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At least 343 records · Page 19

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NASA NTRS1992

Comparison of immersed liquid and air cooling of NASA's Airborne Information Management System

The Airborne Information Management System (AIMS) is currently under development at NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility. The AIMS is designed as a modular system utilizing surface mounted integrated circuits in a high-density configuration. To maintain the temperature of the integrated circuits within manufacturer's specifications, the modules are to be filled with Fluorinert FC-72. Unlike ground based liquid cooled computers, the extreme range of the ambient pressures experienced by the AIMS requires the FC-72 be contained in a closed system. This forces the latent heat absorbed during the boiling to be released during the condensation that must take within the closed module system. Natural convection and/or pumping carries the heat to the outer surface of the AIMS module where the heat transfers to the ambient air. This paper will present an evaluation of the relative effectiveness of immersed liquid cooling and air cooling of the Airborne Information Management System.

Hoadley, A. W.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectroscopy of the highly polarized but quiescent quasar OI 287

The quasar OI 287 has a unique combination of properties, including a high and constant optical polarization oriented parallel to the radio axis, a quiescent optical flux, and a lobe-dominant radio source. Previous studies have led to the picture of an edge-on thin dusty torus occulting a featureless continuum (FC) source and a broad line region (BLR) in this object. The FC source and the BLR are seen only in reflected (polarized) light. In the unified models, this makes OI 287 a 'quasar 2', analogous to the type 2 Seyfert galaxies and the narrow-line radio galaxies. Our UV spectrum adds two bits of information consistent with the above ideas. First, the spectrum neither turns up in the UV, as expected for optically thin dust scattering, nor turns down as expected for polarization by dust transmission. It is consistent with reflection by free electrons or optically thick dust. Second, there are in fact blueshifted absorption troughs associated with the C IV 1549 A line, supporting the analogy with BALs, as well as the idea that the BALs are objects which present a nearly edge-on view of a disk structure.

Antonucci, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1996

Electrohydrodynamic Pool Boiling in Reduced Gravity

This research is concerned with studying the effects of applied electric fields on pool boiling in a reduced-gravity environment. Experiments are conducted at the NASA Lewis 2.2 sec Drop tower using a drop rig constructed at UC Davis. In the experiments, a platinum wire is heated while immersed in saturated liquid refrigerants (FC-72 and FC-87), or water, causing vapor formation at the wire surface. Electric fields are applied between the wire surface and an outer screen electrode that surrounds the wire. Preliminary normal-gravity experiments with water have demonstrated that applied electric fields generated by the rig electronics can influence boiling characteristics. Reduced-gravity experiments will be performed in the summer of 1996. The experiments will provide fundamental data on electric field strengths required to disrupt film boiling (for various wire heat generation input rates) in reduced gravity for a cylindrical geometry. The experiments should also shed light on the roles of characteristic bubble generation times and charge relaxation times in determining the effects of electric fields on pool boiling. Normal-gravity comparison experiments will also be performed.

Shaw, Benjamin D.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Searching for Faint Companions to Nearby Stars with the Hubble Space Telescope

A search for faint companions (FC's) to selected stars within 5 pc of the Sun using the Hubble Space Telescope's Planetary Camera (PC) has been initiated. To assess the PC's ability to detect FCs, we have constructed both model and laboratory-simulated images and compared them to actual PC images. We find that the PC's point-spread function (PSF) is 3-4 times brighter over the angular range 2-5 sec than the PSF expected for a perfect optical system. Azimuthal variations of the PC's PSF are 10-20 times larger than expected for a perfect PSF. These variations suggest that light is scattered nonuniformly from the surface of the detector. Because the anomalies in the PC's PSF cannot be precisely simulated, subtracting a reference PSF from the PC image is problematic. We have developed a computer algorithm that identifies local brightness anomalies within the PSF as potential FCs. We find that this search algorithm will successfully locate FCs anywhere within the circumstellar field provided that the average pixel signal from the FC is at least 10 sigma above the local background. This detection limit suggests that a comprehensive search for extrasolar Jovian planets with the PC is impractical. However, the PC is useful for detecting other types of substellar objects. With a stellar signal of 10(exp 9) e(-), for example, we may detect brown dwarfs as faint as M(sub I) = 16.7 separated by 1 sec from alpha Cen A.

