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At least 37 records · Page 2

Transient Analysis Used to Study Thermal Radiation Effects in Single and Composite Semitransparent Layers

In a continuing in-house program at the NASA Lewis Research Center, analytical and numerical methods are being developed to apply radiative analysis to predict transient temperature distributions and heat flows in partially transmitting materials. Results have been obtained for a single plane layer, and a transient analysis is being developed for a two-layer composite where each layer has a different refractive index. Because the ceramic refractive indices are larger than one, internal reflections are produced at the surfaces and at the internal interface. Reflections tend to distribute energy within a layer, and this affects the transient temperature distributions.

Source record↗

Glucose determination in human aqueous humor with Raman spectroscopy

It has been suggested that spectroscopic analysis of the aqueous humor of the eye could be used to indirectly predict blood glucose levels in diabetics noninvasively. We have been investigating this potential using Raman spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares (PLS) analysis. We have determined that glucose at clinically relevant concentrations can be accurately predicted in human aqueous humor in vitro using a PLS model based on artificial aqueous humor. We have further determined that with proper instrument design, the light energy necessary to achieve clinically acceptable prediction of glucose does not damage the retinas of rabbits and can be delivered at powers below internationally acceptable safety limits. Herein we summarize our current results and address our strategies to improve instrument design. 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods↗

Tidal Disruptions of Main-sequence Stars. IV. Relativistic Effects and Dependence on Black Hole Mass

Using a suite of fully relativistic hydrodynamic simulations applied to main-sequence stars with realistic internal density profiles, we examine full and partial tidal disruptions across a wide range of black hole mass( MM105 105BH7)and stellar mass (MM0.33) as larger MBH leads to stronger relativistic effects. For fixed Må, as MBH increases, the ratio of the maximum pericenter distance yielding full disruptions (t) to its Newtonian prediction rises rapidly, becoming triple the Newtonian value for= ́MM510BH7, while the ratio of the energy width of the stellar debris for full disruptions to the Newtonian prediction decreases steeply, resulting in a factor of 2 correction at= ́MM510BH7. We provide approximate formulae that express the relativistic corrections of both t and the energy width relative to their Newtonian approximate estimates. For partial disruptions, we find that the fractional remnant mass for a given ratio of the pericenter to t is higher for larger MBH. These results have several implications. As MBH increases above~M107, the cross section for complete disruptions is suppressed by competition with direct capture. However, the cross-section ratio for partial to complete disruptions depends only weakly on MBH. The relativistic correction to the debris energy width delays the time of peak mass-return rate and diminishes the magnitude of the peak return rate. ForMM10BH7, the MBH-dependence of the full disruption cross section and the peak mass-return rate and time is influenced more by relativistic effects than by Newtonian dynamics.

Taeho Ryu↗

Intermediate energy nucleon-deuteron elastic scattering

The adequacy of a multiple scattering description of nucleon-deuteron scattering at intermediate energy is examined. Although the multiple-scattering series is expected to converge slowly, model calculations indicate that the higher-order multiple-scattering terms contribute only to the low-order partial waves. The first two terms, nucleon exchange and single scattering, are assumed to describe the high-order partial waves completely. It is assumed that the deuteron is coupled only to the nucleon channel and that the internal structure is adequately defined by a nonrelativistic wave function.

Wilson, J. W.↗

Diffusivity in turbulent fluid containing two dominant scales, and compressible shear layer according to a kinetic theory

The solution of the two nonequilibrium-degree kinetic equation was first determined for the effective length scale and turbulence energy for a spatially homogeneous turbulence field with two characteristic length scales, where the source for one family of eddies exists. This solution was applied to the evaluation of the eddy diffusivity in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The result was compared with another existing solution. This was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining an effective length-scale equation within the context of the kinetic theory. A formulation and partial solution of the compressible plane shear layer are also presented.

Chung, P. M.↗

Design of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory /HEAO/ power subsystem

Observatory power is generated by a partially deployable solar array which is modularized to facilitate adaptation to three missions having different power requirements. Three nickel-cadmium batteries are controlled independently from dedicated modular chargers to increase subsystem adaptability and decrease sensitivity to temperature differences between batteries. Battery level redundancy is employed, enabling mission completion with two of three battery/charger combinations operational. Bus voltage limiting is accomplished by a modularized shunt regulator which can survive any single part failure and meet all mission requirements. Relatively low shunt electronics power dissipation internal to the observatory is achieved by sequenced operation of linear shunt segments which are coupled to a large area resistive shunt radiator. Summaries of solar array, battery and subsystem breadboard test results are provided.

