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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Stereo viewing 3-component, planar PIV utilizing fuzzy inference

An all electronic 3-D Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) system has been developed for use in high velocity (supersonic) flows. Two high resolution CCD cameras mounted in a stereo viewing configuration are used to determine the out-of-plane velocity component from the difference of the in-plane velocity measurements. Double exposure image frames are acquired and Fuzzy inference techniques are used to maximize the validity of the velocity estimates obtained from the auto-correlation analysis. The CCD cameras are tilted relative to their respective lens axes to satisfy Scheimpflug's condition. Tilting the camera film plane ensures that the entire image plane is in focus. Perspective distortion still results, but can be corrected by proper calibration of the optical system. A calibration fixture is used to determine the experimental setup parameters and to assess the accuracy to which the z-plane displacements can be estimated. The details of the calibration fixture and procedure are discussed in the text. A pair of pulsed Nd:YAG lasers operating at 532 nm are used to illuminate the seeded flow from a convergent nozzle operated in an underexpanded condition. The light sheet was oriented perpendicular to the nozzle flow, yielding planar cross-sections of the 3-component velocity field at several axial stations. The key features of the supersonic jet are readily observed in the cross-plane vector plots.

Wernet, Mark P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Aerosol and cloud sensing with the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE)

The Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) is a multi-wavelength backscatter lidar developed by NASA Langley Research Center to fly on the Space Shuttle. The LITE instrument is built around a three-wavelength ND:YAG laser and a 1-meter diameter telescope. The laser operates at 10 Hz and produces about 500 mJ per pulse at 1064 nm and 532 nm, and 150 mJ per pulse at 355 nm. The objective of the LITE program is to develop the engineering processes required for space lidar and to demonstrate applications of space-based lidar to remote sensing of the atmosphere. The LITE instrument was designed to study a wide range of cloud and aerosol phenomena. To this end, a comprehensive program of scientific investigations has been planned for the upcoming mission. Simulations of on-orbit performance show the instrument has sufficient sensitivity to detect even thin cirrus on a single-shot basis. Signal averaging provides the capability of measuring the height and structure of the planetary boundary layer, aerosols in the free troposphere, the stratospheric aerosol layer, and density profiles to an altitude of 40 km. The instrument has successfully completed a ground-test phase and is scheduled to fly on the Space Shuttle Discovery for a 9-day mission in September 1994.

Winker, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Elemental mass spectroscopy of remote surfaces from laser-induced plasmas

The elemental mass analysis of laser-produced ions from Al, Cu, Ge, Ag, and a lunar simulant target when irradiated by a 400-mJ, 8-ns, Nd: YAG laser at 1 x 10(exp 9) W/cm(exp 2), is reported. Ions traveled down a 11.1-m evacuated tube to an ion-trap 1-m time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer where an elemental mass spectrum was recorded. The amount of target material removed per laser pulse and the ionization fraction were measured. The ion spatial distribution was measured at 11.1-m distance and found to be near a fourth-power cosine distribution. These results indicate the ability to mass analyze a surface over a distance of many kilometers for lunar and asteroid surface elemental mass analysis by a remote satellite or lunar rover.

Situ, W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Soft X-Ray Optics by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Mo/Si and C/Co multilayers for soft x-ray optics were designed for spectral regions of interest in possible applications. Fabrication was effected by Pulsed Laser Deposition using Nd:YAG (355 nm) or excimer (248 nm) lasers in order to evaluate the suitability of this technique. Results for Mo/Si structures were not considered satisfactory due mainly to problems with particulate production and target surface modification during Si ablation. These problems may be alleviated by a two-wavelength approach, using separate lasers for each target. Results for C/Co multilayers are much more encouraging, since indication of good layering was observed for extremely thin layers. We expect to continue investigating this possibility. In order to compete with traditional PVD techniques, it is necessary to achieve film coverage uniformity over large enough areas. It was shown that this is feasible, and novel means of achieving it were devised.

