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At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

An EBIC equation for solar cells

When an electron beam of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) impinges on an N-P junction, the generation of electron-hole pairs by impact ionization causes a characteristic short circuit current I(sc) to flow. The I(sc), i.e., EBIC (electron beam induced current) depends strongly on the configuration used to investigate the cell's response. In this paper the case where the plane of the junction is perpendicular to the surface is considered. An EBIC equation amenable to numerical computations is derived as a function of cell thickness, source depth, surface recombination velocity, diffusion length, and distance of the junction to the beam-cell interaction point for a cell with an ohmic contact at its back surface. It is shown that the EBIC equation presented here is more general and easier to use than those previously reported. The effects of source depth, ohmic contact, and diffusion length on the normalized EBIC characteristic are discussed.

Luke, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Friction and wear of iron and nickel in sodium hydroxide solutions

A loaded spherical aluminum oxider rider was made to slide, while in various solutions, on a flat iron or nickel surface reciprocate a distance of 1 cm. Time of experiments was 1 hr during which the rider passed over the center section of the track 540 times. Coeficients of friction were measured throughout the experiments. Wear was measured by scanning the track with a profilometer. Analysis of some of the wear tracks included use of the SEM (scanning electron microscope) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Investigated were the effect of various concentrations of NaOH and of water. On iron, increasing NaOH concentration above 0.01 N caused the friction and wear to decrease. This decrease is accompanied by a decrease in surface concentration of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) while more complex iron-oxygen compounds, not clearly identified, also form. At low concentrations of NaOH, such as 0.01 N, where the friction is high, the wear track is badly torn up and the surface is broken. At high concentration, such as 10 N, where the friction is low, the wear track is smooth. The general conclusion is that NaOH forms a protective, low friction film on iron which is destroyed by wear at low concentrations but remains intact at high conentrations of NaOH. Nickel behaves differently than iron in that only a little NaOH gives a low coefficient of friction and a surface which, although roughened in the wear track, remains intact. Previously announced in STAR as N83-10171

Rengstorff, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Trichite growth during oxidation of titanium and TA6V4 alloy by water vapor at high temperatures

Analysis by electron scanning microscope detected the formation of rutile trichites on the surface of specimens of titanium and titanium alloy TA6V4 oxidized in water vapor in the temperature range 650 to 950 C and the water vapor pressure range from 0.5 to 18 torr. In all specimens, two sublayers of rutile were formed: an external layer of basalt-like appearance, and a microcrystalline inner layer. Morphology of the trichites depends on temperature and the material (whether metal or alloy), but not on vapor pressure.

Coddet, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

High-temperature inclusions in the Murchison meteorite

Inclusions found in type 3 carbonaceous chondrites such as the Allende meteorite are described and compared with those in the Murchison type 2 carbonaceous chondrite. Scanning electron microscope studies of the SH-6 (containing abundant hibonite) and the GR-1 (containing abundant hibonite and corundum) are discussed. Because corundum and hibonite are higher temperature condensates than the melilite and pyroxene found in the Allende meteorite, it is concluded that most refractory inclusions in the Murchison meteorite were isolated from the solar nebular gas at a higher temperature than their counterparts in the Allende meteorite. Whether the inclusion crystallized from a liquid or condensed directly from solar nebular gas is discussed.

Grossman, L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Lunar sample analysis

Results are presented from an extensive series of new high resolution scanning electron microscope studies of the very primative group of meteorites known as unequilibrated chondrites. These include quantitative analyses of micrometer sized phases and interpretation in terms of relevant phase equilibria. Several new meteorite minerals including high chromium metal, have been discovered.

Housley, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Properties of simulated comet mantle

The properties of freeze-dried dilute dispersions of dust in water ice are of considerable interest in studies of comet nucleus mantles. The formation of a rind residue produced by the sublimation of water ice containing various amounts of fine clay particles may be an important process. A simulation of the development of the dry dust rind on the surface of comets is presented. This rind is the result of preferential ice sublimation. The development and disruption of this rind and its subsequent levitation by water vapor flow is studied. The most interesting rind simulant is produced by dispersing 0.1 micron particles of montmorillonite in water in concentrations of 10%, 1%, and 0.1%. These dispersions are then sprayed into liquid nitrogen in the form of 100 micron droplets. The frozen droplets are then freeze-dried in a vacuum which prevents the ice temperature from rising above -30 C. Sublimation of the nitrogen and the water produced dry rinds. The most striking result was the development of large cohesive matrices of individual clay particles, and in some cases a continuous cohesive crust. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations reveal that the material formed by freeze-drying the 0.1% dispersion does not retain the original spherical shape of the sprayed 100 micron droplets; instead it consists of a continuous filamentary network, as shown in the SEM stereo micrographs.