Reppucci, G. M.↗

Conceptual Thermal Control System Design for a Lunar Surface Habitat

NASA is currently considering a Surface Habitat (SH) to provide 30-60 day habitability for a crew of up to four to explore the Lunar surface at a South Pole location. The SH concept is comprised of an inflatable volume for the habitable space, a metallic airlock and a descent stage with access to a pressurized rover and other surface assets provided through the airlock. A conceptual architecture for the SH Thermal Control System (TCS) is presented with resource estimates. The TCS design employs a dual loop architecture with a water/propylene glycol mix for the internal crew spaces with a freeze tolerant coolant utilized for the external loop. The internal loop is partitioned into low and moderate temperature service with a sublimator available for operational scenarios prior to thermal radiator deployment (or redeployment). Analytical models are utilized to optimize radiator geometry/orientation as well as the TCS internal/external loop architecture. Heritage hardware is utilized for the TCS concept wherever possible and low mass, dust tolerant, deployable/retractable thermal radiators (in partial gravity) present a technology challenge. The TCS must accommodate infrequent eclipse periods lasting up to 100 hours in duration and mitigation strategies to reduce the energy needed to maintain the SH and associated systems above survival temperature limits during this period are explored. Mitigation options include retractable or freezable radiators, other reconfigurable radiator geometries, alternate fluids, re-generable heat exchangers, temperature excursions, thermal energy storage and optimized inflatable optical properties. Finally, TCS sensitivity to SH Electrical Power System (EPS) growth is considered with both operational and dormant impacts quantified.

Thermal Control↗

Conceptual Thermal Control System Design for a Lunar Surface Habitat

NASA is currently considering a Surface Habitat (SH) to provide 30-60 day habitability for a crew of up to four to explore the Lunar surface at a South Pole location. The SH concept is comprised of an inflatable volume for the habitable space, a metallic airlock and a descent stage with access to a pressurized rover and other surface assets provided through the airlock. A conceptual architecture for the SH Thermal Control System (TCS) is presented with resource estimates. The TCS design employs a dual loop architecture with a water/propylene glycol mix for the internal crew spaces with a freeze tolerant coolant utilized for the external loop. The internal loop is partitioned into low and moderate temperature service with a sublimator available for operational scenarios prior to thermal radiator deployment (or redeployment). Analytical models are utilized to optimize radiator geometry/orientation as well as the TCS internal/external loop architecture. Heritage hardware is utilized for the TCS concept wherever possible and low mass, dust tolerant, deployable/retractable thermal radiators (in partial gravity) present a technology challenge. The TCS must accommodate infrequent eclipse periods lasting up to 100 hours in duration and mitigation strategies to reduce the energy needed to maintain the SH and associated systems above survival temperature limits during this period are explored. Mitigation options include retractable or freezable radiators, other reconfigurable radiator geometries, alternate fluids, re-generable heat exchangers, temperature excursions, thermal energy storage and optimized inflatable optical properties. Finally, TCS sensitivity to SH Electrical Power System (EPS) growth is considered with both operational and dormant impacts quantified.

Thermal Control↗

Tidal Disruptions of Main-sequence Stars. IV. Relativistic Effects and Dependence on Black Hole Mass

Using a suite of fully relativistic hydrodynamic simulations applied to main-sequence stars with realistic internal density profiles, we examine full and partial tidal disruptions across a wide range of black hole mass (10(exp 5)≤M(BH)/M(ʘ)≤5 x 10(exp 7) and stellar mass (0.3≤M(*)/M(ʘ)≤3) as larger M(BH) leads to stronger relativistic effects. For fixed M( ), as M(BH) increases, the ratio of the maximum pericenter distance yielding full disruptions ( ) to its Newtonian prediction rises rapidly, becoming triple the Newtonian value for M(BH)=5 x 10(exp 7)M(ʘ), while the ratio of the energy width of the stellar debris for full disruptions to the Newtonian prediction decreases steeply, resulting in a factor of 2 correction at M(BH)=5 x 10(exp 7)M(ʘ). We provide approximate formulae that express the relativistic corrections of both R(t) and the energy width relative to their Newtonian approximate estimates. For partial disruptions, we find that the fractional remnant mass for a given ratio of the pericenter to R(t) is higher for larger M(BH). These results have several implications. As M(BH) increases above ~10(exp 7)M(ʘ), the cross section for complete disruptions is suppressed by competition with direct capture. However, the cross-section ratio for partial to complete disruptions depends only weakly on M(BH). The relativistic correction to the debris energy width delays the time of peak mass-return rate and diminishes the magnitude of the peak return rate. For M(BH)≳10(exp 7)M(ʘ), the M(BH)-dependence of the full disruption cross section and the peak mass-return rate and time is influenced more by relativistic effects than by Newtonian dynamics.

