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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Oxygen isotopes in refractory stratospheric dust particles - Proof of extraterrestial origin

The oxygen and magnesium isotopic compositions of five individual particles that were collected from the stratosphere and that bear refractory minerals were measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Four of the particles exhibit excesses of oxygen-16 similar to those observed in anhydrous mineral phases of carbonaceous chondrites and thus are extraterrestrial. The oxygen and magnesium isotopic abundances of one corundum-rich particle are consistent with a terrestial origin. Magnesium in the four extraterrestrial particles is isotopically normal. It is unlikely that these particles are derived from carbonaceous chondrites and thus such particles probably represent a new type of collected extraterrestrial material.

Mckeegan, Kevin D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Micromechanics for particulate reinforced composites

A set of micromechanics equations for the analysis of particulate reinforced composites is developed using the mechanics of materials approach. Simplified equations are used to compute homogenized or equivalent thermal and mechanical properties of particulate reinforced composites in terms of the properties of the constituent materials. The microstress equations are also presented here to decompose the applied stresses on the overall composite to the microstresses in the constituent materials. The properties of a 'generic' particulate composite as well as those of a particle reinforced metal matrix composite are predicted and compared with other theories as well as some experimental data. The micromechanics predictions are in excellent agreement with the measured values.

Murthy, Pappu L. N.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Tracing the Path of Carbon Export in the Ocean though DNA Sequencing of Individual Sinking Particles

Surface phytoplankton communities were linked with the carbon they export into the deep ocean by comparing 18 S rRNA gene sequence communities from surface seawater and individually isolated sinking particles. Particles were collected in sediment traps deployed at locations in the North Pacific subtropical gyre and the California Current. DNA was isolated from individual particles, bulk-collected trap particles, and the surface seawater. The relative sequence abundance of exported phytoplankton taxa in the surface water varied across functional groups and ecosystems. Of the sequences detected in sinking particles, about half were present in large (>300 μm), individually isolated particles and primarily belonged to taxa with small cell sizes (<50 μm). Exported phytoplankton taxa detected only in bulk trap samples, and thus presumably packaged in the smaller sinking size fraction, contained taxa that typically have large cell sizes (>500 m). The effect of particle degradation on the detectable 18 S rRNA gene community differed across taxa, and differences in community composition among individual particles from the same location largely reflected differences in relative degradation state. Using these data and particle imaging, we present an approach that incorporates genetic diversity into mechanistic models of the ocean's biological carbon pump, which will lead to better quantification of the ocean’s carbon cycle.

Carbon Expert↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Advanced Composition Explorer Shock Database and Application to Particle Acceleration Theory

The theory of particle acceleration via diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) has been studied in depth by Gosling et al. (1981), van Nes et al. (1984), Mason (2000), Desai et al. (2003), Zank et al. (2006), among many others. Recently, Parker and Zank (2012, 2014) and Parker et al. (2014) using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) shock database at 1 AU explored two questions: does the upstream distribution alone have enough particles to account for the accelerated downstream distribution and can the slope of the downstream accelerated spectrum be explained using DSA? As was shown in this research, diffusive shock acceleration can account for a large population of the shocks. However, Parker and Zank (2012, 2014) and Parker et al. (2014) used a subset of the larger ACE database. Recently, work has successfully been completed that allows for the entire ACE database to be considered in a larger statistical analysis. We explain DSA as it applies to single and multiple shocks and the shock criteria used in this statistical analysis. We calculate the expected injection energy via diffusive shock acceleration given upstream parameters defined from the ACE Solar Wind Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor (SWEPAM) data to construct the theoretical upstream distribution. We show the comparison of shock strength derived from diffusive shock acceleration theory to observations in the 50 keV to 5 MeV range from an instrument on ACE. Parameters such as shock velocity, shock obliquity, particle number, and time between shocks are considered. This study is further divided into single and multiple shock categories, with an additional emphasis on forward-forward multiple shock pairs. Finally with regard to forwardforward shock pairs, results comparing injection energies of the first shock, second shock, and second shock with previous energetic population will be given.

Parker, L. Neergaard↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Advanced Composition Explorer Shock Database and Application to Particle Acceleration Theory