Fanale, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Progressive fracture of fiber composites

Refined models and procedures are described for determining progressive composite fracture in graphite/epoxy angleplied laminates. Lewis Research Center capabilities are utilized including the Real Time Ultrasonic C Scan (RUSCAN) experimental facility and the Composite Durability Structural Analysis (CODSTRAN) computer code. The CODSTRAN computer code is used to predict the fracture progression based on composite mechanics, finite element stress analysis, and fracture criteria modules. The RUSCAN facility, CODSTRAN computer code, and scanning electron microscope are used to determine durability and identify failure mechanisms in graphite/epoxy composites.

Irvin, T. B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development of metallization process

Pastes are evaluated that contain additives to aid in the silicon to metallization contact. None are completely successful. Pastes are evaluated using a heated stage scanning electron microscope (SEM). This equipment shows promise for future evaluations.

Garcia, A., III↗
NASA NTRS1984

LEO atomic oxygen effects on spacecraft materials: STS-5 results

Effects of low Earth orbit (LEO) atomic oxygen were measured on a variety of spacecraft materials which obtained exposure on STS-5. Material degradation dependency on temperature was found in one material. Of the five paints flown, only S13GLO was unaffected. Generally, the glossy paints became Lambertian and the diffuse coatings improved. Scanning electron microscope examinations indicated removal of urethane and epoxy paint binder materials. Reaction products were evident on the surfaces of Z302 paint and Mylar. Thin films showed thickness losses ranging from negligible loss in Teflon to considerable loss in Mylar and Kapton. Glossy films such as black Kapton and white Tedlar became diffused. Kevlar 29 rope lost tensile strength and silver solar cell interconnect material oxidized. Oxidation on the backside of an elevated specimen indicated that reflections of oxygen atoms were occurring and that reflecting surfaces, probably Kapton, were not fully accommodating the incident atoms.

Whitaker, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

'Fluffy' Type A Ca-, Al-rich inclusions in the Allende meteorite

Inclusions called 'fluffy' Type A's or FTA's in the Allende meteorite are examined as possible candidates for relict vapor-solid condensate grains, remaining from the original solar nebula. Type A inclusions are characterized by abundant melilite and absence of primary anorthite and titaniferous pyroxene. Fluffy Type A's were probably loosely bound clumps of crystals drifting in the solar nebula, analogous to dustballs or snowflakes. Polished thin sections of all samples were studied optically and with a JEOL JSM-35 scanning electron microscope. It is reasonably clear that neither whole FTA's nor constituent nodules of the coarser grained ones were ever molten. Despite solid-state recrystallization which has affected these inclusions to varying degrees, the coarser grained material remaining in many of them is probably a relic of vapor-solid condensation in the solar nebula.

Macpherson, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Compressive behavior of unidirectional fibrous composites

The longitudinal compressive behavior of unidirectional fiber composites was investigated by using the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute (IITRI) test method with thick and thin test specimens. The test data obtained are interpreted by means of stress/strain curves from back-to-back strain gages, examination of fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscope, and predictive equations for distinct failure modes including fiber compression failure. Euler buckling, delamination, and flexure. The results show that longitudinal compressive fracture is induced by a combination of delamination, flexure, and fiber tier breaks. No distinct fracture surface characteristics can be associated with unique failure modes. An equation is described that can be used to extract the longitudinal compressive strength from the longitudinal tensile and flexural strengths of the same composite system.

Sinclair, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Investigation of Toughened Neat Resins and Their Relations to Advanced Composite Mechanical Properties

Four epoxies (Hercules 3502, Hercules 2220-1 and 2220-3, and Ciba-Geigy Fibredux 914 epoxy) were evaluated to judge their merits within the ACEE program and also to provide material property input for a micromechanics finite element program. A casting procedure was developed for the four matrix systems mentioned and mechanical properties were studied at three test temperatures and two moisture contents. A scanning electron microscope study was performed to catalogue fracture surfaces for the unreinforced (neat) epoxies. In addition, tension testing, shear testing, a limited amount of fracture toughness testing, and thermal expansion coefficient and moisture expansion coefficient testing were carried out. Mechanical material properties were generated for input into a micromechanics program and to characterize these four matrix systems.

