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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.

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At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Smectite Formation in the Presence of Sulfuric Acid: Implications for Acidic Smectite Formation on Early Mars

The excess of orbital detection of smectite deposits compared to carbonate deposits on the martian surface presents an enigma because smectite and carbonate formations are both favored alteration products of basalt under neutral to alkaline conditions. We propose that Mars experienced acidic events caused by sulfuric acid (H2SO4) that permitted phyllosilicate, but inhibited carbonate, formation. To experimentally verify this hypothesis, we report the first synthesis of smectite from Mars-analogue glass-rich basalt simulant (66 wt% glass, 32 wt% olivine, 2 wt% chromite) in the presence of H2SO4 under hydrothermal conditions (approximately 200 degC). Smectites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and electron microprobe to characterize mineralogy and chemical composition. Solution chemistry was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Basalt simulant suspensions in 11-42 mM H2SO4 were acidic with pH less than or equal to 2 at the beginning of incubation and varied from acidic (pH 1.8) to mildly alkaline (pH 8.4) at the end of incubation. Alteration of glass phase during reaction of the basalt simulant with H2SO4 led to formation of the dioctahedral smectite at final pH approximately 3 and trioctahedral smectite saponite at final pH approximately 4 and higher. Anhydrite and hematite formed in the final pH range from 1.8 to 8.4 while natroalunite was detected at pH 1.8. Hematite was precipitated as a result of oxidative dissolution of olivine present in Adirondack basalt simulant. Formation of secondary phases, including smectite, resulted in release of variable amounts of Si, Mg, Na and Ca while solubilization of Al and Fe was low. Comparison of mineralogical and solution chemistry data indicated that the type of smectite (i.e., dioctahedral vs trioctahedral) was likely controlled by Mg leaching from altering basalt and substantial Mg loss created favorable conditions for formation of dioctahedral smectite. We present a model for global-scale smectite formation on Mars via acid-sulfate conditions created by the volcanic outgassing of SO2 in the Noachian and early Hesperian.

Smectite↗
NASA NTRS2023

Diverse Organic-Mineral Associations in Jezero Crater, Mars

The presence and distribution of preserved organic matter on the surface of Mars can provide key information about the Martian carbon cycle and the potential of the planet to host life throughout its history. Several types of organic molecules have been previously detected in Martian meteorites1 and at Gale crater, Mars. Evaluating the diversity and detectability of organic matter elsewhere on Mars is important for understanding the extent and diversity of Martian surface processes and the potential availability of carbon sources1,5,6. Here we report the detection of Raman and fluorescence spectra consistent with several species of aromatic organic molecules in the Máaz and Séítah formations within the Crater Floor sequences of Jezero crater, Mars. We report specific fluorescence-mineral associations consistent with many classes of organic molecules occurring in different spatial patterns within these compositionally distinct formations, potentially indicating different fates of carbon across environments. Our findings suggest there may be a diversity of aromatic molecules prevalent on the Martian surface, and these materials persist despite exposure to surface conditions. These potential organic molecules are largely found within minerals linked to aqueous processes, indicating that these processes may have had a key role in organic synthesis, transport or preservation.

Sunanda Sharma↗
NASA NTRS2008

Geologic Mapping of the Medusae Fossae Formation on Mars (MC-8 SE and MC-23 NW) and the Northern Lowlands of Venus (V-16 and V-15)

This report summarizes the status of a mapping project supported by NASA grant NNX07AP42G, funding for which became available on July 18, focusing on the mapping of the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) on Mars. The report also briefly discusses the status of maps of Venus and Ascraeus Mons, begun under previous NASA grants but which are still in progress.

Zimbelman, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Star formation and nuclear activity in Seyfert galaxies

A probable correlation between radio structure and IRAS spectrum in Seyfert galaxies is reported. For Seyfert galaxies known to exhibit the observational characteristics of vigorous star formation, the correlation between 1.4 GHz and 60 micron fluxes is in excellent agreement with that found for other extragalactic star formation regions. The far-IR radiation observed by IRAS from these galaxies is predominantly thermal emission from dust heated by hot stars. On the other hand, Seyfert galaxies with radio emission dominated by 'linear' structures tend to have relatively flat 25-100 micron spectra, and the ratio of their 1.4 GHz to 60 micron flux densities is considerably higher than that for star-forming regions. The radio and far-IR emission from this class appear to be dominated by the Seyfert nucleus, with the far-IR originating directly from a nonthermal source or from dust heated by one.

Wilson, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Spectral identification of chemisorbed CO2 and application to Mars analog materials

The goal of this work is to identify the spectral signature of chemisorbed CO2, to test the efficacy of carbonate formation on Mars-analog materials via CO2 chemisorption, and to identify the surface-chemical characteristics of good chemisorbents, with the intent of assessing the possible geochemical importance of CO2 chemisorption as a quasipermanent CO2 sink in the Martian environment. Our approach is to search for infrared spectral bands that result from chemisorption of CO2 molecules onto chemical reagents and Mars-analog materials, and to identify the salient differences in adsorbents that favor strong, permanent CO2 chemisorption. The total amount of CO2 in the early Martian atmosphere, and consequent surface temperatures, are unknown. A CO2 greenhouse may not have been an adequate mechanism under any circumstances; however, it if were, then most of that CO2 must still be in the near-surface environment; no escape mechanism that could remove it after the decline of channeling has been identified. The only plausible reservoir is carbonate, and there are various remote sensing techniques that can be used to search for it. We are investigating CO2 chemisorption as a permanent CO2 sink, and to aid in interpretation of remotely sensed IR spectra of Mars. A common effect reported in CO2 adsorption studies is the formation of a layer of carbonate or bicarbonate anions on adsorbents that have OH- groups available on their surfaces. Inorganic hydroxyls occur on phyllosilicates, amorphous silicates, metal oxides and hydroxides; it is the most abundant and reactive surface functional group on the surfaces of terrestrial silicates. The process responsible for the reaction is chemisorption. Chemisorption is distinguished from physical adsorption in that there is a transfer of electrons between species, and the formation of a chemical bond. The heat of chemisorption is typically of the same order as heats of chemical reaction (i.e., a few hundred to a few thousand kJ/mole), as opposed to heats of physical adsorption (a few kJ per mole). Chemisorption is an activated process that is promoted by an increase in temperature - quite the opposite of physical adsorption. Chemisorption is not reversible in the sense that physical adsorption is.