The theory of particle acceleration via diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) has been studied in depth by Gosling et al. (1981), van Nes et al. (1984), Mason (2000), Desai et al. (2003), Zank et al. (2006), among many others. Recently, Parker and Zank (2012, 2014) and Parker et al. (2014) using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) shock database at 1 AU explored two questions: does the upstream distribution alone have enough particles to account for the accelerated downstream distribution and can the slope of the downstream accelerated spectrum be explained using DSA? As was shown in this research, diffusive shock acceleration can account for a large population of the shocks. However, Parker and Zank (2012, 2014) and Parker et al. (2014) used a subset of the larger ACE database. Recently, work has successfully been completed that allows for the entire ACE database to be considered in a larger statistical analysis. We explain DSA as it applies to single and multiple shocks and the shock criteria used in this statistical analysis. We calculate the expected injection energy via diffusive shock acceleration given upstream parameters defined from the ACE Solar Wind Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor (SWEPAM) data to construct the theoretical upstream distribution. We show the comparison of shock strength derived from diffusive shock acceleration theory to observations in the 50 keV to 5 MeV range from an instrument on ACE. Parameters such as shock velocity, shock obliquity, particle number, and time between shocks are considered. This study is further divided into single and multiple shock categories, with an additional emphasis on forward-forward multiple shock pairs. Finally with regard to forward-forward shock pairs, results comparing injection energies of the first shock, second shock, and second shock with previous energetic population will be given.

Parker, L. Neergaard↗
NASA NTRS2009

Silica-Aerogel Composites Opacified with La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3

As part of an effort to develop improved lightweight thermal-insulation tiles to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 C, silica aerogel/fused-quartz-fiber composite materials containing La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 particles as opacifiers have been investigated as potentially offering thermal conductivities lower than those of the otherwise equivalent silica-aerogel composite materials not containing La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles. The basic idea of incorporating opacifying particles into silica-aerogels composite to reduce infrared radiative contributions to thermal conductivities at high temperatures is not new: it has been reported in a number of previous NASA Tech Briefs articles. What is new here is the selection of La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles as candidate opacifiers that, in comparison with some prior opacifiers (carbon black and metal nanoparticles), are more thermally stable. The preparation of a composite material of the present type includes synthesis of the silica-aerogel component in a sol-gel process. The La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles, made previously in a separate process, are mixed into the sol, which is then cast onto fused-quartz-fiber batting. Then the aerogel-casting solution is poured into the mold, where it permeates the silica fiber felt. After the sol has gelled, the casting is aged and then subjected to supercritical drying to convert the gel to the final aerogel form. The separate process for making the La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles begins with the slow addition of corresponding proportions of La(CH3COOH)3, Mn(CH3COOH)3, and Sr(NO3)2 to a solution of H2O2 in H2O. The solution is then peptized by drop-wise addition of NH4OH to obtain a sol. Next, the sol is dried in an oven at a temperature of 120 C to obtain a glassy solid. The solid is calcined at 700 C to convert it to La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3. Then La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles are made by ball-milling the calcined solid. The effectiveness of La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles as opacifiers and thermal-conductivity reducers depends on the statistical distribution of particle sizes as well as the relative proportions of La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 and aerogel. For experiments performed thus far, samples of aerogel/fiber composites were formulated to have, variously, silica target density of 0.07 or 0.14 g/cu cm and to contain 30 percent of La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 in average particle size of 0.3 or 3 microns. The thermal conductivities of the samples containing the 3 micron La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles were found to be lower than those of the samples containing the 0.3 micron La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 particles. The optimum particle size is believed to be between 1 and 5 microns.

Rhine, Wendell↗
NASA NTRS2004

Particulate Titanium Matrix Composites Tested--Show Promise for Space Propulsion Applications

Uniformly distributed particle-strengthened titanium matrix composites (TMCs) can be manufactured at lower cost than many types of continuous-fiber composites. The innovative manufacturing technology combines cold and hot isostatic pressing procedures to produce near-final-shape components. Material stiffness is increased up to 26-percent greater than that of components made with conventional titanium materials at no significant increase in the weight. The improved mechanical performance and low-cost manufacturing capability motivated an independent review to assess the improved properties of ceramic titanium carbide (TiC) particulate-reinforced titanium at elevated temperature. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center creatively designed and executed deformation and durability tests to reveal operating regimes where these materials could lower the cost and weight of space propulsion systems. The program compares the elevated-temperature performance of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V matrix material to an alloy containing 10 wt% of TiC particles. Initial experiments showed that at these relatively low particle concentrations the material stiffness of the TMC was improved 20 percent over that of the plain Ti-6Al-4V alloy when tested at 427 C. The proportional limit and ultimate strength of the composite in tension are 21- and 14-percent greater than those of the plain alloy. Compression tests showed that the proportional limit is about 30 percent greater for TMC than for the plain alloy. The enhanced deformation resistance of the TMC was also evident in a series of tensile and compressive stress relaxation tests that were made. Specimens were subjected to tensile or compressive strain amplitudes of 0.75 percent for 24 hr followed by a return to zero strain imposed for 24 hr. The stress relaxation data were normalized with respect to the maximum stress for each case and plotted as a function of time in the following graph. Tensile stresses relaxed 19 percent for the TMC and 25 percent for the plain Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Compressive stresses relaxed 25 percent for the TMC and 39 percent for the plain Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The superior deformation resistance of the TMC extends to a creep rate that is 28-percent slower for the TMC when it is loaded to stress levels that are 26-percent higher than for the plain Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