Schroeder, Daniel J.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Bubble Dynamics, Two-Phase Flow, and Boiling Heat Transfer in Microgravity

This report contains two independent sections. Part one is titled "Terrestrial and Microgravity Pool Boiling Heat Transfer and Critical heat flux phenomenon in an acoustic standing wave." Terrestrial and microgravity pool boiling heat transfer experiments were performed in the presence of a standing acoustic wave from a platinum wire resistance heater using degassed FC-72 Fluorinert liquid. The sound wave was created by driving a half wavelength resonator at a frequency of 10.15 kHz. Microgravity conditions were created using the 2.1 second drop tower on the campus of Washington State University. Burnout of the heater wire, often encountered with heat flux controlled systems, was avoided by using a constant temperature controller to regulate the heater wire temperature. The amplitude of the acoustic standing wave was increased from 28 kPa to over 70 kPa and these pressure measurements were made using a hydrophone fabricated with a small piezoelectric ceramic. Cavitation incurred during experiments at higher acoustic amplitudes contributed to the vapor bubble dynamics and heat transfer. The heater wire was positioned at three different locations within the acoustic field: the acoustic node, antinode, and halfway between these locations. Complete boiling curves are presented to show how the applied acoustic field enhanced boiling heat transfer and increased critical heat flux in microgravity and terrestrial environments. Video images provide information on the interaction between the vapor bubbles and the acoustic field. Part two is titled, "Design and qualification of a microscale heater array for use in boiling heat transfer." This part is summarized herein. Boiling heat transfer is an efficient means of heat transfer because a large amount of heat can be removed from a surface using a relatively small temperature difference between the surface and the bulk liquid. However, the mechanisms that govern boiling heat transfer are not well understood. Measurements of wall temperature and heat flux near the wall would add to the database of knowledge which is necessary to understand the mechanisms of nucleate boiling. A heater array has been developed which contains 96 heater elements within a 2.5 mm square area. The temperature of each heater element is held constant by an electronic control system similar to a hot-wire anemometer. The voltage that is being applied to each heater element can be measured and digitized using a high-speed Analog to Digital (A/D) converter, and this digital information can be compiled into a series of heat-flux maps. Information for up to 10,000 heat flux maps can be obtained each second. The heater control system, the A/D system and the heater array construction are described in detail. Results are presented which show that this is an effective method of measuring the local heat flux during nucleate and transition boiling. Heat flux maps are obtained for pool boiling in FC-72 on a horizontal surface. Local heat flux variations are shown to be three to six times larger than variations in the spatially averaged heat flux.

Chung, Jacob N.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Constraints on the Nature and Distribution of Iridium Host Phases at the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary: Implications for Projectile Identity and dispersal on impact

