Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Thin Section”

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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Petrography and classification of refractory inclusions in the Allende and Mokoia CV3 chondrites

Results are reported for a comprehensive petrographic survey of the refractory inclusions in the Allende and Mokoia CV3 chondrites. More than 600 refractory inclusions in 22 thin sections of the meteorites were studied by optical and scanning-electron microscopy. Olivine-rich inclusions and Ca, Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) are aggregates of various combinations of three fundamental petrographic constituents: rimmed concentric objects, Ca, Si-rich chaotic material, and mafic inclusion matrix. A new classification system for refractory inclusions is developed that is based on the size and abundance of these three fundamental constituents. The new classification system avoids several problems that are inherent in other classification systems, which use the term 'coarse-grained' too restrictively for many simple CAIs and inaccurately for most mililite-rich complex CAIs.

Kornacki, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mineralogical comparison of antarctic and non-antarctic HED (howardites-eucrites-diogenites) achondrites

Mineralogical examination of thin sections of non-Antarctic and Antarctic HED (howardite, eucrite, diogenite) achondrites indicates that they contain a variety of lithic components. Some of these components occur both as monomict meteorites and as clasts in polymict meteorites, whereas others occur only as clasts in some polymict breccias. The components may be classified by the degree of homogenization of the pyroxene present. In order of increasing homogeneity these are: (1) Y-75011-type basalt clasts; (2) Pasamonte; (3) Y-790266-type clasts; (4) Stannern and Nuevo Laredo; (5) Juvinas and Haraiya; and (6) Ibitira. Type 1 has been least modified by post-igneous thermal annealing, while types 5 and 6 were thoroughly metamorphosed. Three types of cumulate eucrites are recognized and are believed to represent (a) cumulates from thick lava flows or layered intrusions; (b) lunar highlands type crust; and (c) differentiation products of diogenitic magmas.

Takeda, H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Petrographic survey of lunar regolith breccias

Regolith breccias from the Moon and from parent bodies of some meteorites may provide samples of ancient regoliths which have been frozen in time. If these rocks were essentially closed at some earlier time and that time can be determined, then these rocks provide a record of conditions in the solar system at that point in time. A survey of regolith breccias in the Apollo collection was conducted concentrating initially on Apollo 15 and 16. All available thin sections for 32 regolith breccias from Apollo 15 and 19 breccias from Apollo 16 were surveyed. These are most of the returned regolith breccias larger than 1 cm from these two mission. For comparison several fragmental matrix breccias which do not strictly qualify as regolith breccias were investigated. The criteria for classification as a regolith breccia is the presence of identifiable soil components such as glass spheres or agglutinates. The breccias are classified according to their intergranular porosity. In addition the fracture porosity is noted, and the relative abundance of agglutinates and spheres. Several petrographic trends are also noted. Identifiable regolith material decreases with decreasing intergranular porosity while fracture porosity increases. This relative lack of maturity of regolith breccias mayreflect their generally earlier formation age an the maturity of the regolith at that earlier time.

Mckay, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Phosphate-sulfide assemblages and Al/Ca ratios in type-3 chondrites

Electron microscopic examinations were carried out on various chondrites to re-examine previously reported anomalously high Al/Ca ratios. Polished thin sections of the three CV3, two CO3 and the Krymka LL3 chondrites were scanned to characterize the phosphate-sulfide inclusions. The formation of the assemblages was interpreted as proceeding in five steps, starting with the formation of metal grains with early nebular material and finishing with a reaction between schreibersite with Ca, O and Cl to form merrillite and chloropatite. The abundances of the observed assemblages were not high enough to imply Al/Ca ratios similar to whole-rocks. It is concluded that the specimens were originally examined with a broader electron beam than used to examine standard samples, and resulted in the anomalously high Al/Ca ratios.

Rubin, A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Constraints on chondrule origin from petrology of isotopically characterized chondrules in the Allende meteorite

The petrologic and chemical properties of the ferromagnesian chondrules in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite were examined in terms of the isotopic composition and the correlations between isotopic patterns. Areas of thin sections were studied with a SEM and bulk chemical fractions of 12 constituents were quantified to calculate correlations with petrologic features. A possible correlation between (CaO + Al2O2)/MgO and oxygen isotopes imply the formation of oxygen isotopic compositions in the chondrules by exchanges between isotopically heavy nebular gases and O-16 enriched solids. Different rates of gaseous exchange occurred with the various types of chondrules. Factors which may have controlled the exchanges are discussed.

Mcsween, H. Y., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evidence for successive episodes of condensation at high temperature in a part of the solar nebula

A polished thin section of a Ca-Al-rich inclusion CAI 3643 from the Allende meteorite has been studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopes, and electron and proton microprobes. The appearance and the mineral composition of the inclusion's three concentric layers: core, mantle, and crust are described. Despite differences in texture and composition, the three layers display a continuity in their modal mineralogical compositions, their extreme Al2O3 enrichments (53-69 percent, compared to 25-45 percent in other CAIs), and their trace element complementarity. This implies that all the layers of CAI 3643 have formed from the same cooling gaseous reservoir within a limited interval of time and space, consistent with an origin in a local transient heating event in the CV chondrite formation region of the nebula.

