thus enhancing condensation at the liquid gas interface.

Moran, Matthew E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Stability of a premixed flame in stagnation-point flow against general disturbances

Previously, the stability of a premixed flame in a stagnation flow was discussed for a restricted class of disturbances that are self-similar to the basic undisturbed flow; thus, flame fronts with corrugations only in the cross stream direction were considered. Here, we consider a more general class of three-dimensional flame front perturbations which also permits corrugations in the streamwise direction. It is shown that, because of the stretch experienced by the flame, the hydrodynamic instability is limited only to disturbances of short wavelength. If in addition diffusion effects have a stabilizing influence, as would be the case of mixtures with Lewis number greater than one, a stretched flame could be absolutely stable. Instabilities occur when the Lewis number is below some critical value less than one. Neutral stability boundaries are presented in terms of the Lewis number, the strain rate, and the appropriate wavenumbers. Beyond the stability threshold, the two-dimensional self-similar modes always grow first. However, if disturbances of long wavelength are excluded, it is possible for the three-dimensional modes to be the least stable one. Accordingly, the pattern that will be observed on the flame front, at the onset of instability, will consist of either ridges in the direction of stretch or the more common three-dimensional cellular structure.

Jackson, Thomas L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dynamics and control of hypersonic aeropropulsive/aeroelastic vehicles

The guidance and control of hypersonic vehicles is examined by studying the airframe/engine/structural-dynamic interactions of a generic vehicle with scramjet propulsion. The pitch-attitude dynamics are described for the vehicle configuration that can sustain hypersonic flight at near-orbital altitudes. These aerospacecraft have strong airframe/engine/elastic coupling in attitude dynamics and engine responses with static instability with respect to pitch. An integrated airframe-engine control system is presented for the control of the system's strong aeropropulsive/aeroelastic coupling. The control methodology utilizes feedback of measured/synthesized values of angle of attack, blended pitch rate, thrust, and combustor-inlet pressure. The multiinput/multioutput engine controller requires high-bandwidth actuation of the fuel-flow control and the effective diffuser ratio. The proposed control laws do not provide optimized performance in terms of pitch response suggesting that additional control crossfeeds and filtering is needed.

Schmidt, David K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Mechanisms for the generation of compositional heterogeneities in magma chambers

The two main hypotheses concerning the origin of compositional heterogeneities in magma chambers are discussed: (1) models in which the development of compositional zonation is simultaneous with the birth and growth of the magma body and (2) models in which zonation develops within an initially homogeneous batch of magma. The paper presents an overview of the geological possibilities and evaluates them on the basis of current research. Calculations are presented for boundary-layer flow in isothermal ternary component systems, and it is demonstrated that multicomponent diffusion effects may be very significant, as was earlier suggested by Trial and Spera (1988).

Trial, Alain F.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Comparisons between DSMC and the Navier-Stokes equations for reentry flows

A detailed comparison is made between Navier-Stokes and DSMC calculations for flows near the continuum limit to assess the accuracy of the continuum equations in this regime. Meaningful comparisons require the use of similar physical models. This necessitates the inclusion of a separate rotational energy equation and use of slip boundary conditions. Inclusion of slip boundary conditions resulted in improved agreement between surface properties. Moreover, good agreement was obtained for the various temperatures in the nonequilibrium portion of the flow field that does not contain the shock region. Departures are noted in the shock region and in regions where thermal diffusion effects are important.

Olynick, David R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Hydrogen no-vent fill testing in a 34 liter (1.2 cubic foot) tank

Experimental results of no-vent fill testing with liquid hydrogen in a 34 liter stainless steel tank are presented. More than 40 tests were performed with various liquid inlet temperatures, inlet flowrates, initial tank wall temperatures, and liquid injection techniques. Maximum pressure within the receiver tank was limited to 0.207 MPa (30 psia), and fill levels equal to or exceeding 90 percent by volume were achieved in 40 percent of the tests. Three liquid injection techniques were employed; top spray, upward pipe discharge, and bottom diffuser. Effects of each of the various parameters on the tank pressure history and final fill level are evaluated. The final fill level is found to be indirectly proportional to the initial wall and inlet liquid temperatures and directly proportional to the inlet liquid flowrate. Furthermore, the top spray is the most efficient no-vent fill method of the three configurations examined. The success of this injection method is primarily due to condensation of the ullage vapor onto the incoming liquid droplets. Ullage condensation counteracts the tank pressure rise resulting from energy exchange between the fluid and the warmer tank walls and from ullage compression.

Moran, Matthew E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Galactic cosmic-ray mediation of a spherical solar wind flow. 1: The steady state cold gas hydrodynamical approximation

Realistic models of the outer heliosphere should consider that the interstellar cosmic-ray pressure becomes comparable to pressures in the solar wind at distances more than 100 AU from the Sun. The cosmic-ray pressure dynamically affects solar wind flow through deceleration. This effect, which occurs over a scale length of the order of the effective diffusion length at large radial distances, has important implications for cosmic-ray modulation and acceleration. As a first step toward solution of this nonlinear problem, a steady state numerical model was developed for a relatively cold spherical solar wind flow which encounters the confining isotropic pressure of the surrounding Galactic medium. This pressure is assumed to be dominated by energetic particles (Galactic cosmic rays). The system of equations, which are solved self-consistently, includes the relevant hydrodynamical equations for the solar wind flow and the spherical cosmic-ray transport equation. To avoid the closure parameter problem of the two-fluid model, the latter equation is solved for the energy-dependent cosmic-ray distribution function.

Le Roux, J. A.↗