Zent, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The measurement of boundary layers on a compressor blade in cascade at high positive incidence angle. 2: Data report

Boundary layer and near-wake velocity measurements have been made in the well documented flow field about a double circular arc compressor blade in cascade, at an incidence angle of 5 deg. and a chord Reynolds number of 500,000. In Part 2 of this report these measurements were analyzed and presented in standard graphical format. The flow geometry, measurement techniques, and physics of the flow field were also discussed. In this, part 2 of the report, raw and analyzed data are presented in tabulated form in an attempt to make this data more accessible to computational comparison. Also included in part 2 is a description of the data analysis employed. A computer tape containing the data is available.

Deutsch, S.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Weight Control System

Weight Control System, a set of linked computer programs which provides weight and balance reports from magnetic tape files, provides weight control and reporting on launch vehicle programs. With minor format modifications the program is applicable to aerospace, marine, automotive and other land transportation industries.

Dyer, A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Strong Langmuir turbulence in one and two dimensions

A comparison of one- and two-dimensional simulations of the strong turbulence evolution of Lagmuir waves such as would be generated by the kinetic beam-plasma instability is reported. It is shown that the initial formation of the localized fields is one dimensional.

Rowland, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Compression failure mechanisms of composite structures

An experimental and analytical study was conducted to delineate the compression failure mechanisms of composite structures. The present report summarizes further results on kink band formation in unidirectional composites. In order to assess the compressive strengths and failure modes of fibers them selves, a fiber bundle was embedded in epoxy casting and tested in compression. A total of six different fibers were used together with two resins of different stiffnesses. The failure of highly anisotropic fibers such as Kevlar 49 and P-75 graphite was due to kinking of fibrils. However, the remaining fibers--T300 and T700 graphite, E-glass, and alumina--failed by localized microbuckling. Compressive strengths of the latter group of fibers were not fully utilized in their respective composite. In addition, acoustic emission monitoring revealed that fiber-matrix debonding did not occur gradually but suddenly at final failure. The kink band formation in unidirectional composites under compression was studied analytically and through microscopy. The material combinations selected include seven graphite/epoxy composites, two graphite/thermoplastic resin composites, one Kevlar 49/epoxy composite and one S-glass/epoxy composite.

Hahn, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

An X-ray, optical and radio study of PKS 0745-191 - A massive cooling flow

The X-ray source 3A 0745-191 is identified with intracluster gas surrounding the giant galaxy containing the radio source, PKS 0745-191, which lies at z = 0.1. The gas is cooling at the unprecedented rate of 1000 solar mass/yr. Optical line-emitting gas extends more than 10 kpc from the centre of the galaxy and corroborates the high mass-flow rate. The optical spectrum is similar to that of distant 3CR radio galaxies reported by others. It is concluded that formation of a giant galaxy was observed.

Fabian, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Concepts for thin-film GaAs concentrator cells

The development of advanced GaAs concentrator solar cells, and in particular, the use of CLEFT (cleavage of lateral epitaxial films for transfer) processes for formation of thin-film structures is reported. The use of CLEFT has made possible processing of the back, and cells with back surface grids are discussed. Data on patterned junction development are presented; such junctions are expected to be useful in back surface applications requiring point contacts, grating structures, and interdigitated back contacts. CLEFT concentrator solar cells with grids on the front and back surfaces are reported here; these cells are 4 microns thick and are bonded to glass covers for support. Air mass zero efficiency of 18.8 percent has been obtained for a CLEFT concentrator operating at 18.5 suns.

Spitzer, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Chemical and physical effects in the bulk of cometary analogs

KOSI comet simulation experiments were designed as a macroscopic tester for the studies of physicochemical problems inherent to comet bodies. The analog samples consist of H2O and CO2 ice, organic admixtures, mineral dust, and carbon. Two of the fundamental changes the analogs undergo when submitted to 'insolation' by artificial sunlight, i.e., the diffusion of frozen gases and subsequent crust formation and the natural isotopic fractionation, are reported.

Roessler, K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

One GHz leaky SAW velocity of metal layers and bilayers evaporated onto fused quartz

An acoustic microscope operating at 1 GHz was used to determine the surface acoustic wave velocities v of thin film metal layers and metal bilayers deposited onto fused quartz. V(0)'s influence was reduced by gating. This produced a calibrated accuracy of 3 percent. A program was constructed from the explicitly solved 6 x 6 theoretical determinant. Single film thicknesses were decided upon by using this theory to produce a v equal to a standard. Since the single film v's were linear with respect to their thickness, half the single film thicknesses were used for the bilayered films. The velocities for these bilayered films agreed with theory. This experimentally confirms the theoretical technique used here to examine bilayered systems, or a prototype composite interphase. No discrepancy was seen for gold films as others have reported. V(z) seemed insensitive to the formation of intermetallics or CuO. Some annealed and unannealed platinum films did not change the v from that of fused quartz. Two platinum films whose v's were in agreement with theory peeled off with the tape test.

Walikainen, Dale↗