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At least 217 records · Page 12

Effect of the raw material composition of fabrics on the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI)

The raw material composition of fabrics is one of the most important factors for LOI value. LOI value was determined in samples of varying composition composed of cellulose, protein, and synthetic fibers and their mixtures, based on ASTM D 2863-76. Cellulose fibers and their mixtures exhibited the lowest value, while synthetic fibers had the highest LOI value.

Jeler, S.↗

Determination of cloud fields from analysis of HIRS2/MSU sounding data

IR and microwave remote sensing data collected with the HIRS2 and MSU sensors on the NOAA polar-orbiting satellites were evaluated for their effectiveness as bases for determining the cloud cover and cloud physical characteristics. Techniques employed to adjust for day-night alterations in the radiance fields are described, along with computational procedures applied to compare scene pixel values with reference values for clear skies. Sample results are provided for the mean cloud coverage detected over South America and Africa June 1979, with attention given to concurrent surface pressure and cloud top pressure values.

Susskind, J.↗

Development of fracture mechanics data for two hydrazine APU turbine wheel materials

The effects of high temperature, high pressure ammonia were measured on the fracture mechanics and fatigue properties of Astroloy and Rene' 41 turbine wheel materials. Also, the influence of protective coatings on these properties was investigated. Specimens of forged bar stock were subjected to LCF and HCF tests at 950 K (1250 F) and 3.4 MN/sq m (500 psig) pressure, in ammonia containing about 1.5 percent H2O. Aluminized samples (Chromizing Company's Al-870) and gold plated test bars were compared with uncoated specimens. Comparison tests were also run in air at 950 K (1250 F), but at ambient pressures. K sub IE and K sub TH were determined on surface flawed specimens in both the air and ammonia in both uncoated and gold plated conditions. Gold plated specimens exhibited better properties than uncoated samples, and aluminized test bars generally had lower properties. The fatigue properties of specimens tested in ammonia were higher than those tested in air, yet the K sub TH values of ammonia tested samples were lower than those tested in air. However, insufficient specimens were tested to develop significant design data.

Curbishley, G.↗

A Large Ordinary Chondrite Shower in the Dominion Range

The US Antarctic Meteorite Program has visited the Dominion Range in the Transantarctic Mountains during several different seasons, including the 1985, 2003, 2008, 2010, and 2014 seasons. Total recovered meteorites from this region is over 2000. The 2008 and 2010 seasons have been fully classified and, respectively) revealing the presence of a large meteorite shower that comprises approximately 60% of all samples recovered in those two seasons. The oil immersion classification suggests that this shower is LL chondrite material, whereas published magnetic susceptibility (MS; log chi) measurements yield L chondrite values. However, usually random sampling of a large collection like this would uncover EOC material for which we have prepared thin sections. In this case, no LL chondrite materials have been found in thin section, suggesting that the shower might instead be an L chondrite. L and LL chondrites are notoriously difficult to distinguish using oil immersion techniques. To better characterize this large group of samples, we have decided to examine some of the large members of this group, using EMPA analysis of the olivines to verify the classifications. With a compositional link between this subset of samples, and the MS measurements, we can more confidently classify the samples making up this pairing group. Subsequently, more accurate and meaningful comparisons may be drawn between this pairing group and some other Antarctic pairing groups such as from the Queen Alexandra Range (QUE), and Lewis Cliffs Ice Tongue (LEW). electron microprobe analysis

