Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Infrared”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

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

Infrared emission associated with chemical reactions on Shuttle and SIRTF surfaces

The infrared intensities which would be observed by the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), and which are produced by surface chemistry following atmospheric impact on SIRTF and the shuttle are estimated. Three possible sources of reactants are analyzed: (1) direct atmospheric and scattered contaminant fluxes onto the shuttle's surface; (2) direct atmospheric and scattered contaminant fluxes onto the SIRTF sunshade; and (3) scattered fluxes onto the cold SIRTF mirror. The chemical reactions are primarily initiated by the dominent flux of reactive atomic oxygen on the surfaces. Using observations of the optical glow to constrain theoretical parameters, it is estimated for source (1) that the infrared glow on the SIRTF mirror will be comparable to the zodiacal background between 1 and 10 micron wavelengths. It is speculated that oxygen reacts with the atoms and the radicals bound in the organic molecules that reside on the shuttle and the Explorer surfaces. It is concluded that for source (2) that with suitable construction, a warm sunshade will produce insignificant infrared glow. It is noted that the atomic oxygen flux on the cold SIRTF mirror (3) is insufficient to produce significant infrared glow. Infrared absorption by the ice buildup on the mirror is also small.

Hollenbach, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Far-infrared detection of low-luminosity star formation in the Bok globule B335

Measurements of far-infrared intensities in the Bok globule B335, made with higher spatial and spectral resolution than two earlier studies, are described. The NASA 3-m Infrared Telescope Facility was used in February 1981 and the Kuiper Airborne Observatory 0.9-m telescope was used in October 1981 and August 1982 for the observations. The far-infrared source in B335 was revealed to be more compact than previously assumed, ruling out the interstellar radiation field as the dominant heat source. The new far-infrared size, luminosity, and temperature derived suggest that these may be the first observations of low-mass star formation embedded deeply within a Bok globule. The far-infrared source does not have a near-infrared or radio continuum counterpart. High angular resolution at submillimeter wavelengths will be critical in further studies of low-mass star formation.

Davidson, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Early results from the Infrared Astronomical Satellite

The discoveries made with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) are reviewed. Findings on large-scale extended infrared emission associated with the solar system and the Galaxy and medium-scale extended infrared emission associated with zodiacal dust bands and infrared cirrus clouds are described. Comets have been found to be much dustier than previously thought. Solid material orbits Vega and other stars, and emission from cool interstellar material has been traced throughout the Galaxy up to the poles. Stars in the process of formation have been detected. The far-infrared sky away from the galactic plane has been found to be dominated by spiral galaxies, some of which emit more than 50 percent and as much as 98 percent of their energy in the infrared.

Neugebauer, G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Star formation in the inner galaxy: A far-infrared and radio study of two H2 regions

Far-infrared and radio continuum maps have been made of the central 6' of the inner-galaxy HII regions G30.8-0.0 (in the W43 complex) and G25.4-0.2, along with radio and molecular line measurements at selected positions. The purpose of this study is an effort to understand star formation in the molecular ring at 5 kpc in galactic radius. Measurements at several far infrared wavelengths allow the dust temperature structures and total far infrared fluxes to be determined. Comparison of the radio and infrared maps shows a close relationship between the ionized gas and the infrared-emitting material. There is evidence that parts of G30.8 are substantially affected by extinction, even at far-infrared wavelengths. Using radio recombination line and CO line data for G25.4-0.2, the distance ambiguity for this source is resolved. The large distance previously ascribed to the entire complex is found to apply to only one of the two main components. The confusion in distance determination is found to result from an extraordinary near-superposition of two bright HII regions. Using the revised distances of 4.3 kpc for G25.4SE and 12 kpc for G25.4NW, it is found that the latter, which is apparently the fainter of the two sources, is actually the more luminous. The ratio of total luminosity to ionizing luminosity is very similar to that of HII regions in the solar circle. Assuming a coeval population of ionizing stars, a normal initial mass function is indicated.

Lester, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Star formation in the inner galaxy: A far-infrared and radio study of two H2 regions

Far-infrared and radio continuum maps have been made of the central 6' of the inner-galaxy H II regions G30.8-0.0 (in the W43 complex) and G25.4-02., along with radio and molecular line measurements at selected positions. An effort is made to understand far infrared wavelingths allow the dust temperature structures and total far infrared fluxes to be determined. Comparison of the radio and infrared maps shows a close relationship between the ionized gas and the infrared-emitting material. There is evidence that parts of G30.8 are substantially affected by extinction, even at far-infrared wavelengths. For G25.4-0.2, the radio recombination line and CO line data permit resolution of the distance ambiguity for this source. The confusion in distance determination is found to result from an extraordinary near-superposition of two bright H II regions. Using revised distances of 4.3 kpc for G26.4SE and 12 kpc for G25.4NW, that the latter, which is apparently the fainter of the two sources, is actually the more luminous. Though it is not seen on the Palomar Sky Survey, G25.4SE is easily visible in the 9532A line of S III and is mapped in this line. The ratio of total luminosity to ionizing luminosity is very similar to that of H II regions in the solar circle. Assuming a coeval population of ionizing stars, a normal initial mass function is indicated.

