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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

An information theory characterization of radar images and a new definition for radiometric resolution

The noise properties of the radar image formation process are used in the present modeling of a communication channel in which the desired target properties are the information transmitted, and the final image represents the received signal. The average information rate over this communication channel is calculated together with appropriate bounds and approximations, and is found to be small on a per-sample basis. As a result, many samples must be averaged to allow for the discrimination, or classification, of several levels of target reflectivity. These information rate properties are consistent with known results concerning target detection and image quality in speckle, and the rate is applicable to the definition of radar image radiometric resolution. Radiometric resolution is functionally related to the degree of noncoherent averaging performed by the sensor.

Frost, V. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Raman structural studies of the nickel electrode

Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to empirically controlled nickel electrode structural variations, and has unique potential for structural characterization of these materials. How the structure relates to electrochemical properties is examined so that the latter can be more completely understood, controlled, and optimized. Electrodes were impregnated and cycled, and cyclic voltammetry is being used for electrochemical characterization. Structural variation was observed which has escaped detection using other methods. Structural changes are induced by: (1) cobalt doping, (2) the state of change or discharge, (3) the preparation conditions and type of buffer used, and (4) the formation process. Charged active mass has an NiOOH-type structure, agreeing with X-ray diffraction results. Discharged active mass, however, is not isostructural with beta-Ni(OH)2. Chemically prepared alpha phases are not isostructural either. A disordered structural model, containing point defects, is proposed for the cycled materials. This model explains K(+) incorporation. Band assignments were made and spectra interpreted for beta-Ni(OH)2, electrochemical NiOOH and chemically precipitated NiOOH.

Cornilsen, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Multispectral Analysis of the Kasei Vallis-lanae Planum Region of Mars

The surficial geology of the Kasei Vallis - Lunae Planum region of Mars was investigated using the three color Viking Orbiter 1 data. Spatial resolution is 820m and Ls = 100 deg, a season of low atmospheric and and surface dustiness. This region was chosen for high quality color and thermal inertia data as well as for the diversity of volcanic plains and fluvial landform. The data was reformatted to Mercator projection and calibrated to normal reflectance using in flight calibration parameters and observed photometric properties. Color properties from this image are displayed in two forms: the Red Albedo vs. Violet Albedo two dimensional histogram, and representative 3 point spectra. Virtually the full range of regolith color properties known from prior research is represented, plus some new characteristics. Interpretations of the data are presented which address general composition and formation processes of channel and intracrater deposits.

Singer, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Bursting star formation and the overabundance of Wolf-Rayet stars

The ratio of the number of WR-stars to their OB progenitors appears to be significantly higher in some extragalactic systems than in our Galaxy. This overabundance of Wolf-Rayet-stars can be explained as a consequence of a recent burst of star formation. It is suggested that this burst is the manifestation of a long period nonlinear oscillation in the star formation process, produced by positive feedback effects between young stars and the interstellar medium. Star burst galaxies with large numbers of WR-stars must generate gamma - fluxes but due to the distance, all of them are beyond the reach of present-day ray detectors, except probably 30 Dor.

Bodigfee, G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Quantification of waste morphology in Martian fretted terrain

Qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed on the northern fretted terrain of the Martian Isnenius Lacus quadrangle to determine the formation processes. The fretted terrain lies between 35-50 deg N latitude and 305-350 deg W longitude and was mapped with Viking orbiter instrumentation. The dominant landforms are a sequence of heavily cratered terrain, scattered flat-floored, fretted valleys, linear waste-covered valleys between flat-topped mesas, circum-mesa debris areas, a transition from mesas to knobby terrain, fewer upland forms, and low-relief, mantled, polar plains. The features spread out from a cratered terrain boundary in a succession of shapes. A principal components analysis characterizes definable spatial variations in the surface morphology and suggests that the features are youngest in the southwest direction. Relationships are also found between neighboring features. The principal components analysis technique is concluded to be a valuable tool for explaining the geomorphic evolution of the Martian surface.

Kochel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The origin of selected lunar geochemical anomalies Implications for early volcanism and the formation of light plains

The geochemical anomalies on the eastern limb and far side of the moon are presently identified and characterized, and their formation processes are investigated, in light of Apollo spacecraft geochemical and photogeologic remote sensing data sets. The results of recent spectral reflectance studies of dark-haloed impact craters, together with considerations of anomaly surface chemistry, indicate that the geochemical anomalies associated with light plains deposits displaying dark-haloed impact craters are due to basaltic units that are either covered by varying thicknesses of highland debris or have a surface contaminated by significant amounts of highland materials.

Hawke, B. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Emitter formation in dendritic web silicon solar cells

The use of liquid dopants and liquid masks for p-n junction formation in dendritic web solar cells was investigated and found to be equivalent to the use of gaseous dopants and CVD SiO2 masks previously used. This results in a projected cost reduction of 0.02 1980$/Watt for a 25 MW/year production line, and makes possible junction formation processes having a higher throughput than more conventional processes. The effect of a low-energy (0.4 keV) hydrogen ion implant on dendritic web solar cells was also investigated. Such an implant was observed to improve Voc and Jsc substantially. Measurements of internal quantum efficiency suggest that it is the base of the cell, rather than the emitter, which benefits from the hydrogen implant. The diffusion length for electrons in the p-type base increased from 53 microns to 150 microns in one case, with dendritic web cell efficiency being boosted to 15.2 percent. The mechanism by which low-energy hydrogen ions can penetrate deeply into the silicon to effect the observed improvement is not known at this time.