Fernandez, Felix E.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Demonstration and Analysis of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering Flow Field Diagnostic System

Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) is a diagnostic technique which measures velocity, temperature, and pressure by determining Doppler shift, total intensity, and spectral line shape of laser induced Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering. In the work reported here, this is accomplished by using a narrow line width, injection seeded Nd-YAG laser sheet to induce Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering from a gas flow. This light is passed through an optical notch filter, and transmitted light is imaged onto an intensified charge coupled display (CCD) camera. By monitoring the grayscale value at a particular pixel while the laser frequency is tuned, the convolution between the Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering profile and the filter transmission profile is attained. Since the filter profile can be independently measured, it can be deconvolved from the measuring signal, yielding the Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering profile. From this profile, flow velocity, temperature, and pressure are determined. In this paper the construction and characterization of the optical notch filter and a newly developed frequency apparatus are discussed.

Forkey, Joseph N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Jet Evolution Visualized and Quantified Using Filtered Rayleigh Scattering

Filtered Rayleigh scattering was utilized as a flow diagnostic in an investigation of a method for enhancing mixing in supersonic jets. The primary objectives of the study were to visualize the effect of vortex generating tabs on supersonic jets, to exact quantitative data from these planar visualizations, and to detect the presence of secondary flows (i.e., streamwise vorticity) generated by the tabs. An injection seeded frequency-doubled Nd:YAG was the light source and a 14 bit Princeton Instruments iodine charge coupled display (ICCD) camera recorded the image through an iodine cell. The incident wave length of the laser was held constant for each flow case so that the filter absorbed unwanted background light, but permitted part of the thermally broadened Rayleigh scattering light to pas through. The visualizations were performed for axisymmetric jets (D=1.9 cm) operated at perfectly expanded conditions for Mach 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. All data were recorded for the jet cross section at x/D=3. One hundred instantaneous images were recorded and averaged for each case, with a threshold set to eliminate unavoidable particulate scattering. A key factor in these experiments was that the stagnation air was heated such that the expansion of the flow in the nozzle resulted in the static temperature in the jet being equal to the ambient temperature, assuming isentropic flow. Since the thermodynamic conditions of the flow were approximately the same for each case, increases in the intensity recorded by the ICCD camera could be directly attributed to the Doppler shift, and hence velocity. Visualizations were performed for Mach 1.5 and Mach 2.0 jets with tabs inserted at the nozzle exit. The distortion of the jet was readily apparent and was consistent with Mie scattering-based visualizations. Asymmetry in the intensities of the images indicate the presence of secondary flow patterns which are consistent with the streamwise vortices measured using more traditional diagnostics in subsonic jets with the same tab configurations. Because each tab causes shocks to form, the assumption of isentropic flow is not valid for these cases. However, within a reasonable first-order estimation,the intensity across the illuminated plane for these cases can be related to a value combining density and velocity.

Reeder, Mark F.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Rayleigh Scattering Measurements in NASA Lewis Wind Tunnels

Two applications of Rayleigh scattering for measuring flow parameters in wind tunnels are described. The first is the measurement of one velocity component and static temperature in the vicinity of a 12 % scale advanced short takeoff and vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft model in the Lewis 9 ft by 15 ft low speed wing tunnel. The model was equipped with high temperature and high pressure air supplies to simulate lift nozzles and suction systems to simulate engine inlets. The second application is a feasibility study to measure flow properties in a 4 inch by 10 inch supersonic wind tunnel This technique uses an injection seeded, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser tuned to an absorption band of iodine.

Seasholtz, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1996

High Spectral Resolution Lidar Measurements Using an I2 Absorption Filter

The University of Wisconsin high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) measures optical properties of the atmosphere by separating the Doppler-broadened molecular backscatter return from the unbroadened aerosol return. The HSRL was modified to use an I2 absorption cell The modified HSRL transmitter uses a continuously pumped, Q-switched, injection seeded, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser operating at a 4 kHz pulse repetition rate. This laser is tunable over a 124 GHz frequency range by temperature tuning the seed laser under computer control.