Lester, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Proceedings of the Second Infrared Detector Technology Workshop

The workshop focused on infrared detector, detector array, and cryogenic electronic technologies relevant to low-background space astronomy. Papers are organized into the following categories: discrete infrared detectors and readout electronics; advanced bolometers; intrinsic integrated infrared arrays; and extrinsic integrated infrared arrays. Status reports on the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) and Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) programs are also included.

Mccreight, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Infrared monitoring of the Space Station environment

The measurement and monitoring of infrared emission in the environment of the Space Station has a twofold importance - for the study of the phenomena itself and as an aid in planning and interpreting Station based infrared experiments. Spectral measurements of the infrared component of the spacecraft glow will, along with measurements in other spectral regions, provide data necessary to fully understand and model the physical and chemical processes producing these emissions. The monitoring of the intensity of these emissions will provide background limits for Space Station based infrared experiments and permit the determination of optimum instrument placement and pointing direction. Continuous monitoring of temporal changes in the background radiation (glow) will also permit better interpretation of Station-based infrared earth sensing and astronomical observations. The primary processes producing infrared emissions in the Space Station environment are: (1) Gas phase excitations of Station generated molecules ( e.g., CO2, H2O, organics...) by collisions with the ambient flux of mainly O and N2. Molecular excitations and generation of new species by collisions of ambient molecules with Station surfaces. They provide a list of resulting species, transition energies, excitation cross sections and relevant time constants. The modeled spectrum of the excited species occurs primarily at wavelengths shorter than 8 micrometer. Emissions at longer wavelengths may become important during rocket firing or in the presence of dust.

Kostiuk, Theodor↗
NASA NTRS1989

The far-infrared structure of the luminous interacting galaxy Arp 299

The strongly interacting galaxies NGC 3690 and IC 694 (or Arp 299) exhibit extensive star formation, a large infrared luminosity, and possible nuclear activity. To determine the origin of the infrared luminosity in this system, high-resolution far-infrared profiles have been obtained in which two distinct sources can clearly be discerned; these observations reveal that 60 percent of the far-infrared luminosity comes from an unresolved source in the center of IC 694, with the remaining 40 percent originating in a compact source in NGC 3690. A new high-resolution 20-micron image of the Arp 299 system is compared with the far-infrared profiles, revealing that NGC 3690 is substantially hotter than IC 694 in the thermal infrared; the observed temperature gradient is opposite to that which is expected if the putative active nucleus in IC 694 generates a significant fraction of the total luminosity.

Joy, Marshall↗
NASA NTRS1989

The ratio of molecular to atomic gas in infrared luminous galaxies

In infrared luminous galaxies the ratio of the CO(1 - 0) to H I integrated fluxes increases with the far-infrared excess, f(fir)/f(b). All infrared active galaxies with f(fir)/f(b) greater than 2 have molecular to atomic gas mass fractions greater than 0.5. Among the galaxies with the higher infrared excesses there are systems with strikingly small atomic mass fractions, where less than 15 percent of the total mass of interstellar gas is in atomic form. The optical morphology of luminous infrared galaxies indicates that the majority, if not all, of these objects are interacting systems. These observations suggest that the overall mass fraction of molecular to atomic gas, and the infrared luminosities per nucleon of interstellar gas are enhanced during galaxy-galaxy interactions.

Mirabel, I. F.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Proceedings of the Third Infrared Detector Technology Workshop

This volume consists of 37 papers which summarize results presented at the Third Infrared Detector Technology Workshop, held February 7-9, 1989, at Ames Research Center. The workshop focused on infrared (IR) detector, detector array, and cryogenic electronic technologies relevant to low-background space astronomy. Papers on discrete IR detectors, cryogenic readouts, extrinsic and intrinsic IR arrays, and recent results from ground-based observations with integrated arrays were given. Recent developments in the second-generation Hubble Space Telescope (HST) infrared spectrometer and in detectors and arrays for the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) are also included, as are status reports on the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) projects.

Mccreight, Craig R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) science instruments

Concepts of scientific instruments designed to perform infrared astronomical tasks such as imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy are discussed as part of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) project under definition study at NASA/Ames Research Center. The instruments are: the multiband imaging photometer, the infrared array camera, and the infrared spectograph. SIRTF, a cryogenically cooled infrared telescope in the 1-meter range and wavelengths as short as 2.5 microns carrying multiple instruments with high sensitivity and low background performance, provides the capability to carry out basic astronomical investigations such as deep search for very distant protogalaxies, quasi-stellar objects, and missing mass; infrared emission from galaxies; star formation and the interstellar medium; and the composition and structure of the atmospheres of the outer planets in the solar sytem.