Meier, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Exobiology experiment concepts for space station

The exobiology discipline uses ground based and space flight resources to conduct a multidiscipline research effort dedicated to understanding fundamental questions about the origin, evolution, and distribution of life and life related molecules throughout the universe. Achievement of this understanding requires a methodical research strategy which traces the history of the biogenic elements from their origins in stellar formation processes through the chemical evolution of molecules essential for life to the origin and evolution of primitive and, ultimately, complex living species. Implementation of this strategy requires the collection and integration of data from solar system exploration spacecraft and ground based and orbiting observatories and laboratories. The Science Lab Module (SLM) of the Space Station orbiting complex may provide an ideal setting in which to perform certain classes of experiments which form the cornerstone of exobiology research. These experiments could demonstrate the pathways and processes by which biomolecules are synthesized under conditions that simulate the primitive Earth, planetary atmospheres, cometary ices, and interstellar dust grains. Exobiology experiments proposed for the Space Station generally fall into four classes: interactions among gases and grains (nucleation, accretion, gas-grain reactions), high energy chemistry for the production of biomolecules, physical and chemical processes occurring on an artificial comet, and tests of the theory of panspermia.

Griffiths, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The evolution of impact basins - Cooling, subsidence, and thermal stress

The present study is concerned with an assessment of the contribution of thermal contraction and thermal stress to the topography and tectonics of large lunar impact basins. Exploratory models are developed, giving attention to the temperature structure following basin formation, the subsequent cooling of the basin region, and the resulting thermal displacements and stresses as functions of time. The subsidence and stress at the surface are compared with topography and tectonic features in the comparatively well-preserved Orientale basin. The results of the comparison are used as a basis to derive approximate constraints on the quantity and distribution of heat implanted during the basin-formation process.

Bratt, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Sensational spherical shells

Fluid-dynamic and capillary forces can be used to form nearly perfect, very small spherical shells when a liquid that can solidify is passed through an annular die to form an annular jet. Gravity and certain properties of even the most ideal materials, however, can cause slight asymmetries. The primary objective of the present work is the control of this shell formation process in earth laboratories rather than space microgravity, through the development of facilities and methods that minimize the deleterious effects of gravity, aerodynamic drag, and uncontrolled cooling. The spherical shells thus produced can be used in insulation, recyclable filter materials, fire retardants, explosives, heat transport slurries, shock-absorbing armor, and solid rocket motors.

Lee, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Orbit determination using synthetic aperture radar

The use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to estimate orbital parameters is studied. The SAR image formation process which requires the ability to repeatedly transmit identical signals and accurately sense the return echoes from a region of terrain is described. The orbit determination capabilities of the SAR system's observables are investigated. Five SAR observations were collected from a simulated shuttle orbit, which was circular with a latitude of 220 km and along-track velocity of 7.7 km/sec, to obtain along-track and line-of-sight direction position measurements; the simulation reveals that only three SAR observations were required to determine the position of the spacecraft to within 100 m. A prototype SAR orbit determination system was developed. The system consists of a VAX 11/780 time-shared computer, a frame buffer, topographic maps, and software for line-pixel location of an object within a SAR image and for orbit determination. The prototype is applied to the processing of a single short arc of Shuttle Imaging-Radar-B (SIR-B) data. It is observed that the SAR data is useful as orbit determination or tracking data; however, the low SNRs in the SIR-B data made feature identification difficult.

Taber, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

VLA observations of Jupiter at 1.3 - 20 cm wavelengths

In order to study the vertical distribution of ammonia as a function of Jovian latitude, high resolution images were obtained with the VLA at 1.3, 2, 6 and 20 cm wavelengths. Although the interpretation of the data is quite complicated due to Jupiter's synchrotron radiation, which in fact is the dominant source of radiation at 29 cm, the belt-zone structure is clearly present at 2 and 6 cm wavelengths. At 1.3 cm near the center of the ammonia band, the structure is less pronounced, and at 20 cm it is absent. The data is currently being fitted with model atmosphere calculations. Since one probes in and through the visible cloud layers at these wavelengths (temperatures of 135 to 400 K), and the opacity is likely all provided by ammonia gas, a detailed vertical distribution of this gas can be obtained as a function of Jovian latitude. This ought to give insight in the formation processes of the white cloud layers in the zones and their absence above the belts.

