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At least 343 records · Page 19

Micro-Optic Color Separation Technology for Efficient Projection Displays

Phase 1 of this project focused on development of an overall optical concept which incorporated a single liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The system achieved full color by utilizing an echelon grating, which diffracted the incident light into three orders with different color spectra, in combination with a microlens array, which spatially separated RGB bands and directed the light of the appropriate wavelength to the appropriate color dot. Preliminary echelon grating designs were provided by MIT/LL and reviewed by Rockwell. Additional Rockwell activities included the Identification of microlens designs, light sources (ILC), and projection optics to fulfill the overall design requirements. An Internal subcontract was established with Rockwell's Collins Avionics and Communications Division (CACD) which specified the liquid crystal SLM (Sharp Model No. LQ 46EO2) and built the projection display baseline projector. Full Color projected video images were produced and shown at the 1995 HDS meeting in Washington. Analysis of the luminance performance of the projector and detailed parameter trade studies helped define the dependence of overall display efficiency on lamp collimation, and indicated that a lamp with very small arc dimension is required for the optical concept to be viable.

Gunning, W. J.↗

Numerical Model for Isothermal and Non-Isothermal Crystallization of Liquids and Glasses

A new numerical model of isothermal and non-isothermal first order phase transformations, such as the crystallization of liquids and glasses, is presented. This model computes directly the volume fraction transformed, taking into account time-dependent nucleation rates and cluster-size-dependent growth velocities. The model is applied to the crystallization of lithium disilicate glass, using the appropriate kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The model is used (1) to determine the validity of common methods for computing the volume fraction transformed as a function of time in isothermal experiments when a time-dependent nucleation rate is expected, (2) to simulate non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of glass devitrification as a function of scan rate, and (3) to compute the effect of preannealing on the DSC peak parameters. A novel behavior of the nucleation rate with scan rate is predicted, arising because the relaxation of the cluster distribution cannot be described by a single relaxation time. Comparisons of the calculations with experimental data on this glass demonstrate the validity of the model.

Kelton, K. F.↗

Single-Scattering Properties of Melting Precipitation for GPM Passive Microwave and Radar Remote Sensing Applications

Over the past two decades, detailed computational simulations of the intricate three dimensional structures of ice-phase crystals and aggregates of those crystals have been developed. The microwave single-scattering properties of these simulated ice particles have been computed and used to improve quantitative estimates of snow rates and to better deRne the vertical structure of snow water contents in deep convective systems, as derived from satellite-borne passive microwave and/or radar remote sensing measurements. The same icephase particles have more recently been used as the starting point for simulations of melting precipitation using computational melting methods. In the current study, a heuristic melting method, as well as a physically-based melting procedure based on smoothed-particle hydrodynamics, are applied to ice particle models to describe the full evolution of the particles from dry snow to liquid drops. The discrete dipole approximation is utilized to calculate the single-scattering properties of the mixed-phase particles throughout the melting process. Then, the properties of the particles are “mapped” into simpliRed microphysical simulations of particle size spectra in the melting layers of stratiform, precipitating clouds. The bulk single-scattering properties of the melting layers and the sensitivity of their properties to modeling assumptions are explored, and the implications for combined radar-radiometer precipitation remote sensing from GPM are discussed.

William S Olson↗

The high temperature deformation in cyclic loading of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy

The high temperature cyclic stress softening response of the single crystal nickel-base superalloy PWA 1480 was investigated. Specimens oriented near the 001- and 111-lines were tested at 1050 C in low-cycle fatigue and then microstructurally evaluated. The 001- and 111-line specimens had dissimilar flow behavior in monotonic tensile tests, but comparable softening in low-cycle fatigue. This softening was accompanied by rapid generation of dislocation networks at the gamma-gamma-prime interfaces and by a slower time-dependent coarsening of gamma-prime precipitates. Due to the rapid formation of a dislocation substructure at the gamma-gamma-prime interfaces, the cyclic stress softening could be modeled with an existing theory which related cyclic stress to the evolving microstructure and dislocation structure.

