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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 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

The Beta Pictoris circumstellar disk. XV - Highly ionized species near Beta Pictoris

Temporal variations of the Fe II, Mg II, and Al III circumstellar lines towards Beta Pictoris have been detected and monitored since 1985. However, the unusual presence of Al III ions is still puzzling, since the UV stellar flux from an A5V star such as Beta Pic is insufficient to produce such an ion. In order to better define the origin of such a phenomenon, new observations have been carried out to detect faint signatures of other highly ionized species in the short UV wavelength range, where the stellar continuum flux is low. These observations reveal variations not only near the C IV doublet lines, but also in C I and Al II lines, two weakly ionized species, not clearly detectable until now. In the framework of an infalling body scenario, highly ionized species would be created in the tail, far from the comet head, by collisions with ambient gas surrounding the star, or a weak stellar wind. Spectral changes have also been detected near a CO molecular band location, which, if confirmed, would provide the first molecular signature around Beta Pictoris.

Deleuil, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Galactic halo and local intergalactic medium toward PKS 2155-304

Low-resolution UV observations of the bright, low-redshift BL Lac object PKS 2155-304 have been obtained by the HST's high-resolution spectrograph. Attention is here given to results on the number of intergalactic H I Ly-alpha components in the line-of-sight toward this object. The highest-redshift of the observed Ly-alpha systems furnishes a lower limit on the distance of the BL Lac object; this distance is consistent with the approximate redshift deduced from CCD imagery of the probable host galaxy for PKS 2155-304.

Bruhweiler, Frederick C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Observation of Pollution Events at Low Altitude During TRACER-AQ – The Advantage of Adaptive Resolution Lidar

The TRACER-AQ campaign happened in August-September 2021 in Houston, Texas. Its objective was to better understand the pollution events in the coastal environment and to evaluate models and satellite observations. As a supporting instrument, NASA’s Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL) was installed on the Houston campus, adjacent to University of Houston’s air-quality site, and performed observations of ozone and aerosols. Co-located instrumentation included a Pandora spectrophotometer, in-situ trace-gas measurements, and ozonesonde launches. Thanks to an adaptive resolution retrieval scheme, LMOL was able to detect thin-layer O3 structures at low (~200m) altitude that are not captured by the ozonesondes, and would ordinarily be missed with traditional coarse TOLNet lidar vertical averaging. We show that some of these features are not present in the models and are likely coming from local, industry-generated, emissions.

Guillaume Gronoff↗
NASA NTRS1982

On the cause of the flat-spot phenomenon observed in silicon solar cells at low temperatures and low intensities

A model is presented that explains the "flat-spot" (FS) power loss phenomenon observed in silicon solar cells operating deep space (low temperature, low intensity) conditions. Evidence is presented suggesting that the effect is due to localized metallurgical interactions between the silicon substrate and the contact metallization. These reactions are shown to result in localized regions in which the PN junction is destroyed and replaced with a metal-semiconductor-like interface. The effects of thermal treatment, crystallographic orientation, junction depth, and metallurization are presented along with a method of preventing the effect through the suppression of vacancy formation at the free surface of the contact metallization. Preliminary data indicating the effectiveness of a TiN diffusion barrier in preventing the effect are also given.

Weizer, V. G.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Analysis of Surface and Bulk Behavior in Ni-Pd Alloys

The most salient features of the surface structure and bulk behavior of Ni-Pd alloys have been studied using the BFS method for alloys. Large-scale atomistic simulations were performed to investigate surface segregation profiles as a function of temperature, crystal face, and composition. Pd enrichment of the first layer was observed in (111) and (100) surfaces, and enrichment of the top two layers occurred for (110) surfaces. In all cases, the segregation profile shows alternate planes enriched and depleted in Pd. In addition, the phase structure of bulk Ni-Pd alloys as a function of temperature and composition was studied. A weak ordering tendency was observed at low temperatures, which helps explain the compositional oscillations in the segregation profiles. Finally, based on atom-by-atom static energy calculations, a comprehensive explanation for the observed surface and bulk features will be presented in terms of competing chemical and strain energy effects.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗
NASA NTRS1993