Wark, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High-Strength Glass for Solar Applications

Technology for strengthening thin sections reviewed. Report reviews technology of high-strength glass for such solar applications as heat collectors, reflectors, and photovoltaic arrays. Discusses most feasible methods - heat strengthening and chemical strengthening of increasing strength of glass for solar-energy use. Also estimates cost and availability of high-strength glass and considers physical characteristics, amenability to back-silvering, and effects of atmospheric contamination.

Bouquet, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The calibration of photographic and spectroscopic films. The utilization of the digital image processor in the determination of aging of the surf clam (Spisula solidissima)

The age of the surf clam (Spisula solidissima) can be determined with the use of the Digital Image Processor. This technique is used in conjunction with a modified method for aging, refined by John Ropes of the Woods Hole Laboratory, Massachusetts. This method utilizes a thinned sectioned chondrophore of the surf clam which contains annual rings. The rings of the chondrophore are then counted to determine age. By digitizing the chondrophore, the Digital Image Processor is clearly able to separate these annual rings more accurately. This technique produces an easier and more efficient way to count annual rings to determine the age of the surf clam.

Peters, Kevin A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Pristine moon rocks - A 'large' felsite and a metal-rich ferroan anorthosite

Results of elemental analyses, performed either by instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) or radiochemical NAA, of 19 lunar rock samples obtained by the Apollo 15, 17, and 12 missions are presented. Two of the samples are most extraordinary: 'large' (1 g) felsite from Apollo 12 and a pristine ferroan anorthosite from Apollo 15. The felsite is mainly a graphic intergrowth of K-feldspar and a silica phase, with about 6 pct plagioclase and 1 pct each of ferroaugite, ilmenite, and fayalitic olivine. The Fe-metal content of ferroan anorthosite is 1.2 wt pct in the thin section studied (but, based on mass balance for Co and Ni, must have been lower in the chip used for bulk-rock analysis); the measured bulk-rock concentrations of siderophile elements Re, Os, and Ir are far higher than previously observed among pristine lunar anorthosites. These results underscore the uncertainty associated with any attempt to estimate the overall siderophile element contents of the moon's crust.

Warren, Paul H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Barred olivine chondrules in ordinary chondrites

The characteristics of 125 barred olivine chondrules identified in polished thin sections of 26 H-L-LL3-6 chondrites were studied, using an electron microprobe for determining mineral abundances and a broad-beam electron microprobe for determining bulk compositions. Compared with all chondrule types in the H-L-LL3 ordinary chondrites, the barred olivine chondrules were found to be enriched in FeO, Al2O3, Na2O, and K2O and depleted in SiO2 and MgO; they were also found to be enriched in the feldspathic component. It is concluded that the precursor components of barred olivine chondrules consisted of a mixture of an olivine-rich component, a refractory-rich component containing Al2O3, TiO2, and CaO, and a volatile-rich alkalic component. This unusual combination implies high temperatures of melting for the refractory component and low temperatures for the volatile component, supporting the hypothesis of Grossman and Wasson (1983) that the alkalies condensed on the alumina already available.

Weisberg, Michael K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Two gimbal bearing case studies: Some lessons learned

Two troublesome, torque related problems associated with gimbal actuators are discussed. Large, thin section angular contact bearings can have a surprisingly high torque sensitivity to radial thermal gradients. A predictive thermal-mechanical bearing analysis, as described, was helpful in establishing a safe temperature operating envelope. In the second example, end-of-travel torque limits of an oscillatory gimbal bearing appoached motor stall during limit cycling life tests. Bearing modifications required to restore acceptable torque performance are described. The lessons learned from these case studies should benefit designers of precision gimbals where singular bearing torque related problems are not uncommon.

Loewenthal, Stuart H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Microdeformation in Vredefort rocks; evidence for shock metamorphism

Planar microdeformations in quartz from basement or collar rocks of the Vredefort Dome have been cited for years as the main microtextural evidence for shock metamorphism in this structure. In addition, Schreyer describes feldspar recrystallization in rocks from the center of the Dome as the result of transformation of diaplectic glass, and Lilly reported the sighting of mosaicism in quartz. These textural observations are widely believed to indicate either an impact or an internally produced shock origin for the Vredefort Dome. Two types of (mostly sub) planar microdeformations are displayed in quartz grains from Vredefort rocks: (1) fluid inclusion trails, and (2) straight optical discontinuities that sometimes resemble lamellae. Both types occur as single features or as single or multiple sets in quartz grains. Besides qualitative descriptions of cleavage and recrystallization in feldspar and kinkbands in mica, no further microtextural evidence for shock metamorphism at Vredefort has been reported to date. Some 150 thin sections of Vredefort basement rocks were re-examined for potential shock and other deformation effects in all rock-forming minerals. This included petrographic study of two drill cores from the immediate vicinity of the center of the Dome. Observations recorded throughout the granitic core are given along with conclusions.