Gabb, T. P.↗

The debate over the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary

Large-body impact on the Earth is a rare but indisputable geologic process. The impact rate is approximately known from objects discovered in Earth-crossing orbits and from the statistics of craters on the Earth's surface. Tektite and microtektite strewn fields constitute unmistakable ejecta deposits that can be due only to large-body impacts. The Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary coincides with an unusually severe biological trauma, and this stratigraphic horizon is marked on a worldwide basis by anomalous concentrations of noble metals in chondritic proportions, mineral spherules with relict quench-crystallization textures, and mineral and rock grains showing shock deformation. These features are precisely compatible with an impact origin. Although only impact explains all the types of K-T boundary evidence, the story may not be as simple as once thought. The original hypothesis envisioned one large impact, triggering one great extinction. Newer evidence hints at various complications. Different challenges are faced by the occupants of each apex of a three-cornered argument over the K-T event. Proponents of a non-impact explanation must show that the evidence fits their preferred model better than it fits the impact scenario. Proponents of the single impact-single extinction view must explain away the complications. Proponents of a more complex impact crisis must develop a reasonable scenario which honors the new evidence.

Alvarez, W.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2007

Topics include: Noise-Canceling Helmet Audio System; Program Analyzes Spacecraft/Ground Radio Links; Two-Way Communication Using RFID Equipment and Techniques; Six-Message Electromechanical Display System; Scanning Terahertz Heterodyne Imaging Systems; Master Clock and Time-Signal-Distribution System; Synchronous Phase-Resolving Flash Range Imaging; Integrated Radial Probe Transition From MMIC to Waveguide; Bar-Code System for a Microbiological Laboratory; MMIC Amplifier Produces Gain of 10 dB at 235 GHz; Mapping Nearby Terrain in 3D by Use of a Grid of Laser Spots; Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals; Narrow-Band WGM Optical Filters With Tunable FSRs; Better Finite-Element Analysis of Composite Shell Structures; Computing Spacecraft-Pointing Vectors for Limb Tracking; Enhanced Master Controller Unit Tester; Rover Graphical Simulator; Increasing Durability of Flame-Sprayed Strain Gauges; Multifunctional, High-Temperature Nanocomposites; Multilayer Impregnated Fibrous Thermal Insulation Tiles; Radiation-Shielding Polymer/Soil Composites; Film/Adhesive Processing Module for Fiber-Placement Processing of Composites; Fabrication of Submillimeter Axisymmetric Optical Components; Electrochemical Disposal of Hydrazines in Water; Statistical Model of Evaporating Multicomponent Fuel Drops; Resistively Heated SiC Nozzle for Generating Molecular Beams; Compact Packaging of Photonic Millimeter-Wave Receiver; Diffractive Combiner of Single-Mode Pump Laser-Diode Beams; Wide-Band, High-Quantum-Efficiency Photodetector; A Robustly Stabilizing Model Predictive Control Algorithm; Modeling Evaporation of Drops of Different Kerosenes; Development of Vapor-Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal System; Several Developments in Space Tethers; Design Concept for a Nuclear Reactor-Powered Mars Rover; Formation-Initialization Algorithm for N Spacecraft; and DNSs of Multicomponent Gaseous and Drop-Laden Mixing Layers Achieving Transition to Turbulence.