X-ray evidence for particulate contamination on the AXAF VETA-1 mirrors

X-ray testing of the AXAF outer mirror pairs, in the VETA-1 configuration, reveals a point spread function (PSF) with unexpectedly large wings at low energies. Although the angular dependence in the wings of the PSF is close to that expected for diffractive scattering from surface roughness, the energy dependence differs substantially. Analyses of the observed X-ray PSF, images near ring focus, and single-quadrant images at conjugate focus suggest that the excess scattering observed at low X-ray energies results from diffractive scattering by relatively small grains (as small as a few tenths micrometer in radius). We develop a simple model for the contribution of scattering by particulates to the PSF. Merging this model with that for scattering by surface roughness, we fit the combined model to the observed energy-dependent PSF, in order to estimate parameters and associated uncertainties characterizing the grain-size distribution and the surface-roughness power spectral density. In particular, we find that the fractional coverage of the mirrors by particulates is approximately 1 x 10 exp -4 (for grain radii between 0.1 and 10 microns), and that the rms surface-roughness is approximately 0.7 nm (for spatial frequencies between 1/mm and 1000/mm).

O'Dell, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Far-infrared polarization of the Kleinmann-Low Nebula in Orion

Polarization observed in the Kleinmann-Low Nebula is described. The observations were obtained by the Kuiper Airborne Observatory at an altitude of 12 km and in wavelength ranges 16-26, 28-48, 44-72, and 71-115 microns. Beyond 28 microns, the 2% polarization detected is consistent with zero polarization, while the upper limit in the 16-26 micron range is 7% polarization. It is suggested that the smallness of the detected polarization restricts nebula models for explaining the observations.

Gull, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Source characteristics and locations of hectometric radio emissions from the northern Jovian hemisphere

Northern Jovian hectometric (HOM) radio emissions, detected from high Jovian latitudes by the Unified Radio and Plasma Wave experiment on the Ulysses spacecraft, were observed at all Jovian longitudes. This emission was observed to be predominantly right-hand circularly polarized, but some left-hand circular polarization was observed implying the presence of O mode emissions from the northern Jovian hemisphere. Intense HOM emissions, with well-defined directions and polarizations, were often confined to similar longitudinal regions where intense HOM emissions were previously observed at low latitudes. The present analysis confirms that these northern HOM sources lie in the Jovian polar regions on magnetic field lines that pass through the Io plasma torus. The observations may be consistent with emission from either a filled cone beam or a longitudinal distribution of thin hollow cones.

Reiner, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

On the cause of the flat-spot phenomenon observed in silicon solar cells at low temperatures and low intensities

A model is presented that explains the 'flat-spot' power-loss phenomenon observed in silicon solar cells operating under deep space (low temperature, low intensity) conditions. Evidence is presented suggesting that the effect is due to localized metallurgical interactions between the silicon substrate and the contact metallization. These reactions are shown to result in localized regions in which the PN junction is destroyed and replaced with a metal-semiconductor-like interface. The effects of thermal treatment, crystallographic orientation, junction depth, and metallization are presented along with a method of preventing the effect through the suppression of vacancy formation at the free surface of the contact metallization. Preliminary data indicating the effectiveness of a TiN diffusion barrier in preventing the effect are also given.

Weizer, V. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effects of long-chord acoustically treated stator vanes on fan noise. 1: Effect of long chord (taped stator)

A set of long-chord stator vanes was designed to replace the vanes in an existing fan stage. The long vanes consisted of a turning section and axial extension pieces, both of which incorporated acoustic damping material. The acoustic damping material was made inactive for these tests by covering with metal tape, and the stator vanes were tested in three length configurations. Compared to the values for the original stage, broadband noise was reduced in the middle to high frequencies with the long stator vanes, but a broadband noise increase was observed at the low frequencies. No change was observed in the blade passage tone, but some aft end reduction in the overtones was observed.