Ramos, R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Observations of CO isotopic emission and the far-infrared continuum of Centaurus A

Researchers present maps of the CO-12(1=0) line and the 100 micron and 50 micron far-infrared emission of Centaurus A, as well as measurements of the CO-12(2-1), CO-13(1-0), and the C-18O(1-0) lines at selected positions. The observations were taken with the Swedish-ESO Submillimeter Telescope (SEST) and the CPC instrument on board the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS). The millimeter data show that the bulk molecular material is closely associated with the dust lane and contained in a disk of about 180 seconds diameter and a total molecular mass of about 2 x 10 to the 8th power solar mass. The total molecular mass of the disk and bulge is of the order of 3 x 10 to the 8th power solar mass. The molecular gas in the nucleus is warm with a kinetic temperature of the order of 15 K and a number density of 10 to the 3rd power to 3 x 10 to the 4th power cm(-3). Absorption features in the CO-12 and CO-13 lines against the nuclear continuum emission indicate that the properties of giant molecular clouds are comparable to those of the Galaxy. The far-infrared data show that to a good approximation the dust temperature is constant across the dust lane at a value of about 42 K. The ratio between the far-infrared luminosity and the total molecular mass is 18 solar luminosity/solar mass and close to the mean value obtained for isolated galaxies. A comparison of the CO-12(1-0) and the far-infrared data indicates that a considerable amount of the far-infrared emission is not intimately associated with massive star formation.

Eckart, A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An infrared jet in Centaurus A (NGC 5128): Evidence for interaction between the active nucleus and the interstellar medium

In the present study, higher resolution near infrared images of the visually-obscured central region of Centaurus A were obtained in order to investigate the effects of the active nucleus on the surrounding galaxy. Researchers present J(1.25 microns), H(1.65 microns), and K(2.2 microns) images of the central 40 seconds of the galaxy, taken with the Univ. of Texas InSb array camera on the Anglo Australian 3.9 meter telescope. These images reveal a jet extending approx. 10 arcseconds to the northeast of the nucleus at the same position angle as the x ray and radio jets. The infrared jet is most prominent at the shortest wavelength (1.25 microns), where its brightness surpasses that of the nucleus. The blue appearance of the infrared jet is remarkable considering the heavy obscuration that is evident at visual wavelengths. The amount of reddening in the vicinity of the jet is determined from the measured colors of the stellar core of the galaxy, and this value is used to generate an extinction-corrected energy distribution. In contrast to previously studied optical and infrared jets in active nuclei, the short-wavelength prominence of the Cen A jet indicates that it cannot be attributed to synchrotron emission from a beam of relativistic electrons. The remaining viable mechanisms involve an interaction between the interstellar medium and the active nucleus: the infrared radiation from the jet may be due to emission from interstellar gas that has been entrained and heated by the flow of relativistic particles from the nucleus; alternatively, luminous blue stars may have been created by compression of interstellar material by the relativistic plasma. To investigate these proposed mechanisms, near-infrared spectroscopic studies of Cen A are in progress to look for collisionally excited molecular hydrogen emission lines and recombination lines from ionized gas.

Joy, Marshall↗
NASA NTRS1991

Infrared imaging - A validation technique for computational fluid dynamics codes used in STOVL applications

The need for a validation technique for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes in STOVL applications has led to research efforts to apply infrared thermal imaging techniques to visualize gaseous flow fields. Specifically, a heated, free-jet test facility was constructed. The gaseous flow field of the jet exhaust was characterized using an infrared imaging technique in the 2 to 5.6 micron wavelength band as well as conventional pitot tube and thermocouple methods. These infrared images are compared to computer-generated images using the equations of radiative exchange based on the temperature distribution in the jet exhaust measured with the thermocouple traverses. Temperature and velocity measurement techniques, infrared imaging, and the computer model of the infrared imaging technique are presented and discussed. From the study, it is concluded that infrared imaging techniques coupled with the radiative exchange equations applied to CFD models are a valid method to qualitatively verify CFD codes used in STOVL applications.