Source record↗

A modified pump laser system to pump the titanium sapphire laser

As a result of the wide tunability of the titanium sapphire laser NASA has sited it to be used to perform differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of H2O vapor in the upper and lower troposphere. The titanium sapphire laser can provide a spectrally narrow (0.3 to 1.0 pm), high energy (0.5 to 1.0 J) output at 727, 762, and 940 nm which are needed in the DIAL experiments. This laser performance can be obtained by addressing the line-narrowing issues in a master oscillator and the high energy requirement in a fundamental mode oscillator. By injection seeding, the single frequency property of the master oscillator can produce a line narrow high energy power oscillator. A breadboard model of the titanium sapphire laser that will ultimately be used in NASA lidar atmospheric sensing experiment is being designed. The task was to identify and solve any problem that would arise in the actual laser system. One such problem was encountered in the pump laser system. The pump laser that is designed to pump both the master oscillator and power oscillator is a Nd:YLF laser. Nd:YLF exhibits a number of properties which renders this material an attractive option to be used in the laser system. The Nd:YLF crystal is effectively athermal; it produces essentially no thermal lensing and thermally induced birefringence is generally insignificant in comparison to the material birefringence resulting from the uniaxial crystal structure. However, in application repeated fracturing of these laser rods was experience. Because Nd:YLF rods are not commercially available at the sizes needed for this application a modified pump laser system to replace the Nd:YLF laser rod was designed to include the more durable Nd:YAG laser rods. In this design, compensation for the thermal lensing effect that is introduced because of the Nd:YAG laser rods is included.

Petway, Larry B.↗

Magma oceanography. I - Thermal evolution

Fractional crystallization and flotation of cumulate plagioclase in a cooling 'magma ocean' provides the simplest explanation for early emplacement of a thick feldspar-rich lunar crust. The complementary mafic cumulates resulting from the differentiation of such a magma ocean have been identified as the ultimate source of mare basalt liquids on the basis or rare-earth abundance patterns and experimental petrology studies. A study is conducted concerning the thermal evolution of the early differentiation processes. A range of models of increasing sophistication are considered. The models developed contain the essence of the energetics and the time scale for magma ocean differentiation. Attention is given to constraints on a magma ocean, modeling procedures, single-component magma oceans, fractionating magma oceans, and evolving magma oceans.

Solomon, S. C.↗

Comparison of central axis and jet ring coolant supply for turbine disk cooling on a SSME-HPOTP model

The test facility, test methods and results are presented for an experimental study modeling the cooling of turbine disks in the blade attachment regions with multiple impinging jets, in a configuration simulating the disk cooling method employed on the Space Shuttle Main Engine oxygen turbopump. The study's objective was to provide a comparison of detailed local convection heat transfer rates obtained for a single center-supply of disk coolant with those obtained with the present flight configuration where disk coolant is supplied through an array of 19 jets located near the disk outer radius. Specially constructed disk models were used in a program designed to evaluate possible benefits and identify any possible detrimental effects involved in employing an alternate disk cooling scheme. The study involved the design, construction and testing of two full scale rotating model disks, one plane and smooth for baseline testing and the second contoured to the present flight configuration, together with the corresponding plane and contoured stator disks. Local heat transfer rates are determined from the color display of encapsulated liquid crystals coated on the disk in conjunction with use of a computer vision system. The test program was composed of a wide variety of disk speeds, flowrates, and geometrical configurations, including testing for the effects of disk boltheads and gas ingestion from the gas path region radially outboard of the disk-cavity.

Kim, Y. W.↗

Light Scattering by Gaussian Particles: A Solution with Finite-Difference Time Domain Technique

The understanding of single-scattering properties of complex ice crystals has significance in atmospheric radiative transfer and remote-sensing applications. In this work, light scattering by irregularly shaped Gaussian ice crystals is studied with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. For given sample particle shapes and size parameters in the resonance region, the scattering phase matrices and asymmetry factors are calculated. It is found that the deformation of the particle surface can significantly smooth the scattering phase functions and slightly reduce the asymmetry factors. The polarization properties of irregular ice crystals are also significantly different from those of spherical cloud particles. These FDTD results could provide a reference for approximate light-scattering models developed for irregular particle shapes and can have potential applications in developing a much simpler practical light scattering model for ice clouds angular-distribution models and for remote sensing of ice clouds and aerosols using polarized light. (copyright) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sun, W.↗

Scale Dependence of Cirrus Horizontal Heterogeneity Effects on TOA Measurements: MODIS Brightness Temperatures in the Thermal Infrared - Part I