Taeho Ryu↗

Stimulated dissipation of magnetic discontinuities and the origin of solar flares

It is proposed that the principal cause of the confined solar flare is the dissipation of magnetic energy at the many small-scale pre-existing tangential discontinuities in the local bipolar magnetic field. The discontinuities are a consequence of the continuous shuffling and intermixing of the footpoints of the bipolar field by the turbulent photospheric granules. The X-ray corona within the bipolar field is presumed to be a consequence of the continuing dissipation by reconnection at these discontinuities. A flare results when static deformation and/or internal agitation of the field stimulates the onset of rapid reconnection at the many small internal discontinuities. The discontinuities are partially exhausted by the flare, so that the post-flare X-ray emission of that particular loop is substantially below the pre-flare level for a period of some hours while the discontinuities are being rejuvenated.

Parker, E. N.↗

Thermal Control System Architecture and Technology Challenges for a Lunar Surface Habitat

NASA’s current plans for exploration of the Lunar South Pole region include a Surface Habitat (SH) to provide up to 60-day habitability for a crew of four. The SH concept is comprised of several elements including an inflatable volume for the habitable space and a metallic airlock for access to a pressurized rover and other surface assets. A conceptual architecture for the SH Thermal Control System (TCS) is presented. A TCS dual loop design is utilized with a water/propylene glycol mix for the internal crew spaces and an external loop with low temperature coolant. The internal loop is partitioned into low and moderate temperature service with a sublimator available for operational scenarios prior to thermal radiator deployment (or redeployment). Waste heat is rejected through thermal radiators contained in the external loop. Optimization of the thermal radiator geometry/orientation as well as the TCS internal/external loop architecture is accomplished via analytical models of the system. Low mass, dust tolerant, deployable/retractable thermal radiators (in partial gravity) and thermal control surfaces, along with accommodating infrequent eclipse periods lasting up to 100 hours, present the major technology challenges. Mitigation strategies to reduce the energy needed to maintain the SH and associated systems above survival temperature limits during the eclipse period are considered in the paper. Options include retractable radiators, re-generable heat exchangers, temperature excursions, thermal energy storage and optimized inflatable optical properties. TCS sensitivity to potential SH Electrical Power System (EPS) growth is also a consideration for both operational and dormant mission phases.

Thermal Control System↗

Thermal Control System Architecture and Technology Challenges for a Lunar Surface Habitat

NASA’s current plans for exploration of the Lunar South Pole region include a Surface Habitat (SH) to provide up to 60-day habitability for a crew of four. The SH concept is comprised of several elements including an inflatable volume for the habitable space and a metallic airlock for access to a pressurized rover and other surface assets. A conceptual architecture for the SH Thermal Control System (TCS) is presented. A TCS dual loop design is utilized with a water/propylene glycol mix for the internal crew spaces and an external loop with low temperature coolant. The internal loop is partitioned into low and moderate temperature service with a sublimator available for operational scenarios prior to thermal radiator deployment (or redeployment). Waste heat is rejected through thermal radiators contained in the external loop. Optimization of the thermal radiator geometry/orientation as well as the TCS internal/external loop architecture is accomplished via analytical models of the system. Low mass, dust tolerant, deployable/retractable thermal radiators (in partial gravity) and thermal control surfaces, along with accommodating infrequent eclipse periods lasting up to 100 hours, present the major technology challenges. Mitigation strategies to reduce the energy needed to maintain the SH and associated systems above survival temperature limits during the eclipse period are considered in the paper. Options include retractable radiators, re-generable heat exchangers, temperature excursions, thermal energy storage and optimized inflatable optical properties. TCS sensitivity to potential SH Electrical Power System (EPS) growth is also a consideration for both operational and dormant mission phases.