Reimold, W. U.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Correlation function study for sea ice

For active and passive microwave remote sensing of sea ice, a correlation function of exponential form is extracted from the photograph of a horizontal thin section taken from a sample of artificially grown saline ice that closely resembled Arctic congelation sea ice. It is found that the extracted correlation lengths are consistent with the published average size of brine pockets. With the application of strong fluctuation theory and the bilocal approximation, the effective permittivity tensor is derived in the low-frequency limit for an unbounded uniaxial random medium with two-phase mixtures. Using the extracted correlation lengths, the effective permittivity tensor is computed as a function of fractional volume of brine inclusions and compared with in situ measurements at 4.8 and 9.5 GHz.

Lin, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of particulates of comet nucleus samples: Possible use of olivine as indicator phase

The electron microprobe is a proven instrument for particulate analysis and modifications are possible for in situ analysis of particulates in ice at temperatures near that of liquid nitrogen. Present sample requirements allow for polished samples with 0.25 x 0.25 dimensions to be maintained in the sample chamber of a modern electron probe (CAMECA SX-50) at a temperature of -150 C; larger samples are possible but at higher temperatures as determined by thermal conductivity. The major problem is transport and insertion of samples into the instrument through vacuum interlocks. The manufacturer of the above microprobe has designed an exchange mechanism to allow storage and transport of samples previously prepared for their sample holder which attaches to their instrument allowing extraction and insertion of samples while maintaining -150 C temperature. An important test will be the capability of preparing polished surfaces of an ice-particulate sample without loss of particles and at low temperatures. While thin sections of water ice are routine, these are not examined for particulate material and are prepared at temperatures easily obtained in room-size volumes. Anticipated problems include rounding of small grains in the relatively soft ice matrix and the technical problem of dry polishing.

Steele, I. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A comparison of single-cycle versus multi-cycle proof testing strategies

Proof testing was a useful supplement to conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of space shuttle main engine (SSME) components. Since many of these components involve thin sections and high toughness materials, such as Inconel 718, conventional single-cycle proof test logic is not applicable due to the propensity for stable crack growth during the proof tests. Experience with five-cycle proof testing of SSME components is summarized and a framework is outlined for understanding multi-cycle proof testing using the fracture mechanics concept of a resistance curve. Extreme value statistics are also used to propose an empirical approach to compare the advantages and disadvantages of single- versus multi-cycle proof testing. The importance of the initial flaw size distribution and specimen thickness in such a comparison is also discussed.

Hudak, Stephen J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Size-frequency distributions of chondrules in CO3 chondrites

The size-frequency distributions of chondrules were determined for eleven CO3 chondrites (including ALHA77003, ALHA77307, ALH82101, ALH85003, Colony, Felix, Isna, Kainsaz, Lance, Ornans, and Warrenton), using the results of petrographic analyses of thin sections. The mean proportion of different chondrule types in CO3 chondrites were estimated to be 69 percent POP, 18 percent PP, 8 percent PO, 2 percent BO, 2 percent RP, 1 percent C, and less than 0.1 percent GOP. These proportions are very different from those in ordinary or EH and CV chondrites, with the smaller proportion of nonporphyritic chondrules than EH chondrites, but a larger proportion than CV chondrites. Relative proportions of chondrule types vary with size interval; thus, with decreasing chondrule size, PO chondrules decrease fairly regularly in abundance, while RP chondrules are most abundant in the smallest size intervals.

Rubin, Alan E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Iddingsite in the Nakhla meteorite: TEM study of mineralogy and texture of pre-terrestrial (Martian?) alterations

Rusty-colored veinlets and patches in the Nakhla meteorite, identified as iddingsite, are pre-terrestrial. The rusty material is iddingsite (smectites + hematite + ferrihydrite); like terrestrial iddingsites, it probably formed during low-temperature interaction of olivine and water. Fragments of rusty material with host olivine were removed from thin sections of Nakhla with a tungsten needle. Fragments were embedded in epoxy, microtomed to 100 nanometers thickness, and mounted on Cu grids. Phase identifications were by Analytical Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EM/EDX) standardless chemical analyses (for silicates), electron diffraction (hematite and ferrihydrite), and lattice fringe imaging. This iddingsite in Nakhla is nearly identical to some formed on Earth, suggesting similar conditions of formation on the Shergottites-Nakhlites-Chassigny (SNC) meteorite parent planet. A more detailed account of the results is presented.

Treiman, Allan H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

An acetate precursor process for BSCCO (2223) thin films and coprecipitated powders

Since the discovery of high temperature superconducting oxides much attention has been paid to finding better and useful ways to take advantage of the special properties exhibited by these materials. One such process is the development of thin films for engineering applications. Another such process is the coprecipitation route to producing superconducting powders. An acetate precursor process for use in thin film fabrication and a chemical coprecipitation route to Bismuth based superconducting materials has been developed. Data obtained from the thin film process were inconclusive to date and require more study. The chemical coprecipitation method of producing bulk material is a viable method, and is preferred over the previously used solid state route. This method of powder production appears to be an excellent route to producing thin section tape cast material and screen printed devices, as it requires less calcines than the oxide route to produce quality powders.

Haertling, Gene H.↗