Among Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sites worldwide, variations in the concentrations and ratios of elements commonly enriched in meteorites complicate traditional geochemical attempts at impactor identification. Yet they may provide constraints on the physical and chemical processes associated with large-body disruption and dispersal, as well as with diagenesis of projectile components. To this end, we continue our efforts to identify the mineral host-phases of projectile-derived elements, particularly for Ir, and to document their partitioning between crater deposits and ejecta resulting from the Chicxulub basin-forming impact. Building on earlier work, we used INAA to measure Ir concentrations in successively smaller splits of finely powdered impact melt breccia from the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico (sample Y6Nl9-R(b)), and K/T boundary fish clay from Stevns Klint, Denmark (sample FC-1, split from 40 kg of homogenized material intended as an analytical standard). Results for the Chicxulub sample show a heterogeneous Ir distribution and document that at least five discrete Ir-bearing host phases were isolated in subsequent splits, having Ir masses equivalent to pure Ir spheres from about 0.8 to about 3.5 mm in diameter. Three of these are within a sufficiently reduced mass of powder to warrant searching for them using backscattered electron microscopy. In contrast, successively smaller splits of the Stevns Klint fish clay show no statistically significant deviation from the reported value of 32 +/- 2 ng/g Ir, suggesting a uniform Ir host-phase distribution. For the smallest split obtained thus far (100 +/- 40 ng/g Ir), a pure Ir sphere of equivalent Ir mass would be <0.05 min in diameter. (n.b. Although homogenizing and sieving of FC-1 to <75 min obviously obscured variations in stratigraphic distribution, it is unlikely to have affected the size-frequency distribution of Ir host phases.) We previously identified micrometer-scale Ir host phases by electron microscopy in melt-rock samples from two widely separated drill holes at the Chicxulub Basin, including a replicate split of Y6-NI9-R. One is an aggregate of subhedral Ir metal grains enclosed in silicate, in which no other Pt group elements (PGE) were detected. A second particle with twice the mass as the first, concentrated predominantly in a single grain, is associated with minor concentrations of Os, Ru, and Pt, and with adhering particles of corundum and perovskite. A third Ir-rich particle, with a greater apparent Os concentration, was identified before being lost as a result of charging under the electron beam. In addition to demonstrating the preservation of projectile components within the Chicxulub Crater, analogous phase associations in Ca- and Al-rich inclusions (CAI) from C2 and C3 chondrites suggest to us that these melt-rock Ir host phases are relics from a carbonaceous chondrite K/T boundary impactor Although the obviously low Ru/Ir ratios of the Chicxulub Ir host phases are qualitatively consistent with suggested PGE fractionation with distance during condensation in an ejecta cloud, it seems difficult to explain the accumulation of the about 3 x 10(exp 11) Ir atoms required to form a about 10(exp -10) g nugget of pure Ir metal within a jet of vaporized projectile expanding at 1-4 km/s, or to effectively exclude or remove commonly alloyed PGE and siderophile elements by fractionation processes resulting from condensation, oxidation, sulfidization, exsolution, or autometamorphism during cooling of the melt. We do not dismiss the importance of these processes entirely; on the contrary, other geochemical and mineralogical aspects of the melt rocks require them, and condensation from the expanding ejecta cloud appears to best explain the primary Ir host-phase distribution in the fish clay, as well as the high Ir concentrations associated with spinel-bearing spheroids at the K/T boundary in the Pacific Ocean . If the "relict" hypothesis is correct, micronuggets of other PGEs and alloys, not detected by our INAA screening, should also occur in the melt rocks. Possibly, the discrete host phases with lesser Ir masses are such alloys with subordinate Ir, rather than simply smaller, predominantly Ir-bearing particles. A CAI source for the relics would be consistent with either a comet or an asteroid K/T impact at Chicxulub. (Additional information contained in the original.)

Schuraytz, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Efficiency and temperature dependence of water removal by membrane dryers

The vapor pressure of water in equilibrium with sorption sites within a Nafion membrane is given by log P(WN) = -3580/T + 10.01, where P(WN) is expressed in Torr and T is the membrane temperature, in kelvin. The efficiency of dryers based on selective permeation of water through Nafion can thus be enhanced by cooling the membrane. Residual water in effluents exceeds equilibrium levels if insufficient time is allowed for water to diffuse to the membrane surface as gas passes through the dryer. For tubular configurations, this limitation can be avoided if L > or = Fc(10(3.8)/120 pi D), where L is the length of the tubular membrane, in centimeters, Fc is the gas flow rate, in mL/ min, and D is the diffusion coefficient for water in the carrier gas at the operating temperature of the dryer, in cm2/s. An efficient dryer that at room temperature dries gas to a dew point of -61 degrees C is described; the same dryer maintained at 0 degrees C yields a dew point of -80 degrees C and removes water as effectively as Mg(ClO4)2 or a dry ice/acetone slush. The use of Nafion membranes to construct devices capable of delivering gas streams with low but precisely controlled humidities is discussed.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS2005

Nozzle Aerodynamic Stability During a Throat Shift

An experimental investigation was conducted on the internal aerodynamic stability of a family of two-dimensional (2-D) High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) nozzle concepts. These nozzles function during takeoff as mixer-ejectors to meet acoustic requirements, and then convert to conventional high-performance convergent-divergent (CD) nozzles at cruise. The transition between takeoff mode and cruise mode results in the aerodynamic throat and the minimum cross-sectional area that controls the engine backpressure shifting location within the nozzle. The stability and steadiness of the nozzle aerodynamics during this so called throat shift process can directly affect the engine aerodynamic stability, and the mechanical design of the nozzle. The objective of the study was to determine if pressure spikes or other perturbations occurred during the throat shift process and, if so, identify the caused mechanisms for the perturbations. The two nozzle concepts modeled in the test program were the fixed chute (FC) and downstream mixer (DSM). These 2-D nozzles differ principally in that the FC has a large over-area between the forward throat and aft throat locations, while the DSM has an over-area of only about 10 percent. The conclusions were that engine mass flow and backpressure can be held constant simultaneously during nozzle throat shifts on this class of nozzles, and mode shifts can be accomplished at a constant mass flow and engine backpressure without upstream pressure perturbations.