This paper presents a study on the impact of cirrus cloud heterogeneities on MODIS simulated thermal infrared (TIR) brightness temperatures (BTs) at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) as a function of spatial resolution from 50 meters to 10 kilometers. A realistic 3-D (three-dimensional) cirrus field is generated by the 3DCLOUD model (average optical thickness of 1.4, cloudtop and base altitudes at 10 and 12 kilometers, respectively, consisting of aggregate column crystals of D (sub eff) equals 20 microns), and 3-D thermal infrared radiative transfer (RT) is simulated with the 3DMCPOL (3-D Monte Carlo Polarized) code. According to previous studies, differences between 3-D BT computed from a heterogenous pixel and 1-D (one-dimensional) RT computed from a homogeneous pixel are considered dependent at nadir on two effects: (i) the optical thickness horizontal heterogeneity leading to the plane-parallel homogeneous bias (PPHB); and the (ii) horizontal radiative transport (HRT) leading to the independent pixel approximation error (IPAE). A single but realistic cirrus case is simulated and, as expected, the PPHB mainly impacts the low-spatial resolution results (above approximately 250 meters), with averaged values of up to 5-7 K (thousand), while the IPAE mainly impacts the high-spatial resolution results (below approximately 250 meters) with average values of up to 1-2 K (thousand). A sensitivity study has been performed in order to extend these results to various cirrus optical thicknesses and heterogeneities by sampling the cirrus in several ranges of parameters. For four optical thickness classes and four optical heterogeneity classes, we have found that, for nadir observations, the spatial resolution at which the combination of PPHB and HRT effects is the smallest, falls between 100 and 250 meters. These spatial resolutions thus appear to be the best choice to retrieve cirrus optical properties with the smallest cloud heterogeneity-related total bias in the thermal infrared. For off-nadir observations, the average total effect is increased and the minimum is shifted to coarser spatial resolutions.

TOA↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 22

The Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 22 is presented. The topics include: 1) Pressure Histories from Thin and Thick Shock-induced Melt Veins in Meteorites; 2) Nano-structured Minerals as Signature of Microbial Activity; 3) The Insoluble Carbonaceous Material of CM Chondrites as Possible Source of Discrete Organics During the Asteroidal Aqueous Phase; 4) Discovery of Abundant Presolar Silicates in Subgroups of Antarctic Micrometeorites; 5) Characteristics of a Seismometer for the LUNAR-A Penetrator; 6) Heating Experiments of the HaH 262 Eucrite and Implication for the Metamorphic History of Highly Metamorphosed Eucrites; 7) Measurements of Ejecta Velocity Distribution by a High-Speed Video Camera; 8) Petrological Comparison of Mongolian Jalanash Ureilite and Twelve Antarctic Ureilites; 9) Metallographic Cooling Rate of IVA Irons Revisited; 10) Inhomogeneous Temperature Distribution in Chondrules in Shock-Wave Heating Model; 11) Subsurface Weathering of Rocks and Soils at Gusev Crater; 12) Extinct Radioactivities in the Early Solar System and the Mean Age of the Galaxy; 13) Correlation of Rock Spectra with Quantitative Morphologic Indices: Evidence for a Single Rock Type at the Mars Pathfinder Landing Site; 14) Silicon Isotopic Ratios of Presolar Grains from Supernovae; 15) Current Status and Readiness on In-Situ Exploration of Asteroid Surface by MINERVA Rover in Hayabusa Mission; 16) Long Formation Period of Single CAI: Combination of O and Mg Isotope Distribution; 17) Supra-Canonical Initial 26Al/27Al Indicate a 105 Year Residence Time for CAIs in the Solar Proto-Planetary Disk; 18) Evolution of Mercury's Obliquity; 19) First Results from the Huygens Surface Science Package; 20) Polyhedral Serpentine Grains in CM Chondrites; 21) Mountainous Units in the Martian Gusev Highland Region: Volcanic, Tectonic, or Impact Related? 22) Petrography of Lunar Meteorite MET 01210, A New Basaltic Regolith Breccia; 23) Earth-Moon Impacts at ~300 Ma and ~500 Ma Ago; 24) Chemical and Isotopic Analyses of Apollo 16 Glasses: An Integrated Approach; 25) Measuring the Surfaces on Mars; 26) Melting in Martian Snowbanks; 27) The Effect of Ni on Fe-FeS Phase Relations: Implications for the Chemistry of the Martian Core; 28) Shorelines in the Western United States as Analogs for Hypothesized Shoreline Features on Mars; 29) Al and Ti Isotopic Ratios of Presolar SiC Grains of Type Z; 30) Physicochemical Conditions of Clinopyroxene Crystallization in the Parental Bodies of Ordinary Chondrites; 31) Metamorphosed CM and CI Carbonaceous Chondrites Could be from the Breakup of the Same Earth-crossing Asteroid; 32) Aqueous Alteration and Hydrogen Generation on Parent Bodies of Unequilibrated Ordinary Chondrites: Thermodynamic Modeling for the Semarkona Composition; and 33) Preliminary Analysis of Relative Abundances of Hydrothermal Alteration Products in the C1-N10, Y6-N19, and Yax-1_863.51 Impact Melt Samples, Chicxulub Structure, Mexico