Hardman, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Sea surface velocities from visible and infrared multispectral atmospheric mapping sensor imagery

High resolution (100 m), sequential Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor (MAMS) images were used in a study to calculate advective surface velocities using the Maximum Cross Correlation (MCC) technique. Radiance and brightness temperature gradient magnitude images were formed from visible (0.48 microns) and infrared (11.12 microns) image pairs, respectively, of Chandeleur Sound, which is a shallow body of water northeast of the Mississippi delta, at 145546 GMT and 170701 GMT on 30 Mar. 1989. The gradient magnitude images enhanced the surface water feature boundaries, and a lower cutoff on the gradient magnitudes calculated allowed the undesirable sunglare and backscatter gradients in the visible images, and the water vapor absorption gradients in the infrared images, to be reduced in strength. Requiring high (greater than 0.4) maximum cross correlation coefficients and spatial coherence of the vector field aided in the selection of an optimal template size of 10 x 10 pixels (first image) and search limit of 20 pixels (second image) to use in the MCC technique. Use of these optimum input parameters to the MCC algorithm, and high correlation and spatial coherence filtering of the resulting velocity field from the MCC calculation yielded a clustered velocity distribution over the visible and infrared gradient images. The velocity field calculated from the visible gradient image pair agreed well with a subjective analysis of the motion, but the velocity field from the infrared gradient image pair did not. This was attributed to the changing shapes of the gradient features, their nonuniqueness, and large displacements relative to the mean distance between them. These problems implied a lower repeat time for the imagery was needed in order to improve the velocity field derived from gradient imagery. Suggestions are given for optimizing the repeat time of sequential imagery when using the MCC method for motion studies. Applying the MCC method to the infrared brightness temperature imagery yielded a velocity field which did agree with the subjective analysis of the motion and that derived from the visible gradient imagery. Differences between the visible and infrared derived velocities were 14.9 cm/s in speed and 56.7 degrees in direction. Both of these velocity fields also agreed well with the motion expected from considerations of the ocean bottom topography and wind and tidal forcing in the study area during the 2.175 hour time interval.

Pope, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Infrared imaging of Mars for volatile distribution and seasonal variability between 2.4 and 5.1 microns

Recent advances in ground-based infrared imaging now allow for sub-arc second spectral imaging. Data collected at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility using protocam, a 62 x 58 InSb array camera with a circular variable filter and a plate scale 0.2 arc-seconds/pixel, are discussed. These images are a first attempt at extended seasonal infrared coverage of Mars to look for seasonal variations. Currently, data collected in Jun. 1990 at Ls = 241 (southern spring) and in Jan. 1991 Ls = 360 (late southern summer) are being reduced and analyzed. The 3 micron bound water band is the strongest surface absorption feature on Mars in the infrared. Infrared spectroscopy can also be useful in the detection of ice and frost deposits, especially in the polar regions. While imaging and spectroscopy at visible wavelengths allows for the detection of condensates, infrared information is needed to distinguish between water and CO2 ice/frost deposits. In the Jun. images, the southern polar cap totally disappears in the 3.4 micron CO2 frost band and is bright in the 3.1 micron water ice band, indicating that water ice is not a detectable component of the southern polar cap at this season. Further investigations are currently under way to look for residual water ice after the disappearance of the seasonal south polar cap in the Jan. images. The Jun. images that were focused on had a sub-earth point located at 184 longitude, and 23.8 S latitude which put the center of the disk in the southern highland region between Elysium and Amazonis. Examination of the Jun. images show that there are four surface units identifiable: a CO2 frost deposit, a northern plains unit, an equatorial unit, and a southern highland unit. At this resolution there does not appear to be any latitudinal variations in the 3 micron band that is independent of the 2.4 micron albedo features. The northern planes unit and the southern highland unit have very similar 'color' in the three micron band as demonstrated by the rise out of the band, but different brightness levels. The equatorial unit has a distinct three micron color implying a compositional difference. The albedo features at 2.4 microns have decreased contrast at longer wavelengths, till they are unrecognizable at 4 microns.

Blaney, Diana L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Infrared spectral measurement of Space Shuttle glow

The USAF and NASA successfully conducted infrared spectral measurements of the Space Shuttle glow during STS-39. Preliminary analysis indicates that NO, NO(+), OH, and CO produce infrared glow during quiescent orbiter conditions. During orbiter thruster firings the glow intensities in the infrared are enhanced by factors of 10X and 100X with significant changes in spectral distribution. These measurements were obtained with the Spacecraft Kinetic Infrared Test payload which included a cryogenic infrared circular variable filter infrared spectrometer covering the 0.7 to 5.4 microns wavelength region. Approximately 14,000 spectra of Shuttle glow, airglow, aurora, and the orbiter environment were obtained during the eight day mission. The STS-39 Space Shuttle Discovery was launched from the NASA Kennedy Space Center on 28 April, 1991 into a 57-deg inclination circular orbit at an altitude of 260 km.

Ahmadjian, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1991

Space Infrared Telescope Facility science instruments overview

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will contain three cryogenically cooled infrared instruments: the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS), and the Multiband Infrared Photometer for SIRTF (MIPS). These instruments are sensitive to infrared radiation in the 1.8-1,200 micrometer range. This paper will discuss the three instruments' functional requirements and their accommodation in the SIRTF telescope system.

Bothwell, Mary↗