Satterwhite, C. E.↗

Analysis of Pull Force Test Results for Crimped Connections

Crimped electrical contacts are reliable when strict process controls are followed during manufacturing and accompanied by continuous process verification through pull force testing. Cable and wire harness assemblies’ standards are developed and refined over time to provide the minimum pull force that a crimp contact must meet before it breaks from the wire. However, in practice the failures occur at a much higher tensile strength than the minimum required. The first section of this paper reviewed 780 pull force test results provided by NASA Centers were collected and analyzed to determine how the data compares to NASA’s pre-existing requirements from the cable/harness standards NASA-STD-8739.4 and IPC/WHMA-A-620B-S. The measured tensile strength of most of the contact/conductor pairs (i.e. Contact/Wires or C/W) exceeded the minimum pull force values of NASA-STD-8739.4 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards by at least 100 %. The tensile strength samples of the C/W pairs values followed a normal distribution with an average tensile strength value that was at least 182 % of the minimum requirement, and all the samples analyzed passed the pull force testing. In addition, the 95 % confidence interval of the average tensile strength distributions for several C/W pairs was determined and plotted as error bars to show that there is good likelihood to observe C/W pair normal distribution with a 95 % confidence interval that will meet and surpass the standard requirements. The frequency of pull force testing can be problematic for projects because of the cost and availability of spare contacts for the destructive test. It could be possible to reduce the frequency of pull force testing if at the beginning of the production run, the conditions of the crimp tool and materials are verified, and the settings of the tool remain unchanged throughout the process. However, the project must evaluate the impact to risk from reducing the frequency of testing.

Crimped connections↗

Mars Ascent Vehicle Development Status

The Mars robotic sample return mission has been a potential flagship mission for NASA s science mission directorate for decades. The Mars Exploration Program and the planetary science decadal survey have highlighted both the science value of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, but also the need for risk reduction through technology development. One of the critical elements of the MSR mission is the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), which must launch the sample cache from the surface of Mars and place it into low Mars orbit. The MAV has significant challenges to overcome due to tight constraints on the MAV s mass and volume, as well as environmental challenges associated with long duration storage on the Martian surface and during Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). In the fall of 2010, NASA selected three industrial partners for study phase contracts to develop MAV system concepts, identify technology needs, and recommend technology developments plans for follow-on work. In addition to the contractor recommendations, JPL s Team-X was used for a comparative assessment of the three vehicle concepts to understand relative strengths, weaknesses, and sensitivity to system growth. The GRC COMPASS team independently evaluated MAV system solutions using liquid bipropellant, solid rocket motors, and an advanced monopropellant option. The results of the study phase contracts and comparative assessment is provided herein.

Dankanich, John W.↗

Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office (KT) Overview

The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office has the unique responsibility to curate NASA's extraterrestrial samples - from past and forthcoming missions - into the indefinite future. Currently, curation includes documentation, preservation, physical security, preparation, and distribution of samples from the Moon, asteroids, comets, the solar wind, and the planet Mars. Each of these sample sets has a unique history and comes from a unique environment. The curation laboratories and procedures developed over 40 years have proven both necessary and sufficient to serve the evolving needs of a worldwide research community. A new generation of sample return missions to destinations across the solar system is being planned and proposed. The curators are developing the tools and techniques to meet the challenges of these new samples. Extraterrestrial samples pose unique curation requirements. These samples were formed and exist under conditions strikingly different from those on the Earth's surface. Terrestrial contamination would destroy much of the scientific significance of extraterrestrial materials. To preserve the research value of these precious samples, contamination must be minimized, understood, and documented. In addition, the samples must be preserved - as far as possible - from physical and chemical alteration. The elaborate curation facilities at JSC were designed and constructed, and have been operated for many years, to keep sample contamination and alteration to a minimum. Currently, JSC curates seven collections of extraterrestrial samples: (a)) Lunar rocks and soils collected by the Apollo astronauts, (b) Meteorites collected on dedicated expeditions to Antarctica, (c) Cosmic dust collected by high-altitude NASA aircraft,t (d) Solar wind atoms collected by the Genesis spacecraft, (e) Comet particles collected by the Stardust spacecraft, (f) Interstellar dust particles collected by the Stardust spacecraft, and (g) Asteroid soil particles collected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Hayabusa spacecraft Each of these sample sets has a unique history and comes from a unique environment. We have developed specialized laboratories and practices over many years to preserve and protect the samples, not only for current research but for studies that may be carried out in the indefinite future.