Dittmar, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS2021

HaloSat Observations of Heliospheric Solar Wind Charge eXchange

X-ray emission from solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) produced in interplanetary space contaminates every astrophysical observation, regardless of the line-of-sight. Unfortunately, the primary SWCX emission lines also happen to be important diagnostics of astrophysical plasmas. Models of SWCX emission are limited by two main uncertainties: the local solar wind fluxes along the line-of-sight, and the charge exchange cross sections. The He cone, a localized density enhancement of helium neutrals, is the only heliospheric SWCX emission feature that is small enough and bright enough to be observationally isolated from the X-ray background and the broader SWCX emission. HaloSat, an X-ray CubeSat mission, has recently completed two series of specialized observations, near and far from the ecliptic plane, during two Earth transits of the He cone. These observations were used to test the predictions of a SWCX emission model against the emission observed at low ecliptic latitudes, where the solar wind data are monitored, and at high ecliptic latitudes, where the solar wind data are extrapolated. The measured SWCX emission for the set of observations near the ecliptic plane were consistent with the line intensities predicted by the model, but were underpredicted for the set of observations at high ecliptic latitude near the south ecliptic pole. Additionally, high temperature Galactic Halo emission components are reported for both spectral sets.

Solar Wind↗
NASA NTRS1986

He-3 in galactic cosmic rays

Cosmic-ray He-3/He-4 observations, including a new measurement around 65 MeV per nucleon from ISEE-3, are compared with interstellar propagation and solar modulation calculations in an effort to understand the origin of cosmic-ray He nuclei. A survey of spacecraft and balloon observations of the He-3/He-4 ratio shows improved consistency among measurements in the 50-300 MeV per nucleon energy range when a previously neglected contribution from atmospheric secondary He-3 is taken into account. These low-energy observations imply a mean escape length of 6-8 g/sq cm in the standard 'leaky box' model for cosmic-ray propagation in the Galaxy, a value consistent with that derived from studies of heavier nuclei. No evidence is found for an excess of low-energy He-3 such as that reported at high energies.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Radio continuum emission from T Tauri stars and associated structures

The current status of radio continuum observations of low mass, pre-main sequence stars (T Tauri stars) is discussed. The majority of T Tauri radio sources have been detected by the VLA telescope and a guide to both these and earlier observations is presented. Both nonthermal and thermal radio continuum emission has been detected from T Tauri stars. The likely emission processes and specific examples of their occurrence are outlined. The detected radio sources are often associated with the surroundings of the star, such as bipolar flows or diffuse extended optical nebulosity, rather than regions very close to the stellar surface. Only recently have radio continuum observations reached a sensitivity appropriate to the expected level of thermal free-free emission from the winds of ordinary T Tauri stars and it is possible that many more radio sources will now be found associated with these stars.

Brown, A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Preliminary Low Temperature Electron Irradiation of Triple Junction Solar Cells

For many years extending solar power missions far from the sun has been a challenge not only due to the rapid falloff in solar intensity (intensity varies as inverse square of solar distance) but also because some of the solar cells in an array may exhibit a LILT (low intensity low temperature) degradation that reduces array performance. Recent LILT tests performed on commercial triple junction solar cells have shown that high performance can be obtained at solar distances as great as approx. 5 AU1. As a result, their use for missions going far from the sun has become very attractive. One additional question that remains is whether the radiation damage experienced by solar cells under low temperature conditions will be more severe than when measured during room temperature radiation tests where thermal annealing may take place. This is especially pertinent to missions such as the New Frontiers mission Juno, which will experience cell irradiation from the trapped electron environment at Jupiter. Recent testing2 has shown that low temperature proton irradiation (10 MeV) produces cell degradation results similar to room temperature irradiations and that thermal annealing does not play a factor. Although it is suggestive to propose the same would be observed for low temperature electron irradiations, this has not been verified. JPL has routinely performed radiation testing on commercial solar cells and has also performed LILT testing to characterize cell performance under far sun operating conditions. This research activity was intended to combine the features of both capabilities to investigate the possibility of any room temperature annealing that might influence the measured radiation damage. Although it was not possible to maintain the test cells at a constant low temperature between irradiation and electrical measurements, it was possible to obtain measurements with the cell temperature kept well below room temperature. A fluence of 1E15 1MeV electrons was selected as representative of a moderately high dose that might be expected for a solar powered mission. Fluences much greater than this would require large increases in array area and mass, compromising the ability of PV to compete with non-solar alternatives.