Depater, Imke↗
NASA NTRS1987

Natural fracture systems on planetary surfaces: Genetic classification and pattern randomness

One method for classifying natural fracture systems is by fracture genesis. This approach involves the physics of the formation process, and it has been used most frequently in attempts to predict subsurface fractures and petroleum reservoir productivity. This classification system can also be applied to larger fracture systems on any planetary surface. One problem in applying this classification system to planetary surfaces is that it was developed for ralatively small-scale fractures that would influence porosity, particularly as observed in a core sample. Planetary studies also require consideration of large-scale fractures. Nevertheless, this system offers some valuable perspectives on fracture systems of any size.

Rossbacher, Lisa A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Infrared spectroscopy of star formation in galaxies

The Brackett alpha and beta lines with 7.2 seconds angular and 350 km/s velocity resolution were observed in 11 infrared-bright galaxies. From these measurements extinctions, Lyman continuum fluxes, and luminosities due to OB stars were derived. The galaxies observed to date are NGC3690, M38, NGC 5195, Arp 220, NGC 520, NGC660, NGC1614, NGC 3079, NGC 6946, NGC 7714, and Maffei 2, all of which were suggested at some time to be starburst ogjects. The contributions of OB stars to the luminosities of these galaxies can be quantified from the measurements and range from insignificant to sufficient to account for the total energy output. The OB stellar luminosities observed are as high as 10 to the 12th solar luminosities in the galaxy NGC 1614. It is noteworthy that star formation can play very different roles in the infrared energy output of galaxies of similar luminosity, as for example Arp 220 and NGC 1614. In addition to probing the star formation process in these galaxies, the Brackett line measurements, when compared to radio and infrared continuum results, have revealed some unexpected and at present imperfectly understood phenomena: in some very luminous sources the radio continuum appears to be suppressed relative to the infrared recombination lines; in many galaxies there is a substantial excess of 10 micron flux over that predicted from simple models of Lyman alpha heating of dust if young stars are the only significant energy source.

Beck, Sara C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A siphon mechanism for supplying prominence mass

A siphonlike mechanism for moving mass from the chromosphere to a gravitational well at the top of a magnetic loop to form a prominence is examined. The calculations assume no a priori flow velocity at the loop base. Instead, heating in the loop legs drives the flow. The prominence formation process requires two steps. First, the background heating rate must be reduced to on the order of 1 percent of the initial heating rate required to maintain the coronal loop. This forms an initial condensation at the top of the loop. Second, the heating must take place only in the loop legs in order to produce a pressure differential which drives mass up into the well at the top of the loop. The heating rate in the loop must be increased once the prominence has begun to form, or full prominence densities cannot be achieved in a reasonable time. It is concluded that this heating driven siphonlike mechanism is feasible for producing and maintaining prominences.

Poland, A. I.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The poleward edge of the mid-latitude trough - Its formation, orientation and dynamics

Data from the Advanced Ionospheric Sounder (AIS) deployed at Halley, Antarctica (76-deg S, 27-deg W; L = 4.2) and the Dynamics Explorer-2 spacecraft (DE-2) are used to investigate several aspects of the formation processes and dynamics of the poleward edge of the midlatitude electron density trough. These include a study of the flux and energy of charged particles precipitating into the F-region as a function of Magnetic Local Time. It is found that local energetic electron precipitation is a major source of ionization of the poleward edge in the evening sector, but only after magnetic midnight transport processes become more important. Occasionally a significant increase in the flux of conjugate photoelectrons is colocated with the poleward edge of the trough in the morning sector. The combination of AIS and DE-2 data has allowed identification of significant longitudinal structure on the poleward edge of the trough that may be the result of substorm activity. It is found that the orientation of the poleward edge of the trough and the locus of the plasmapause predicted from the 'tear-drop' model vary in rather a similar manner with local time, though no close physical link between the two features is inferred from this coincidence.

Rodger, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The Giacobini-Zinner magnetotail - Tail configuration and current sheet

The configuration and properties of the draped Giacobini-Zinner magnetotail and its field-reversing current sheet are studied using the combined magnetic field and plasma electron data sets obtained from the International Cometary Explorer spacecraft when it traversed (in October 1985) the comet 7800 km downstream of the nucleus. The MHD equations are used to derive pressure balance and plasma acceleration conditions. The implications of the various properties derived are examined, particularly with regard to the upstream near-nucleus region where the tail formation process occurs.

Mccomas, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The role of orbital dynamics and cloud-cloud collisions in the formation of giant molecular clouds in global spiral structures

The role of orbit crowding and cloud-cloud collisions in the formation of GMCs and their organization in global spiral structure is investigated. Both N-body simulations of the cloud system and a detailed analysis of individual particle orbits are used to develop a conceptual understanding of how individual clouds participate in the collective density response. Detailed comparisons are made between a representative cloud-particle simulation in which the cloud particles collide inelastically with one another and give birth to and subsequently interact with young star associations and stripped down simulations in which the cloud particles are allowed to follow ballistic orbits in the absence of cloud-cloud collisions or any star formation processes. Orbit crowding is then related to the behavior of individual particle trajectories in the galactic potential field. The conceptual picture of how GMCs are formed in the clumpy ISMs of spiral galaxies is formulated, and the results are compared in detail with those published by other authors.

Roberts, William W., Jr.↗