Source record↗

Advances in silicon carbide Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for semiconductor device fabrication

Improved SiC chemical vapor deposition films of both 3C and 6H polytypes were grown on vicinal (0001) 6H-SiC wafers cut from single-crystal boules. These films were produced from silane and propane in hydrogen at one atmosphere at a temperature of 1725 K. Among the more important factors which affected the structure and morphology of the grown films were the tilt angle of the substrate, the polarity of the growth surface, and the pregrowth surface treatment of the substrate. With proper pregrowth surface treatment, 6H films were grown on 6H substrates with tilt angles as small as 0.1 degrees. In addition, 3C could be induced to grow within selected regions on a 6H substrate. The polarity of the substrate was a large factor in the incorporation of dopants during epitaxial growth. A new growth model is discussed which explains the control of SiC polytype in epitaxial growth on vicinal (0001) SiC substrates.

Powell, J. Anthony↗

A model for the high-temperature transport properties of heavily doped n-type silicon-germanium alloys

A model is presented for the high-temperature transport properties of large-grain-size, heavily doped n-type silicon-germanium alloys. Electron and phonon transport coefficients are calculated using standard Boltzmann equation expressions in the relaxation time approximation. Good agreement with experiment is found by considering acoustic phonon and ionized impurity scattering for electrons, and phonon-phonon, point defect, and electron-phonon scattering for phonons. The parameters describing electron transport in heavily doped and lightly doped materials are significantly different and suggest that most carriers in heavily doped materials are in a band formed largely from impurity states. The maximum dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit for single-crystal, n-type Si(0.8)Ge(0.2) at 1300 K is estimated at ZT about 1.13 with an optimum carrier concentration of n about 2.9 x 10 to the 20th/cu cm.

Vining, Cronin B.↗

Melt infiltration of silicon carbide compacts. I - Study of infiltration dynamics

Countergravity, pressure-assisted infiltration with a 2014 Al alloy of suitably tamped porous compacts of platelet shaped single crystals of alpha (hexagonal) silicon carbide was used to measure particulate wettability and infiltration kinetics under dynamic conditions relevant to pressure casting of composites. A threshold pressure P(th) for ingression of the infiltrant was identified based on the experimental penetration length versus pressure profiles for a range of experimental variables which included infiltration pressure, infiltration time, SiC size and SiC surface chemistry. The results showed that P(th) decreased whereas the penetration length increased with increasing SiC size and infiltration time. Cu-coated SiC led to lower P(th) and larger penetration lengths compared to uncoated SiC under identical conditions. These observations have been discussed in the light of theoretical models of infiltration and the kinetics of wetting.