Kawecki, Edwin J.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Chemical Characterization and Thermal Stressing Studies of Perfluorohexane Fluids for Space-Based Applications

Perfluorohexane (PFH), C6F14, is a perfluorocarbon fluid. Several PFH fluids with different isomer concentrations were evaluated for use in an upcoming NASA space experiment. Samples tested included two commercially obtained high-purity n-perfluorohexane (n-PFH) fluids and a technical grade mixture of C6F14 branched and linear isomers (FC-72(TradeMark)). These fluids were evaluated for exact chemical composition, impurity purity and high temperature degradation behavior (pyrolysis). Our investigation involved simulated thermal stressing studies of PFH fluids under conditions likely to occur in the event of an atmospheric breach within the International Space Station (ISS) and subsequent exposure of the vapors to the high temperature and catalyst present in its Trace Contaminant Control Subsystem (TCCS). Exposure to temperatures in the temperature range of 200-450 C in an inert or oxidizing atmosphere, with and without the presence of catalyst was investigated. The most aggressive conditions studied were exposure of PFH vapors to 450 C in air and in the presence of TCCS (palladium) catalyst. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography (GC) analyses were conducted on the perfluorohexane samples before and after pyrolysis. The FC-72 and n-PFH samples showed no significant degradation following pyrolysis even under the most aggressive study conditions. Some trace level impurities associated with the PFH samples such as linear perfluorocarbon monohydrides or monoiodides were destroyed by pyrolysis at the upper limit. Other trace level impurities such as olefinic or cycloolefinic perfluorocarbons were converted into oxidation products by pyrolysis. The purity of PFH following pyrolysis actually increased slightly as a consequence since these trace contaminants were effectively scrubbed from the samples. However, since the initial concentrations of the thermally-impacted impurities were so low, the net effect was trivial. A potential byproduct of exposure of perfluorohexane fluids to high temperatures is the production of perfluoroisobutene (PFiB), which is extremely toxic. An ultra-high sensitivity PFiB-specific analysis based on GC-MS with negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) detection was used to evaluate the samples following thermal stressing. The perfluorohexanes examined here under conditions reflective of the ISS TCCS environment showed no signs of PFiB production with an analytical detection limit of 10 part per billion (ppb v/v).

Arnold, William A.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Consistent Large-Eddy Simulation of a Temporal Mixing Layer Laden with Evaporating Drops: A Posteriori Modelling - Part 2

Large-eddy simulation (LES) is conducted of a three-dimensional temporal mixing layer whose lower stream is initially laden with liquid drops which may evaporate during the simulation. The gas-phase equations are written in an Eulerian frame for two perfect gas species (carrier gas and vapour emanating from the drops), while the liquid-phase equations are written in a Lagrangian frame. The effect of drop evaporation on the gas phase is considered through mass, species, momentum and energy source terms. The drop evolution is modelled using physical drops, or using computational drops to represent the physical drops. Simulations are performed using various LES models previously assessed on a database obtained from direct numerical simulations (DNS). These LES models are for: (i) the subgrid-scale (SGS) fluxes and (ii) the filtered source terms (FSTs) based on computational drops. The LES, which are compared to filtered-and-coarsened (FC) DNS results at the coarser LES grid, are conducted with 64 times fewer grid points than the DNS, and up to 64 times fewer computational than physical drops. It is found that both constant-coefficient and dynamic Smagorinsky SGS-flux models, though numerically stable, are overly dissipative and damp generated small-resolved-scale (SRS) turbulent structures. Although the global growth and mixing predictions of LES using Smagorinsky models are in good agreement with the FC-DNS, the spatial distributions of the drops differ significantly. In contrast, the constant-coefficient scale-similarity model and the dynamic gradient model perform well in predicting most flow features, with the latter model having the advantage of not requiring a priori calibration of the model coefficient. The ability of the dynamic models to determine the model coefficient during LES is found to be essential since the constant-coefficient gradient model, although more accurate than the Smagorinsky model, is not consistently numerically stable despite using DNS-calibrated coefficients. With accurate SGS-flux models, namely scale-similarity and dynamic gradient, the FST model allows up to a 32-fold reduction in computational drops compared to the number of physical drops, without degradation of accuracy; a 64-fold reduction leads to a slight decrease in accuracy.

two-phase flow↗

NASA NTRS2006

Novel Confocal Microscopic and Flow Cytometric Based Assays to Visualize and Detect the (Beta)2-Adrenergic Receptor in Human Lymphocyte and Mononuclear Cell Populations

The data show that immunophenotyping of leukocyte populations with (beta)2AR is possible with the commercially available Ab, although the FC assay is limited to the IST as a result of the Ab binding site to the intracellular C-terminus of the 2AR. The FC assay has applications for measuring alterations in total (beta)2AR in human leukocyte populations as changes in fluorescence. In addition, CM confirms that both surface and intracellular compartments stain positively for the (beta)2AR and can be used for qualitative assays that screen for changes in receptor compartmentalization and localization.