Allen, Carlton↗

Sampling and Reconstruction of the Pupil and Electric Field for Phase Retrieval

This technology is based on sampling considerations for a band-limited function, which has application to optical estimation generally, and to phase retrieval specifically. The analysis begins with the observation that the Fourier transform of an optical aperture function (pupil) can be implemented with minimal aliasing for Q values down to Q = 1. The sampling ratio, Q, is defined as the ratio of the sampling frequency to the band-limited cut-off frequency. The analytical results are given using a 1-d aperture function, and with the electric field defined by the band-limited sinc(x) function. Perfect reconstruction of the Fourier transform (electric field) is derived using the Whittaker-Shannon sampling theorem for 1<Q<2. The Fourier transform is constructed by periodic extension, i.e., by spacing copies of the transform in a definite way, recognizing that no aliasing occurs for values of the sampling ratio such that 1<Q<2, which can be used to advantage in the application of phase retrieval estimation. A method was developed for propagating the electro magnetic field with no aliasing, which has been extended to 2-d optical apertures.

Dean, Bruce↗

Microstructure and magnetization of Y-Ba-Cu-O prepared by melt quenching, partial melting and doping

Y-Ba-Cu-O samples prepared by means of a variety of melt-based techniques exhibit high values for their magnetic properties compared with those of samples prepared by solid state sintering. These techniques include single-stage partial melting as well as melt quenching followed by a second heat treatment stage, and they have been applied to the stoichiometric 123 composition as well as to formulations containing excess yttrium or other dopants. The structure of these melt-based samples is highly aligned, and the magnetization readings exhibit large anisotropy. At 77 K and magnetic field intensities of about 2 kOe, diamagnetic susceptibilities as high as -14 x 10(exp -3) emu/g were obtained in the cases of melt-quenched samples and remanent magnetization values as high as 10 emu/g for samples prepared by partial melting.

Hojaji, Hamid↗

A Draft Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth

In preparation for missions to Mars that will involve the return of samples, it is necessary to prepare for the safe receiving, handling, testing, distributing, and archiving of martian materials here on Earth. Previous groups and committees have studied selected aspects of sample return activities, but a specific protocol for handling and testing of returned -=1 samples from Mars remained to be developed. To refine the requirements for Mars sample hazard testing and to develop criteria for the subsequent release of sample materials from precautionary containment, NASA Planetary Protection Officer, working in collaboration with CNES, convened a series of workshops to produce a Protocol by which returned martian sample materials could be assessed for biological hazards and examined for evidence of life (extant or extinct), while safeguarding the samples from possible terrestrial contamination. The Draft Protocol was then reviewed by an Oversight and Review Committee formed specifically for that purpose and composed of senior scientists. In order to preserve the scientific value of returned martian samples under safe conditions, while avoiding false indications of life within the samples, the Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) is required to allow handling and processing of the Mars samples to prevent their terrestrial contamination while maintaining strict biological containment. It is anticipated that samples will be able to be shipped among appropriate containment facilities wherever necessary, under procedures developed in cooperation with international appropriate institutions. The SRF will need to provide different types of laboratory environments for carrying out, beyond sample description and curation, the various aspects of the protocol: Physical/Chemical analysis, Life Detection testing, and Biohazard testing. The main principle of these tests will be described and the criteria for release will be discussed, as well as the requirements for the SRF and its personnel.