Lerch, Bradley A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Systematics of the CHON and other light-element particle populations in Comet Halley

Based on chemical signatures measured by the PIA experiment during the Giotto flyby of comet Halley, particle classifications were designated. In addition to silicate-like grains and particles of mixed (cosmic) composition, there appear to be several light-element rich populations, including the CHON, (H,C), (H,C,O), and (H,C,N) particle types. These compositional classes are further distinguished by differences in mass distributions, a density indicator, and variations in relative abundance within the coma. These particle populations are evidence for chemical heterogeneity in the surface of the cometary nucleus. Particles found mainly in the inner coma may be volatile icy grains. Most of the N of the comet may be found in up to three different populations of grains; one or more of these may be responsible for the observation of cyanojets.

Clark, Benton↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Generation of Lighting in the Solar Nebula

The process that melted and formed the chondrules, mm-sized glassy beads within meteorites, has not been conclusively identified. Origin by lightning in the solar nebula is consistent with many features of chondrules, but no viable model of lightning has yet been advanced. We present a model demonstrating how lightning could be generated in the solar nebula which differs from previous models in three important aspects. First, we identify a new', powerful charging mechanism that is based on the differences in contact potentials between particles of different composition, a form of triboelectric charging. In the presence of fine silicate grains and fine iron metal grains, large silicate particles (the chondrules) can acquire charges of +10(exp 5) e. Second, we assume that the chondrule precursor particles are selectively concentrated in clumps 1 - 100 km in size by the turbulent concentration mechanism described by Cuzzi et al. (1996). The concentration of these highly charged particles into clumps, in a background of negatively charged metal grains, is what generates the strong electric fields. Third, we make refinements in the estimates of the breakdown electric field and the ionization rate. We calculate that electric fields large enough to trigger breakdown easily could have existed over regions large enough (approx. 100km) to generate very large discharges of electrical energy (approx. 10(exp 16)erg). The discharges would have been sufficiently energetic and frequent to have formed the chondrules. We place constraints on the generation of lightning and conclude that it could not be generated if the abundance of Al-26 in chondrules was as high as the level in the CAls. This conclusion is consistent with isotopic analyses of chondrules. This possibly implies that Al-26 was non-uniformly distributed in the solar nebula or that the chondrules formed several Myr after the CAIs.

Cuzzi, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS1984

Attempt at dust debris collection with stacked detectors (A0138-2)

The primary objective of this experiment is to investigate the feasibility of future missions of multilayer thin-film detectors acting as energy sorter to collect micrometeoroids, if not in their original shape, at least as fragments suitable for chemical analysis. It is expected that this kind of particle collector will help in solving one of the most puzzling topics in cosmic-dust studies: the mineralogical and chemical composition of the particles. This is a matter of great interest in the study of the origin and evolution of the solar system.

Mandeville, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

ISEE observations of the plasma sheet boundary, plasma sheet, and neutral sheet. I - Electric field, magnetic field, plasma, and ion composition

The first simultaneous study of dc and ac electric and magnetic fields, E x B velocity, plasma flows, ratio of plasma to magnetic field pressure, total energy density, energetic particles, and ion composition from the ISEE satellites and ground and interplanetary magnetic fields has been made to determine (1) the relationship of the previously observed electric fields at the plasma sheet boundary and at the neutral sheet to plasma parameters, and (2) whether the phenomena occurring during quiet and active times were consistent with the formation of a near-earth neutral line during substorms or with the boundary layer model. Five observations made during the study of two substorms were seen to be in agreement with the neutral-line model. The observations are consistent with the satellite being located at varying distances from the neutral line and diffusion region where reconnection and plasma acceleration were occurring. Although the z component (into or out of the ecliptic plane) of E x B convection was generally toward the neutral sheet, there were examples when it was consistent with the inferred motion of the plasma sheet past the satellite. A synthesis of previous reports on large electric fields at the plasma sheet boundary and variable fields at the neutral sheet including the associated plasma flows is also described.

Cattell, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Average energetic ion flux variations associated with geomagnetic activity from EPIC/STICS on Geotail

The magnetotail ion flux measurements from the Geotail spacecraft are analyzed both with and without the application of selection criteria that identify the plasma regime in which an observation is obtained. The different results are compared with each other. The initial results on the changes of energetic ion flux and composition correlated to average substorm activity in different magnetotail plasma regimes are discussed. The energetic ions are measured using the energetic particles and ion composition (EPIC) experiment and the suprathermal ion composition spectrometer (STICS). The plasma, wave and field instruments of the Geotail satellite were used to identify the principle magnetotail plasma regimes of plasma sheet, lobe, and magnetospheric boundary layer, as well as the magnetosheath and solar wind. Energetic O and H ions were observed in all the plasma regimes.