Thermal Control System↗

Monte Carlo Computational Modeling of Atomic Oxygen Interactions

Computational modeling of the erosion of polymers caused by atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (LEO) is useful for determining areas of concern for spacecraft environment durability. Successful modeling requires that the characteristics of the environment such as atomic oxygen energy distribution, flux, and angular distribution be properly represented in the model. Thus whether the atomic oxygen is arriving normal to or inclined to a surface and whether it arrives in a consistent direction or is sweeping across the surface such as in the case of polymeric solar array blankets is important to determine durability. When atomic oxygen impacts a polymer surface it can react removing a certain volume per incident atom (called the erosion yield), recombine, or be ejected as an active oxygen atom to potentially either react with other polymer atoms or exit into space. Scattered atoms can also have a lower energy as a result of partial or total thermal accommodation. Many solutions to polymer durability in LEO involve protective thin films of metal oxides such as SiO2 to prevent atomic oxygen erosion. Such protective films also have their own interaction characteristics. A Monte Carlo computational model has been developed which takes into account the various types of atomic oxygen arrival and how it reacts with a representative polymer (polyimide Kapton H) and how it reacts at defect sites in an oxide protective coating, such as SiO2 on that polymer. Although this model was initially intended to determine atomic oxygen erosion behavior at defect sites for the International Space Station solar arrays, it has been used to predict atomic oxygen erosion or oxidation behavior on many other spacecraft components including erosion of polymeric joints, durability of solar array blanket box covers, and scattering of atomic oxygen into telescopes and microwave cavities where oxidation of critical component surfaces can take place. The computational model is a two dimensional model which has the capability to tune the interactions of how the atomic oxygen reacts, scatters, or recombines on polymer or nonreactive surfaces. In addition to the specification of atomic oxygen arrival details, a total of 15 atomic oxygen interaction parameters have been identified as necessary to properly simulate observed interactions and resulting polymer erosion that have been observed in LEO. The tuning of the Monte Carlo model has been accomplished by adjusting interaction parameters so the erosion patterns produced by the model match those from several actual LEO space experiments. Surface texturing in LEO can also be predicted by the model. Such comparison of space tests with ground laboratory experiments have enabled confidence in ground laboratory lifetime prediction of protected polymers. Results of Monte Carlo tuning, examples of surface texturing and undercutting erosion prediction, and several examples of how the model can be used to predict other LEO and Mars orbital space results are presented.

Monte Carlo Modeling↗

Monte Carlo Computational Modeling of Atomic Oxygen Interactions

Computational modeling of the erosion of polymers caused by atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (LEO) is useful for determining areas of concern for spacecraft environment durability. Successful modeling requires that the characteristics of the environment such as atomic oxygen energy distribution, flux, and angular distribution be properly represented in the model. Thus whether the atomic oxygen is arriving normal to or inclined to a surface and whether it arrives in a consistent direction or is sweeping across the surface such as in the case of polymeric solar array blankets is important to determine durability. When atomic oxygen impacts a polymer surface it can react removing a certain volume per incident atom (called the erosion yield), recombine, or be ejected as an active oxygen atom to potentially either react with other polymer atoms or exit into space. Scattered atoms can also have a lower energy as a result of partial or total thermal accommodation. Many solutions to polymer durability in LEO involve protective thin films of metal oxides such as SiO2 to prevent atomic oxygen erosion. Such protective films also have their own interaction characteristics. A Monte Carlo computational model has been developed which takes into account the various types of atomic oxygen arrival and how it reacts with a representative polymer (polyimide Kapton H) and how it reacts at defect sites in an oxide protective coating, such as SiO2 on that polymer. Although this model was initially intended to determine atomic oxygen erosion behavior at defect sites for the International Space Station solar arrays, it has been used to predict atomic oxygen erosion or oxidation behavior on many other spacecraft components including erosion of polymeric joints, durability of solar array blanket box covers, and scattering of atomic oxygen into telescopes and microwave cavities where oxidation of critical component surfaces can take place. The computational model is a two dimensional model which has the capability to tune the interactions of how the atomic oxygen reacts, scatters, or recombines on polymer or nonreactive surfaces. In addition to the specification of atomic oxygen arrival details, a total of 15 atomic oxygen interaction parameters have been identified as necessary to properly simulate observed interactions and resulting polymer erosion that have been observed in LEO. The tuning of the Monte Carlo model has been accomplished by adjusting interaction parameters so the erosion patterns produced by the model match those from several actual LEO space experiments. Surface texturing in LEO can also be predicted by the model. Such comparison of space tests with ground laboratory experiments have enabled confidence in ground laboratory lifetime prediction of protected polymers. Results of Monte Carlo tuning, examples of surface texturing and undercutting erosion prediction, and several examples of how the model can be used to predict other LEO and Mars orbital space results are presented.