Viso, M.↗

The extended 12 micron galaxy sample

We have selected an all-sky (absolute value of b greater than or equal to 25 deg) 12 micron flux-limited sample of 893 galaxies from the IRAS Faint Source Catalog, Version 2 (FSC-2). We have obtained accurate total fluxes in the IRAS wavebands by using the ADDSCAN procedure for all objects with FSC-2 12 micron fluxes greater than 0.15 Jy and increasing flux densities from 12 to 60 microns, and defined the sample by imposing a survey limit of 0.22 Jy on the total 12 micron flux. Its completeness is verified, by means of the classical log N - log S and V/V(sub max) tests, down to 0.30 Jy, below which we have measured the incompleteness down to the survey limit, using the log N - log S plot, for our statistical analysis. We have obtained redshifts (mostly from catalogs) for virtually all (98.4%) the galaxies in the sample. Using existing catalogs of active galaxies, we defined a subsample of 118 objects consisting of 53 Seyfert 1s and quasars, 63 Seyfert 2s, and two blazars (approximately 13% of the full sample), which is the largest unbiased sample of Seyfert galaxies ever assembled. Since the 12 micron flux has been shown to be about one-fifth of the bolometric flux for Seyfert galaxies and quasars, the subsample of Seyferts (including quasars and blazars) is complete not only to 0.30 Jy at 12 microns but also with respect to a bolometric flux limit of approximately 2.0 x 10(exp -10) ergs/s/sq cm. The average value of V/V(sub max) for the full sample, corrected for incompleteness at low fluxes, is 0.51 +/- 0.04, expected for a complete sample of uniformly distributed galaxies, while the value for the Seyfert galaxy subsample is 0.46 +/- 0.10. We have derived 12 microns and far-infrared luminosity functions for the AGNs, as well as for the entire sample. We extracted from our sample a complete subsample of 235 galaxies flux-limited (8.3 Jy) at 60 microns. The 60 micron luminosity function computed for this subsample is in satisfactory agreement with the ones derived from the bright galaxy sample (BGS) and the deep high-galactic latitude sample, both selected at 60 microns.

Rush, Brian↗

Application of remote sensing in the determination of water quality in Nebraska reservoirs

In June, July, and August, 1975, ground truth was collected from Lake McConaughy, a 35,000 acre reservoir in western Nebraska, coincident with the overflights of LANDSAT. Water samples were collected on six different dates and analyzed for turbidity, suspended solids, and chlorophyll, parameters which had correlated well with CCT reflectances. The correlations and regressions reported were derived from data obtained on only three of the six sampling dates. The radiance values from each of the four spectral bands were printed out in the form of a map of Lake McConaughy. Reflectances in the various bands were then obtained from the map at the appropriate sampling sites. The dependent variables chlorophyll, suspended solids, and turbidity were compared to the independent variables - reflectances in the four bands - by regression analysis. Both multiple and univariate regressions were examined. It is concluded that CCT's from LANDSAT can be used to detect and quantify the water quality parameters suspended solids, turbidity, and chlorophyll.

Hergenrader, G. L.↗

Experimentally derived resistivity for dielectric samples from the CRRES internal discharge monitor

Resistivity values were experimentally determined using charge storage methods for six samples remaining from the construction of the Internal Discharge Monitor (IDM) flown on the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES). Three tests were performed over a period of four to five weeks each in a vacuum of -5x10^-6 torr with an average temperature of -25 (deg)C to simulate a space environment.

spacecraft charging↗

Examining the Role of Environment in a Comprehensive Sample of Compact Groups

Compact groups, with their high number densities, small velocity dispersions, and an interstellar medium that has not been fully processed, provide a local analog to conditions of galaxy interactions in the earlier universe. The frequent and prolonged gravitational encounters that occur in compact groups affect the evolution of the constituent galaxies in a myriad of ways, for example, gas processing and star formation. Recently, a statistically significant "gap" has been discovered in the mid-infrared (MIR: 3.6-8 μm) IRAC color space of compact group galaxies. This gap is not seen in field samples and is a new example of how the compact group environment may affect the evolution of member galaxies. In order to investigate the origin and nature of this gap, we have compiled a larger sample of 37 compact groups in addition to the original 12 groups studied by Johnson et al. (yielding 174 individual galaxies with reliable MIR photometry). We find that a statistically significant deficit of galaxies in this gap region of IRAC color space is persistent in the full sample, lending support to the hypothesis that the compact group environment inhibits moderate specific star formation rates. Using this expanded sample, we have more fully characterized the distribution of galaxies in this color space and quantified the low-density region more fully with respect to MIR bluer and MIR redder colors. We note a curvature in the color-space distribution, which is fully consistent with increasing dust temperature as the activity in a galaxy increases. This full sample of 49 compact groups allows us to subdivide the data according to physical properties of the groups. An analysis of these subsamples indicates that neither projected physical diameter nor density shows a trend in color space within the values represented by this sample. We hypothesize that the apparent lack of a trend is due to the relatively small range of properties in this sample, whose groups have already been pre-selected to be compact and dense. Thus, the relative influence of stochastic effects (such as the particular distribution and amount of star formation in individual galaxies) becomes dominant. We analyze spectral energy distributions of member galaxies as a function of their location in color space and find that galaxies in different regions of MIR color space contain dust with varying temperatures and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission.

