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At least 541 records · Page 30

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NASA NTRS1980

Qualification test results for DOE solar photovoltaic flat panel procurement - PRDA 38

Twelve types of prototypes modules for the DOE Photovoltaic Flat Panel Procurement (PRDA 38) were subjected to qualification tests at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory according to a new specification. Environmental exposures were carried out separately and included temperature cycling, humidity, wind simulation, and hail. The most serious problems discovered were reduced insulation resistance to ground and ground continuity of the metal frames, electrical degradation, erratic power readings, and delamination. The electrical and physical characteristics of the newly received modules are also given.

Griffith, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Postbuckling and failure characteristics of selected flat rectangular graphite-epoxy plates loaded in compression

Results of an experimental study of the postbuckling response and failure characteristics of 16- and 24-ply quasi-isotropic and 24-ply orthotropic flat rectangular graphite-epoxy plates loaded in compression are examined. Some of the specimens had circular drilled holes or were subjected to low-speed impact damage. The ratio of failure load to buckling load was found to be higher for specimens with lower initial buckling strains than for specimens with higher initial buckling strains. Some specimens supported more than five times their initial buckling load before failing. The specimens failed along a nodal line of the buckling mode in an induced shear failure mode. Holes and impact damage had a more adverse effect on the postbuckling strength of specimens with high initial buckling strains than on the strength of specimens with lower initial buckling strains.

Starnes, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Preliminary design of large reflectors with flat facets

A concept for approximating curved antenna surfaces using flat facets is discussed. A preliminary design technique for determining the size of the reflector surface facets necessary to meet antenna surface accuracy requirements is presented. A proposed large microwave radiometer satellite (MRS) is selected as an application, and the far-field electromagnetic response of a faceted reflector surface is compared with that from a spherical reflector surface.

Agrawal, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Evaluation of All-Day-Efficiency for selected flat plate and evacuated tube collectors

An evaluation of all day efficiency for selected flat plate and evacuated tube collectors is presented. Computations are based on a modified version of the NBSIR 78-1305A procedure for all day efficiency. The ASHMET and NOAA data bases for solar insolation are discussed. Details of the algorithm used to convert total (global) horizontal radiation to the collector tilt plane of the selected sites are given along with tables and graphs which show the results of the tests performed during this evaluation.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1981

UTD analysis of electromagnetic scattering by flat structures

The different scattering mechanisms that contribute to the radar cross of finite flat plates were identified and analyzed. The geometrical theory of diffraction, the equivalent current and the corner diffraction are used for this study. A study of the cross polarized field for a monopole mounted on a plate is presented, using novel edge wave mechanism in the analysis. The results are compared with moment method solutions as well as measured data.

Sikta, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Solar concentration properties of flat fresnel lenses with large F-numbers

The solar concentration performances of flat, line-focusing sun-tracking Fresnel lenses with selected f-numbers between 0.9 and 2.0 were analyzed. Lens transmittance was found to have a weak dependence on f-number, with a 2% increase occuring as the f-number is increased from 0.9 to 2.0. The geometric concentration ratio for perfectly tracking lenses peaked for an f-number near 1.35. Intensity profiles were more uniform over the image extent for large f-number lenses when compared to the f/0.9 lens results. Substantial decreases in geometri concentration ratios were observed for transverse tracking errors equal to or below 1 degree for all f-number lenses. With respect to tracking errors, the solar performance is optimum for f-numbers between 1.25 and 1.5.

Cosby, R. M.↗

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 NTRS1982

Sharp flat plate heat transfer in helium at Mach numbers of 22.8 to 86.8

Surface heat transfer rates were measured on a sharp flat plate at zero angle of attack with helium over a Mach number range of 22.8 to 86.8 in a hypersonic shock tunnel. The density and leading edge Knudsen numbers were varied to span the continuum to near free molecule regimes. The strong interaction parameter varied from 11 to 16,000 with leading edge Knudsen numbers from 0.56 to 17.1, respectively. For high unit Reynolds number the rate of change of the heat transfer coefficient with the strong interaction parameter agreed well with the strong interaction theory of Li and Nagamatsu (1953, 1955).

Nagamatsu, H. T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Postbuckling behavior of selected flat stiffened graphite-epoxy panels loaded in compression

Results of an experimental study of the postbuckling behavior of selected flat stiffened graphite-epoxy panels loaded in compression are presented. The postbuckling response and failure characteristics of undamaged panels and panels damaged by low-speed impact are described. Each panel had four equally-spaced I-spaced stiffeners and 16- or 24-ply quasi-isotropic skins. Panels with three different stiffener spacings were tested. Some undamaged specimens supported as much as three times their initial buckling load before failing. Failure of all panels initiated in a skin-stiffener interface region. Analytical results obtained from a nonlinear general shell finite element analysis computer code correlate well with typical postbuckling test results up to failure. The analytical modeling detail necessary to predict accurately the response of a panel is described. Test results show that low-speed impact damage can reduce the postbuckling strength of a stiffened panel and that the skin-stiffener interface region is more sensitive to impact damage than the skin midway between stiffeners.