Asthana, Rajiv↗

Sulfur Impurities and the Microstructure of Alumina Scales

The relationship between the microstructure of alumina scales, adhesion, and sulfur content was examined through a series of nickel alloys oxidized in 1100 to 1200 deg. C cyclic or isothermal exposures in air. In cyclic tests of undoped NiCrAl, adhesion was produced when the sulfur content was reduced, without any change in scale microstructure. Although interfacial voids were not observed in cyclic tests of NiCrAl, they were promoted by long-term isothermal exposures, by sulfur doping, and in most exposures of NiAl. Two single crystal superalloys, PWA 1480 and Rene' N5, were also tested, either in the as-received condition or after the sulfur content had been reduced to less than 1 ppmw by hydrogen annealing. The unannealed alloys always exhibited spalling to bare metal, but interfacial voids were not observed consistently. Desulfurized PWA 1480 and Rene' N5 exhibited remarkable adhesion and no voidage for either isothermal or cyclic exposures. The most consistent microstructural feature was that, for the cases where voids did form, the scale undersides exhibited corresponding areas with ridged oxide grain boundaries. Voids were not required for spallation nor were other microstructural features essential for adhesion. These observations are consistent with the model whereby scale spallation is controlled primarily by interfacial sulfur segregation and the consequent degradation of oxide-metal bonding.

Smialek, James L.↗

Sensitivity of Cirrus and Mixed-phase Clouds to the Ice Nuclei Spectra in McRAS-AC: Single Column Model Simulations

The salient features of mixed-phase and ice clouds in a GCM cloud scheme are examined using the ice formation parameterizations of Liu and Penner (LP) and Barahona and Nenes (BN). The performance of LP and BN ice nucleation parameterizations were assessed in the GEOS-5 AGCM using the McRAS-AC cloud microphysics framework in single column mode. Four dimensional assimilated data from the intensive observation period of ARM TWP-ICE campaign was used to drive the fluxes and lateral forcing. Simulation experiments where established to test the impact of each parameterization in the resulting cloud fields. Three commonly used IN spectra were utilized in the BN parameterization to described the availability of IN for heterogeneous ice nucleation. The results show large similarities in the cirrus cloud regime between all the schemes tested, in which ice crystal concentrations were within a factor of 10 regardless of the parameterization used. In mixed-phase clouds there are some persistent differences in cloud particle number concentration and size, as well as in cloud fraction, ice water mixing ratio, and ice water path. Contact freezing in the simulated mixed-phase clouds contributed to transfer liquid to ice efficiently, so that on average, the clouds were fully glaciated at T approximately 260K, irrespective of the ice nucleation parameterization used. Comparison of simulated ice water path to available satellite derived observations were also performed, finding that all the schemes tested with the BN parameterization predicted 20 average values of IWP within plus or minus 15% of the observations.

Betancourt, R. Morales↗

Low-Density, Creep-Resistant Single-Crystal Superalloys

Several recently formulated nickel-base superalloys have been developed with excellent high-temperature creep resistance, at lower densities than those of currently used nickel-base superalloys. These alloys are the latest products of a continuing effort to develop alloys that have even greater strength-to-weight ratios, suitable for use in turbine blades of aircraft engines. Mass densities of turbine blades exert a significant effect on the overall weight of aircraft. For a given aircraft, a reduction in the density of turbine blades enables design reductions in the weight of other parts throughout the turbine rotor, including the disk, hub, and shaft, as well as supporting structures in the engine. The resulting total reduction in weight can be 8 to 10 times that of the reduction in weight of the turbine blades. The approach followed in formulating these alloys involved several strategies for identifying key alloying elements and the range of concentration of each element to study. To minimize the number of alloys needed to be cast, a design-of--experiments methodology was adopted. A statistics-based computer program that models the effects of varying compositions of four elements, including effects of two-way interactions between elements, was used to test all possible alloys within the design space. The starting points for the computational analysis were three alloy compositions mandated by engineering consensus. After likewise identification of key alloying elements to vary and the allowed ranges of concentrations, the computer program then selects a minimum number of alloys within the design space to allow determination of effects for all four elements and their interactions.

MacKay, Rebecca A.↗