R. S. Zimmerman↗
NASA NTRS1984

Shock-induced CO2 loss from CaCO3: Implications for early planetary atmospheres

Recovered samples from shock recovery experiments on single crystal calcite were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis to determine the amount of post-shock CO2, the decarbonization interval and the activation energy, for the removal of remaining CO2 in shock-loaded calcite. Comparison of post-shock CO2 with that initially present determines shock-induced CO2 loss as a function of shock pressure. Incipient to complete CO2 loss occurs over a pressure range of approximately 10 to approximately 70 GPa. Optical and scanning electron microscopy reveal structural changes, which are related to the shock-loading. The occurrence of dark, diffuse areas, which can be resolved as highly vesicular areas as observed with a scanning electron microscope are interpreted as representing quenched partial melts, into which shock-released CO2 was injected. The experimental results are used to constrain models of shock-produced, primary CO2 atmospheres on the accreting terrestrial planets.

Lange, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Lunar sample analysis

Recent results on the antarctic meteorite ALPHA 77003 which contribute to understanding the alteration processes which produced matrix in unequilibrated chondrites are presented. Also included are additional scanning electron microscope results confirming that the matrix in Allende was formed by in situ alteration.

Housley, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Microstructures and properties of rapidly solidified alloys

The microstructure and properties of rapidly solidified aluminum alloys were researched. The effects of powder and flake chemistry and morphology and alternative consolidation processing parameters are being conducted. Samples of the powders being utilized were obtained for comprehensive metallurgical characterization. Seven aluminum alloys in the form of thin foils were studied by a variety of techniques including optical metallography, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Details of the microstructural characteristics are presented along with a discussion of the solidification process. A better understanding of the microstructure of the rapidly solidified aluminum alloys prepared by a variety of techniques such as roller quenching, the vacuum atomized procedure, ultrasonically atomized in inert atmospheres, and atomized in flue gas was provided.

Shechtman, D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mechanical protection of DLC films on fused silica slides

Measurements were made with a new test for improved quantitative estimation of the mechanical protection of thin films on optical materials. The mechanical damage was induced by a sand blasting system using spherical glass beads. Development of the surface damage was measured by the changes in the specular transmission and reflection, and by inspection using a surface profilometer and a scanning electron microscope. The changes in the transmittance versus the duration of sand blasting was measured for uncoated fused silica slides and coated ones. It was determined that the diamond like carbon films double the useful optical lifetime of the fused silica. Theoretical expressions were developed to describe the stages in surface deterioration. Conclusions were obtained for the SiO2 surface mechanism and for the film removal mechanism.

Nir, D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Spherical microglass particle impingement studies of thermoplastic materials at normal incidence

Light optical and scanning electron microscope studies were conducted to characterize the erosion resistance of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE). Erosion was caused by a jet of spherical micro-glass beads at normal impact. During the initial stages of damage, the surfaces of these materials were studied using a profilometer. Material buildup above the original surface was observed on PC and PMMA. As erosion progressed, this buildup disappeared as the pit became deeper. Little or no buildup was observed on PTFE and on UHMWPE. UHMWPE and PTFE are the most resistant materials and PMMA the least. Favorable properties for high erosion resistance seem to be high values of ultimate elongation, and strain energy and a low value of the modulus of elasticity. Erosion-rate-versus-time curves of PC and PTFE exhibit incubation, acceleration and steady state periods. A continuously increasing erosion rate period was observed however for PMMA instead of a steady state period. At early stages of damage and at low impact pressure material removal mechanisms appear to be similar to those for metallic materials.

Veerabhadra Rao, P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The determination of minority carrier lifetimes in direct band-gap semiconductors by monitoring intensity-modulated luminescence radiation

When an extrinsic, direct band-gap semiconductor sample is irradiated by photons of an energy higher than the energy of the band gap between valence and conduction bands, excess electron-hole pairs are generated which, while diffusing through the sample, produce luminescence via radiative recombination. If, furthermore, the intensity of the impinging beam of photons is modulated sinusoidally, the luminescence radiation escaping from the sample will be phase shifted with respect to the original photon beam in a characteristic way. It will be shown that by measuring the phase shift at different modulation frequencies, the Shockley-Read-Hall lifetime of minority carriers may be ascertained. The method is nondestructive inasmuch as there is no need to fabricate p-n junctions or Ohmic contacts, nor is it necessary to remove already existing Ohmic contacts of angle lap the surface, etc., procedures often needed when determining lifetimes with the scanning electron microscope (in which case a p-n junction must be present).

Von Roos, O.↗