Starnes, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Subtleties in the flat-fielding of charge-coupled device /CCD/ images

Astronomical photometry with CCDs will often involve relatively low signal levels (less than 1000 charge carriers per pixel), at which nonlinear effects sometimes become significant. These effects will probably play a role in the processing of Space Telescope data. The problem apparently arises because signal charges are not read out equally completely from all columns and all pixels. It is shown that, although a first-order correction can be made by subtracting a low-level flat field from all frames before conventional processing, higher accuracy can be achieved by modeling the response with a nonlinear function.

Baum, W. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Solar flare X-ray spectra from the Solar Maximum Mission Flat Crystal Spectrometer

High-resolution solar X-ray spectra obtained with the Flat Crystal Spectrometer aboard the Solar Maximum Mission from two solar flares and a nonflaring active region are analyzed. The 1-22 A region was observed during the flare on 1980 August 25, while smaller spectral regions were repeatedly covered during the 1980 November 5 flare. Voigt profiles were fitted to spectral lines to derive accurate wavelengths and to resolve blends. During the August 25 flare, 205 lines were found in the range 5.68-18.97 A, identifications being provided for all but 40 (mostly weak) lines. Upper limits to flare densities are derived from various line ratios, the hotter (about 10 to the 7th K) ions giving an electron density of less than 10 to the 12th per cu cm for the August 25 flare. Other observed line ratios (e.g., in Fe XVII and Mg XII) indicate a need for revisions in theoretical calculations.

Phillips, K. J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Experiments on the stability of the flat-plate boundary layer with suction

Experiments have been conducted in the VPI and SU Stability Wind Tunnel on a flat-plate wind-tunnel model equipped with porous suction panels. Detailed hot-wire measurements were conducted in the laminar boundary layer to investigate the stabilizing effects of suction on growing Tollmien-Schlichting waves, which were introduced into the boundary layer using a vibrating ribbon. Special care was taken to minimize external disturbances and to avoid extraneous experimental bias. The measurements, which included mean-flow and disturbance-amplitude profiles across the boundary layer, showed that suction applied through discrete porous strips can be as effective as suction applied continuously over a much longer streamwise length. The measurements also showed that suction is more effective when placed forward, nearer to the region of neutral stability, than when placed in the region of maximum growth rate. These results also provided meaningful comparison with recent theory.

Reynolds, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The symmetric turbulent wake of a flat plate

Detailed measurements of mean flow and turbulence in the developing symmetric wake of a smooth, flat plate are presented. The results are discussed in the light of previous data and theories for near and far wakes. It is shown that evolution of the upstream boundary layers into the classical asymptotic wake occurs in three quite distinct stages and takes about 350 wake momentum thicknesses.

Ramaprian, B. R.↗

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 NTRS1982

Stability of mean flows over an infinite flat plate

The present investigation is mainly concerned with a stability analysis for the linearized Navier-Stokes equations for parallel and nonparallel mean flows over an infinite flat plate. The system of equations for parallel flows is presented. The system is viewed as a generalized Orr-Sommerfeld equation. Attention is given to an explicit criterion characterizing the case when the stability of all physically reasonable solutions is determined by the eigenvalues. The proof given in the investigation is applicable to both the generalized Orr-Somerfeld equations and the modified equations for nonparallel flow. The fact that the criterion is independent of the completeness or incompleteness of eigenfunctions is contrary to some expectations.

Miklavcic, M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Qualification testing of flat-plate photovoltaic modules

The placement of photovoltaic modules in various applications, in climates and locations throughout the world, results in different degrees and combinations of environmental and electrical stress. Early detection of module reliability deficiencies via laboratory testing is necessary for achieving long, satisfactory field service. This overview paper describes qualification testing techniques being used in the US Department of Energy's flat-plate terrestrial photovoltaic development program in terms of their significance, rationale for specified levels and durations, and test results.

Hoffman, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

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

The results of an effort to determine the mechanisms involved in the flat spot (FS) effect are given. It is suggested that the FS effect is due to a resistive metal-semiconductor-like (MSL) interface in parallel with the cell PN junction. Regions responsible for the FS effect lie under the front surface metallization in these cells, where the PN junction has been destroyed and replaced with a metal silicide-semiconductor interface. Such structural changes, which appear to be due to the thermally activated dissolution of the silicon, have been induced in cells as a result of isochronal heat treatments at temperatures between 450 C and 560 C. It has been found that a 650 A layer of Ta2O5 evaporated over the metallization is sufficient to prevent the underlying silicon from pitting during the subsequent heat treatment, although pitting at the metal silicon ambient interface could still be observed.

Weizer, V. G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Shielded Aluminum Flat-Conductor Cable

Thin wiring harness stores compactly. Flat aluminum conductors glued between layers of polyimide. Aluminum shield surrounds insulated conductors. Outer layer polyimide. Aluminum shield reduces flexibility of cable and cable withstand only limited number of repetitions of sharp bending at same spot.

Farina, S.↗