Eloranta, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

A High Spectral Resolution Lidar Based on Absorption Filter

A High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) that uses an iodine absorption filter and a tunable, narrow bandwidth Nd:YAG laser is demonstrated. The iodine absorption filter provides better performance than the Fabry-Perot etalon that it replaces. This study presents an instrument design that can be used a the basis for a design of a simple and robust lidar for the measurement of the optical properties of the atmosphere. The HSRL provides calibrated measurements of the optical properties of the atmospheric aerosols. These observations include measurements of aerosol backscatter cross sections, optical depth, backscatter phase function depolarization, and multiple scattering. The errors in the HSRL data are discussed and the effects of different errors on the measured optical parameters are shown.

Piironen, Paivi↗
NASA NTRS1995

Laser-Induced Incandescence Calibration via Gravimetric Sampling

Various beam imaging and/or sheet forming optics delivered light at 1064 nm from a pulsed Nd:YAG laser for use either as a beam of 3 mm radius or as a laser sheet. Imaging measurements were performed with a grated intensified array camera equipped with an ultraviolet f4.5 lens and a 40 mm extension tube. Point measurements were performed using an ultraviolet 250 mm focal length lens to collect and focus the laser induced incandescence (LII) signal into a 1 meter long quartz optical fiber which directed the LII signal to a 1/4 meter monochromator. An aperture preceding the lens restricted the signal collection region to 1 cm along the laser beam at the center of the gravimetric chimney. Signals from the PMT were processed by a boxcar integrator whereas the images were captured digitally using a frame-grabber with 16 MByte of on-board memory. Both 'point' and planar measurements were made with detector gates of 250 ns to minimize possible morphology bias in collection of the LII signal. Additionally, the imaging measurements were performed with broadband spectral collection of the LII signal to maximize the signal and again minimize any potential effects of morphology dependent heating and/or cooling rates. Digital delay generators controlled the firing of he laser, detector gates and data acquisition. Neutral density filters were used for both sets of measurements to maintain signal levels within linear dynamic ranges of the detectors, the range being determined prior to experiments.

VanderWal, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Single-Shot Spectrally Resolved UV Rayleigh Scattering Measurements in High Speed Flow

A single-shot UV molecular Rayleigh scattering technique to measure velocity in high speed flow is described. The beam from an injection-seeded, frequency quadrupled Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) is focused to a line in a free air jet with velocities up to Mach 1.3. Rayleigh scattered light is imaged through a planar mirror Fabry-Perot interferometer onto a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) array detector. Some laser light is also simultaneously imaged through the Fabry-Perot to provide a frequency reference. Two velocity measurements are obtained from each image. Multiple-pulse data are also given. The Rayleigh scattering velocity data show good agreement with velocities calculated from isentropic flow relations.

Seasholtz, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Study of Injection of Helium into Supersonic Air Flow Using Rayleigh Scattering

A study of the transverse injection of helium into a Mach 3 crossflow is presented. Filtered Rayleigh scattering is used to measure penetration and helium mole fraction in the mixing region. The method is based on planar molecular Rayleigh scattering using an injection-seeded, frequency-doubled ND:YAG pulsed laser and a cooled CCD camera. The scattered light is filtered with an iodine absorption cell to suppress stray laser light. Preliminary data are presented for helium mole fraction and penetration. Flow visualization images obtained with a shadowgraph and wall static pressure data in the vicinity of the injection are also presented.

Seaholtz, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Angular Alignment Testing of Laser Mirror Mounts Under Temperature Cycling

A number of commercial and custom-built laser mirror mounts were tested for angular alignment sensitivity during temperature cycling from room temperature (20 C) to 40 C. A Nd:YAG laser beam was reflected off a mirror that was held by the mount under test and was directed to a position-sensitive detector. Horizontal and vertical movement of the reflected beam was recorded, and the angular movement, as a function of temperature (coefficient of thermal tilt (CTT)) was calculated from these data. In addition, the amount of hysteresis in the movement after cycling from room temperature to 40 C and back was determined. All commercial mounts showed greater angular movement than the simpler National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (NASA LASE) custom mirror mounts.