Salicru, A. N.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Apollo CSM Power Generation System Design Considerations, Failure Modes and Lessons Learned

The objectives of this slide presentation are to: review the basic design criteria for fuel cells (FC's), review design considerations during developmental phase that affected Block I and Block II vehicles, summarize the conditions that led to the failure of components in the FC's, and state the solution implemented for each failure. It reviews the location of the fuel cells, the fuel cell theory the design criteria going into development phase and coming from the development phase, failures and solutions of Block I and II, and the lessons learned.

Interbartolo, Michael↗

NASA NTRS2000

Orbiter Capability for Providing Water to the International Space Station according to the Most Probable Flight Attitudes

Water to be generated by, delivered to, and processed by the International Space Station (ISS) is a critical Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) element, especially for the early ISS missions. A significant portion of the water required by the ISS shall be provided by the Shuttle Transportation System (STS) Orbiter. The balance of water generated by the Orbiter Fuel Cells (FC), minus that water consumed by the Orbiter Flash Evaporator System (FES) and crew, is available for transfer to the ISS. During later missions, crew respired and perspired water, as well as effluent water from the Orbiter LiOH canisters, will be collected as condensate and available for transfer to the ISS. Orbiter radiator performance provides the most variance in determining the amount of net Orbiter water available for transfer to the ISS. As radiator performance decreases, the dependence upon the FES (and FC water) increases for rejecting Orbiter waste heat. Generally, radiator performance decreases as the ISS assembly size increases (especially as solar arrays are added), and also as beta angle increases. ISS solar array deployment necessitates the use of models with articulating solar arrays (for Earth local-vertical attitudes), as array position dramatically affects Orbiter radiator performance. Recent developments in the relaxation of beta angle limitations have also increased the complexity and difficulty of providing water to the ISS. Other factors that may hinder the ability to transfer water are the number of empty Contingency Water Containers (CWCs) available, duration of open-hatch time, crew activity timeline, and full CWC storage capability. A parametric study has been accomplished that provides a quick-reference table for determining expected water generation rates for ISS missions 2A.2 through 7A.1. An hourly Orbiter water generation rate is reported according to a matrix that consists of: (1) (six) significant changes in ISS assembly configuration; (2) (four) beta angles (0 deg. , +37 deg., +53 deg. , and +75 deg.); (3) the (three) most representative ISS attitudes (XPOP-O, XPOP-180 and +XVV); (4) (four) Orbiter radiator configurations (both stowed, starboard deployed, port deployed, and both deployed) and (5) the (two) conditions (radiator inlet temperatures and fuel cell power) most consistent with sleep and wake periods. Those permutations of higher probability of occurrence than others have been identified. Another parametric study has been accomplished that provides a quick-reference table for determining expected water generation rates for ISS assembly complete missions. An hourly Orbiter water generation rate is reported according to a matrix that consists of: (1) (seven) beta angles (-75 deg., -60 deg., -30 deg., 0 deg., +30 deg., +60 deg., and +75 deg.); (2) the (nine) PYR angles that define the corners of the envelope; (3) (four) Orbiter radiator configurations (both stowed, starboard deployed, port deployed, and both deployed) and (4) the (two) conditions (radiator inlet temperatures and fuel cell power) most consistent with sleep and wake periods.

Dunaway, Brian↗

NASA NTRS2011

Dawn Maps the Surface Composition of Vesta

By 7-October-2011, the Dawn mission will have completed Survey orbit and commenced high altitude mapping of 4-Vesta. We present a preliminary analysis of data acquired by Dawn's Framing Camera (FC) and the Visual and InfraRed Spectrometer (VIR) to map mineralogy and surface temperature, and to detect and quantify surficial OH. The radiometric calibration of VIR and FC is described. Background counting data acquired by GRaND are used to determine elemental detection limits from measurements at low altitude, which will commence in November. Geochemical models used in the interpretation of the data are described. Thermal properties, mineral-, and geochemical-data are combined to provide constraints on Vesta s formation and thermal evolution, the delivery of exogenic materials, space weathering processes, and the origin of the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorites.