Stella, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Performance of Wide Operating Temperature Range Electrolytes in Quallion Prototype Li-Ion Cells

For a number of applications, there is a continued interest in the development of rechargeable lithium-based batteries that can effectively operate over a wide temperature range (i.e., -40 to +70 deg C). These applications include powering future planetary rovers for NASA, enabling the next generation of automotive batteries for DOE, and supporting many DOD applications. Li-ion technology has been demonstrated to have good performance over a reasonably wide temperature range with many systems; however, there is still a desire to improve the low temperature rate capacity as well as the high temperature resilience. In the current study, we would like to present recent results obtained with prototype Li-Ion cells (manufactured by Quallion, LLC) which include various wide operating temperature range electrolytes developed by both JPL and Quallion. To demonstrate the viability of the technology, a number of performance tests were carried out, including: (a) discharge rate characterization over a wide temperature range (down to -60 deg C) using various rates (up to 20C rates), (b) discharge rate characterization at low temperatures with low temperature charging, (c) variable temperature cycling over a wide temperature range (-40 to +70 deg C), and (d) cycling at high temperature (50 deg C). As will be discussed, impressive rate capability was observed at low temperatures with many systems, as well as good resilience to high temperature cycling. To augment the performance testing on the prototype cells, a number of experimental three electrodes cells were fabricated (including Li reference electrodes) to allow the determination of the lithium kinetics of the respective electrodes and interfacial properties as a function of temperatures.

Lithium-ion↗
NASA NTRS1975

Low energy particle composition

A review is given of current knowledge of low-energy cosmic ray particles produced in the solar system. It is argued that the notion that the sun alone can accelerate particles in the solar system must be abandoned in light of evidence that Jupiter and earth may be sources of observed low-energy particles. Measurements of the composition and energy spectra of low-energy particles during quiet times are examined, emphasizing the abundance of protons and helium and of anomalous N, O, and Ne. The abundance of heavy particles (B, C, N, O, Ne, Ca and Fe) of unknown origin in the earth magnetosphere is examined. Reported observations of Jovian electrons are discussed and solar particle events with anomalous compositions (He-3 rich events and Fe rich events) are treated in detail. Nuclear abundances of solar particles, emphasizing their temporal and spatial variations are considered together with the nature of nuclear reaction products in solar flares.

Gloeckler, G.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Global Distribution of Density Irregularities in the Equatorial Ionosphere

We analyzed measurements of ion number density made by the retarding potential analyzer aboard the Atmosphere Explorer-E (AE-E) satellite, which was in an approximately circular orbit at an altitude near 300 km in 1977 and later at an altitude near 400 km. Large-scale (greater than 60 km) density measurements in the high-altitude regions show large depletions of bubble-like structures which are confined to narrow local time longitude, and magnetic latitude ranges, while those in the low-altitude regions show relatively small depletions which are broadly distributed,in space. For this reason we considered the altitude regions below 300 km and above 350 km and investigated the global distribution of irregularities using the rms deviation delta N/N over a path length of 18 km as an indicator of overall irregularity intensity. Seasonal variations of irregularity occurrence probability are significant in the Pacific regions, while the occurrence probability is always high in die Atlantic-African regions and is always low in die Indian regions. We find that the high occurrence probability in the Pacific regions is associated with isolated bubble structures, while that near 0 deg longitude is produced by large depictions with bubble structures which are superimposed on a large-scale wave-like background. Considerations of longitude variations due to seeding mechanisms and due to F region winds and drifts are necessary to adequately explain the observations at low and high altitudes. Seeding effects are most obvious near 0 deg longitude, while the most easily observed effect of the F region is the suppression of irregularity growth by interhemispheric neutral winds.

Kil, Hyosub↗