Bullock, K. T.↗
NASA NTRS1997

OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence from Microgravity Droplet Combustion

Droplet combustion under microgravity conditions has been extensively studied, but laser diagnostics have just begun to be employed in microgravity droplet experiments. This is due in part to the level of difficulty associated with laser system size, power and economic availability. Hydroxyl radical (OH) is an important product of combustion, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has proved to be an adequate and sensitive tool to measure OH. In this study, a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser and a doubled dye laser, compact and reliable enough to perform OH PLIF experiments aboard a parabolic flight-path aircraft, has been developed and successfully demonstrated in a methanol droplet flame experiment. Application to microgravity conditions is planned aboard parabolic flight-path aircraft.

Winter, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1997

Near Infrared Luminescence Properties of Mn(5+): Ca5(PO4)3F

We report a spectroscopic investigation of Mn(5+) doped Ca5(PO4)(sub 3)F or FAP. Mn(5+) doped crystals have recently attracted world wide attention for potential solid-state laser applications. Following optical excitation of Mn: FAP with the 600 nm output of a Nd: YAG OPO laser system, we observed a strong near infrared luminescence centered at around 1150 nm. The room temperature luminescence decay time was measured to be approximately 635 microseconds. We attribute the infrared luminescence to the(1)E yields (3)A2 transition of tetrahedrally coordinated Mn5+ ions located in a strong crystal field environment. Absorption, luminescence and lifetime data of Mn: FAP will be presented and discussed.

Davis, Valetta R.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Effect of Temperature Gradient on Thick Film Selective Emitter Emittance

A temperature gradient across a thick (greater than or equal to .1 mm) film selective emitter will produce a significant reduction in the spectral emittance from the no temperature gradient case. Thick film selective emitters of rare earth doped host materials such as yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) are examples where temperature gradient effects are important. In this paper a model is developed for the spectral emittance assuming a linear temperature gradient across the film. Results of the model indicate that temperature gradients will result in reductions the order of 20% or more in the spectral emittance.

Chubb, Donald L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Creep of Refractory Fibers and Modeling of Metal and Ceramic Matrix Composite Creep Behavior

Our concentration during this research was on the following subprograms. (1) Ultra high vacuum creep tests on 218, ST300 and WHfC tungsten and MoHfC molybdenum alloy wires, temperature range from 1100 K to 1500 K, creep time of 1 to 500 hours. (2) High temperature vacuum tensile tests on 218, ST300 and WHfC tungsten and MoHfC molybdenum alloy wires. (3) Air and vacuum tensile creep tests on polycrystalline and single crystal alumina fibers, such as alumina-mullite Nextel fiber, yttrium aluminum ganet (YAG) and Saphikon, temperature range from 1150 K to 1470 K, creep time of 2 to 200 hours. (4) Microstructural evaluation of crept fibers, TEM study on the crept metal wires, SEM study on the fracture surface of ceramic fibers. (5) Metal Matrix Composite creep models, based on the fiber creep properties and fiber-matrix interface zone formation.

Tewari, S.N.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Development of State of the Art Solid State Lasers for Altimetry and other LIDAR Applications

This report describes work performed and research accomplished through the end of 1997. During this time period, we have designed and fabricated two lasers for flight LIDAR applications to medium altitudes (Laser Vegetation Imaging System designs LVIS 1 and LVIS 2), designed one earth orbiting LIDAR transmitter (VCL-Alt), and continued work on a high rep-rate LIDAR laser (Raster Scanned Altimeter, RASCAL). Additionally, a 'White Paper' was prepared which evaluates the current state of the art of Nd:YAG lasers and projects efficiencies to the year 2004. This report is attached as Appendix 1 of this report.

Kay, Richard B.↗