Prettyman, T.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Imaging Asteroid 4 Vesta Using the Framing Camera

The Framing Camera (FC) onboard the Dawn spacecraft serves a dual purpose. Next to its central role as a prime science instrument it is also used for the complex navigation of the ion drive spacecraft. The CCD detector with 1024 by 1024 pixels provides the stability for a multiyear mission and its high requirements of photometric accuracy over the wavelength band from 400 to 1000 nm covered by 7 band-pass filters. Vesta will be observed from 3 orbit stages with image scales of 227, 63, and 17 m/px, respectively. The mapping of Vesta s surface with medium resolution will be only completed during the exit phase when the north pole will be illuminated. A detailed pointing strategy will cover the surface at least twice at similar phase angles to provide stereo views for reconstruction of the topography. During approach the phase function of Vesta was determined over a range of angles not accessible from earth. This is the first step in deriving the photometric function of the surface. Combining the topography based on stereo tie points with the photometry in an iterative procedure will disclose details of the surface morphology at considerably smaller scales than the pixel scale. The 7 color filters are well positioned to provide information on the spectral slope in the visible, the depth of the strong pyroxene absorption band, and their variability over the surface. Cross calibration with the VIR spectrometer that extends into the near IR will provide detailed maps of Vesta s surface mineralogy and physical properties. Georeferencing all these observation will result in a coherent and unique data set. During Dawn s approach and capture FC has already demonstrated its performance. The strong variation observed by the Hubble Space Telescope can now be correlated with surface units and features. We will report on results obtained from images taken during survey mode covering the whole illuminated surface. Vesta is a planet-like differentiated body, but its surface gravity and escape velocity are comparable to those of other asteroids and hence much smaller than those of the inner planets or

Keller, H. Uwe↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Study of the Kinetics of the CO Oxidation Catalyst in a Human Spaceflight Fire Cartridges as a Method to Understand and Predict Performance

Fire Cartridges (FC) are an integral part of fire response on ISS, Orion and Gateway. When a pair of FCs are integrated with an Emergency Mask, they can be used to provide safe breathing air on these vehicles in a post-fire environment. The FCs have two primary mechanisms for removing contaminants from the air, an activated carbon (AC) bed which adsorbs the majority of fire byproducts, and a catalyst bed consisting of gold nanoparticles supported on iron oxide which oxidized CO to CO2 under near ambient conditions. While the FC catalyst has proven its ability to convert CO under relevant conditions, this paper attempts to address the apparent inconsistent performance of the catalyst seen in testing. Numerous variables effect the performance of the catalyst, including but not limited to: reaction environment, reactant gas composition, inert gas composition, catalyst age, and catalyst lot. This paper discusses the importance of these variables and attempts a fundamental mechanistic explanation for the effects of each variable. The fundamental mechanisms are then used to establish the magnitude of expected performance variability, which were validated against real test data of flight quality FCs.

Fire Cartridge↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Study of the Kinetics of the CO Oxidation Catalyst in a Human Spaceflight Fire Cartridges as a Method to Understand and Predict Performance

Fire Cartridge↗

DOE OSTI2011

Status and Outlook for the U.S. Non-Automotive Fuel Cell Industry: Impacts of Government Policies and Assessment of Future Opportunities

Fuel cells (FCs) are considered essential future energy technologies by developed and developing economies alike. Several countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea have established publicly funded R&D and market transformation programs to develop viable domestic FC industries for both automotive and non-automotive applications. Important non-automotive applications include large scale and small scale distributed combined heat and electrical power, backup and uninterruptible power, material handling and auxiliary power units. The U.S. FC industry is in the early stages of development, and is working to establish sustainable markets in all these areas. To be successful, manufacturers must reduce costs, improve performance, and overcome market barriers to new technologies. U.S. policies are assisting via research and development, tax credits and government-only and government-assisted procurements. Over the past three years, the industry has made remarkable progress, bringing both stack and system costs down by more than a factor of two while improving durability and efficiency, thanks in part to government support. Today, FCs are still not yet able to compete in these markets without continued policy support. However, continuation or enhancement of current policies, such as the investment tax credit and government procurements, together with continued progress by the industry, appears likely to establish a viable domestic industry within the next decade.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