Christon, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The measurement of trace elements in interplanetary dust and cometary particles by ultra-high sensitivity INAA

Today the major elemental composition of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) is routinely determined in many laboratories. These and mineralogical studies have revealed the presence of at least two major types of IDPs, chondritic and refractory. Preliminary results of a successful attempt to determine abundances of a large suite of trace elements from both chondritic and refractory IDPs are reported. The analytical procedure can be used in the grain-by-grain analysis of returned cometary samples. Chondritic and refractory IDPs are characterized by standard scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) techniques. With this system, detection limits for many elements are well below picogram levels, and some approach femtogram levels. This technique is non-destructive, although some sample handling is required, so particles can be analyzed by other techniques after instrument neutron activation analysis (INAA) is completed. Data is presently being reduced from the analyses of 7 IDPs. These are U2015E10, U2015F1, W7029-A2, W7029-A3, W7013A8, LACl (all chondritic) and 705 (refractory). So far, 17 different major and trace elements were detected and measured in these particles, including rare earths and some very volatile elements (Br and Zn).

Zolensky, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Quantifying the Impacts of PM2.5 Constituents and Relative Humidity on Visibility Impairment in a Suburban Area of Eastern Asia Using Long-Term In-Situ Measurements.

The deterioration of visibility due to air pollutants and relative humidity has been a serious environmental problem in eastern Asia. In most previous studies, chemical compositions of atmospheric particles were provided using filter-based offline analyses, which were unable to provide long-term and in-situ measurements that resolve sufficient temporal variations of air pollution and meteorology, hindering the resolution of the relationship between air quality and visibility. Here, we present a year-long continuously measured data from a comprehensive suite of online instruments to investigate diurnal and seasonal impacts of the aerosol chemical compositions in PM2.5 on visibility seasonally and diurnally. The measured dry aerosol extinction at λ = 550 nm reached a closure with that predicted by aerosol compositions within 12%. However, the hygroscopic growth of particles under ambient RH could enhance the aerosol extinction by a factor of 2 – 6, matching the perceptive visibility of the public. Particulate ammonium nitrate was most sensitive to reducing visibility, while ammonium sulfate contributed the most to the light extinction. In spring and winter, the monsoon and stagnant air masses reduced the visibility and increased PM2.5 (> 35 μg m-3).The moisture was found to substantially enhance the light extinction under RH = 60 – 90%,reducing visibility by approximately 15 km, largely attributed to hygroscopic inorganic salts.This study serves as a metric to highlight the need to consider the influence of RH, and aqueous reactions in producing secondary inorganic aerosols on atmospheric visibility, underpinning the more accurate mitigation strategies of air pollution.

visibility↗
NASA NTRS1999

Shielding from Solar Particle Event Exposures in Deep Space

The physical composition and intensities of solar particle event exposures or sensitive astronaut tissues are examined under conditions approximating an astronaut in deep space. Response functions for conversion of particle fluence into dose and dose equivalent averaged over organ tissue, are used to establish significant fluence levels and the expected dose and dose rates of the most important events from past observations. The BRYNTRN transport code is used to evaluate the local environment experienced by sensitive tissues and used to evaluate bioresponse models developed for use in tactical nuclear warfare. The present results will help to the biophysical aspects of such exposure in the assessment of RBE and dose rate effects and their impact on design of protection systems for the astronauts. The use of polymers as shielding material in place of an equal mass of aluminum would prowide a large safety factor without increasing the vehicle mass. This safety factor is sufficient to provide adequate protection if a factor of two larger event than has ever been observed in fact occurs during the mission.

Wilson, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Gamma ray emission and solar flares

Solar gamma ray line and continuum emission provide information about particle acceleration and its temporal behavior; the energy spectrum, composition and directivity of the accelerated particles; and the composition, density and temperatures of the ambient medium. These data, coupled with the comprehensive photon and particle observations available for the sun, give a detailed picture of the particle acceleration and flare energy release processes. Additional information on elemental and isotopic abundances, surface nuclear reactions and coronal heating mechanisms can be obtained. Implications of present observations and the potential return from future observational are discussed.

Lin, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A geochemical and petrographic study of 1-2-mm fines from Apollo 17

Samples of fines less than 1-mm and 155 1-2 mm particles from several Apollo 17 sites were analyzed for Na, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Hf, Ta, Th, and REE. Products of comminution and construction are present in the 1-2 mm particles, and the compositions of the rock fragments clearly indicate the general chemical characteristics of their parent rock types. The likely sources of materials for the glassy particles are considered. Glasses are enriched over their parent soils in Fe, Sc, Mn, and Cr, and are relatively enriched in light REE, so that some chemical fractionation accompanies glass-forming processes. Elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Blanchard, D. P.↗