Environment↗

Soil Sampling Techniques For Alabama Grain Fields

Characterizing the spatial variability of nutrients facilitates precision soil sampling. Questions exist regarding the best technique for directed soil sampling based on a priori knowledge of soil and crop patterns. The objective of this study was to evaluate zone delineation techniques for Alabama grain fields to determine which method best minimized the soil test variability. Site one (25.8 ha) and site three (20.0 ha) were located in the Tennessee Valley region, and site two (24.2 ha) was located in the Coastal Plain region of Alabama. Tennessee Valley soils ranged from well drained Rhodic and Typic Paleudults to somewhat poorly drained Aquic Paleudults and Fluventic Dystrudepts. Coastal Plain s o i l s ranged from coarse-loamy Rhodic Kandiudults to loamy Arenic Kandiudults. Soils were sampled by grid soil sampling methods (grid sizes of 0.40 ha and 1 ha) consisting of: 1) twenty composited cores collected randomly throughout each grid (grid-cell sampling) and, 2) six composited cores collected randomly from a -3x3 m area at the center of each grid (grid-point sampling). Zones were established from 1) an Order 1 Soil Survey, 2) corn (Zea mays L.) yield maps, and 3) airborne remote sensing images. All soil properties were moderately to strongly spatially dependent as per semivariogram analyses. Differences in grid-point and grid-cell soil test values suggested grid-point sampling does not accurately represent grid values. Zones created by soil survey, yield data, and remote sensing images displayed lower coefficient of variations (8CV) for soil test values than overall field values, suggesting these techniques group soil test variability. However, few differences were observed between the three zone delineation techniques. Results suggest directed sampling using zone delineation techniques outlined in this paper would result in more efficient soil sampling for these Alabama grain fields.

Thompson, A. N.↗

Contactless method of measuring resistivity

A method is described for measuring the conductivity of materials without having to make electrical contact with the material. Currents which are magnetically induced in the conducting sample are measured by means of the magnetic fields they produce. Although induction techniques have been used in the past for this type of measurement, the configuration presented here makes it possible to perform absolute measurements of resistivity over a wide range of values for relatively small samples. The theory of the technique, the results of measurements made with it, and a comparison of the technique with other methods are presented.

Crowley, J. D.↗

Some statistical problems inherent in measuring precipitation

A formula permitting calculation of the mean-square error of the mean value of a random variable due to periodic sampling is derived and applied to estimating the sampling error for satellite observation of the mean rainfall during the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE). The effects of both spatial resolution and frequency of observation on the sampling error are summarized in graphs. It is found that four observations per day are sufficient to determine the monthly mean rainfall over an area of 2.5 deg square (280km x 280km) to within a standard deviation of 5 percent of its mean value; two samples per day would yield an error with a standard deviation slightly less than 10 percent of the mean. A satellite instrument with less frequent sampling may produce significantly greater error in the estimate of monthly mean rainfall.

Flueck, J. A.↗

Study of isotopic composition of helium in the fine fraction of Luna 16 lunar surface material

The content of He isotopes is measured in two samples of the lunar surface material returned by the Luna 16 automatic station. Both samples consist of a fine fraction of lunar surface material and were samples from zone A (sample 3-2k) and from zone V (sample 9-1r). The value of He4/He3 and the concentration of the He isotopes are identical for both samples, within the limits of experimental error.

Boltenkov, B. S.↗