Atomic Oxygen↗

Ground states of partially connected binary neural networks

Neural networks defined by outer products of vectors over (-1, 0, 1) are considered. Patterns over (-1, 0, 1) define by their outer products partially connected neural networks consisting of internally strongly connected, externally weakly connected subnetworks. Subpatterns over (-1, 1) define subnetworks, and their combinations that agree in the common bits define permissible words. It is shown that the permissible words are locally stable states of the network, provided that each of the subnetworks stores mutually orthogonal subwords, or, at most, two subwords. It is also shown that when each of the subnetworks stores two mutually orthogonal binary subwords at most, the permissible words, defined as the combinations of the subwords (one corresponding to each subnetwork), that agree in their common bits are the unique ground states of the associated energy function.

Baram, Yoram↗

A Miniaturized Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (MVP-SEM) for the Surface of Mars: An Instrument for the Planetary Science Community

The Miniaturized Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope(MVP-SEM) project, funded by the NASA Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO) Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES), will build upon previous miniaturized SEM designs for lunar and International Space Station (ISS) applications and recent advancements in variable pressure SEM's to design and build a SEM to complete analyses of samples on the surface of Mars using the atmosphere as an imaging medium. By the end of the PICASSO work, a prototype of the primary proof-of-concept components (i.e., the electron gun, focusing optics and scanning system)will be assembled and preliminary testing in a Mars analog chamber at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be completed to partially fulfill Technology Readiness Level to 5 requirements for those components. The team plans to have Secondary Electron Imaging(SEI), Backscattered Electron (BSE) detection, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities through the MVP-SEM.

Mars↗

A preliminary assessment of the self-induced environment and contamination of the Space Telescope

Preliminary estimates for the internal pressures and surface contamination of the Space Telescope were made. The calculations for the transient pressures in the aft-shroud and telescope compartments considered two large communicating volumes that contain gaseous sources and sinks. The outgassing sources in the aft shroud consist of several scientific instruments, paints, insulations, and graphite-epoxy structures. With the exception of the instruments, these sources also exist in the telescope compartment. the outgassing functions were generated from ample test results at various temperatures and from internal pressure measurements in a vacuum test of one of the instruments. The venting occurs through combinations of series and parallel passages in both compartments. The calculated time constant of the two volumes and their respective passages, with the telescope protective door closed, is a few seconds, which is slightly less than that of the shuttle bay volume with the bay doors closed. With the telescope door closed, the pressures in the two compartments should decay to about 1OE-5 torr in about 200 hours. The contaminant deposits were assessed on the basis of expected partial pressures of the contaminant fraction of the outgassing. These pressures and the activation energies of the source materials were used to calculate the adsorbed and condensed deposits on the surfaces as a function of time.

Scialdone, J. J.↗

High-Temperature Electronics: A Role for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors?

It is increasingly recognized that semiconductor based electronics that can function at ambient temperatures higher than 150 C without external cooling could greatly benefit a variety of important applications, especially-in the automotive, aerospace, and energy production industries. The fact that wide bandgap semiconductors are capable of electronic functionality at much higher temperatures than silicon has partially fueled their development, particularly in the case of SiC. It appears unlikely that wide bandgap semiconductor devices will find much use in low-power transistor applications until the ambient temperature exceeds approximately 300 C, as commercially available silicon and silicon-on-insulator technologies are already satisfying requirements for digital and analog very large scale integrated circuits in this temperature range. However, practical operation of silicon power devices at ambient temperatures above 200 C appears problematic, as self-heating at higher power levels results in high internal junction temperatures and leakages. Thus, most electronic subsystems that simultaneously require high-temperature and high-power operation will necessarily be realized using wide bandgap devices, once the technology for realizing these devices become sufficiently developed that they become widely available. Technological challenges impeding the realization of beneficial wide bandgap high ambient temperature electronics, including material growth, contacts, and packaging, are briefly discussed.

Neudeck, Philip G.↗