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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

Kinetics, Ca2+ dependence, and biophysical properties of integrin-mediated mechanical modulation of transmitter release from frog motor nerve terminals

Neurotransmitter release from frog motor nerve terminals is strongly modulated by change in muscle length. Over the physiological range, there is an approximately 10% increase in spontaneous and evoked release per 1% muscle stretch. Because many muscle fibers do not receive suprathreshold synaptic inputs at rest length, this stretch-induced enhancement of release constitutes a strong peripheral amplifier of the spinal stretch reflex. The stretch modulation of release is inhibited by peptides that block integrin binding of natural ligands. The modulation varies linearly with length, with a delay of no more than approximately 1-2 msec and is maintained constant at the new length. Moreover, the stretch modulation persists in a zero Ca2+ Ringer and, hence, is not dependent on Ca2+ influx through stretch activated channels. Eliminating transmembrane Ca2+ gradients and buffering intraterminal Ca2+ to approximately normal resting levels does not eliminate the modulation, suggesting that it is not the result of release of Ca2+ from internal stores. Finally, changes in temperature have no detectable effect on the kinetics of stretch-induced changes in endplate potential (EPP) amplitude or miniature EPP (mEPP) frequency. We conclude, therefore, that stretch does not act via second messenger pathways or a chemical modification of molecules involved in the release pathway. Instead, there is direct mechanical modulation of release. We postulate that tension on integrins in the presynaptic membrane is transduced mechanically into changes in the position or conformation of one or more molecules involved in neurotransmitter release, altering sensitivity to Ca2+ or the equilibrium for a critical reaction leading to vesicle fusion.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2011

Validating Phasing and Geometry of Large Focal Plane Arrays

The Kepler Mission is designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-sized and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone. The Kepler photometer is an array of 42 CCDs (charge-coupled devices) in the focal plane of a 95-cm Schmidt camera onboard the Kepler spacecraft. Each 50x25-mm CCD has 2,200 x 1,024 pixels. The CCDs accumulate photons and are read out every six seconds to prevent saturation. The data is integrated for 30 minutes, and then the pixel data is transferred to onboard storage. The data is subsequently encoded and transmitted to the ground. During End-to-End Information System (EEIS) testing of the Kepler Mission System (KMS), there was a need to verify that the pixels requested by the science team operationally were correctly collected, encoded, compressed, stored, and transmitted by the FS, and subsequently received, decoded, uncompressed, and displayed by the Ground Segment (GS) without the outputs of any CCD modules being flipped, mirrored, or otherwise corrupted during the extensive FS and GS processing. This would normally be done by projecting an image on the focal plane array (FPA), collecting the data in a flight-like way, and making a comparison between the original data and the data reconstructed by the science data system. Projecting a focused image onto the FPA through the telescope would normally involve using a collimator suspended over the telescope opening. There were several problems with this approach: the collimation equipment is elaborate and expensive; as conceived, it could only illuminate a limited section of the FPA (.25 percent) during a given test; the telescope cover would have to be deployed during testing to allow the image to be projected into the telescope; the equipment was bulky and difficult to situate in temperature-controlled environments; and given all the above, test setup, execution, and repeatability were significant concerns. Instead of using this complicated approach of projecting an optical image on the FPA, the Kepler project developed a method using known defect features in the CCDs to verify proper collection and reassembly of the pixels, thereby avoiding the costs and risks of the optical projection approach. The CCDs composing the Kepler FPA, as all CCDs, had minor defects. At ambient temperature, some pixels look far brighter than they should. These ghot h pixels have a higher rate of charge leakage than the others due to manufacturing variations. They are usually stable over time, and appear at temperatures above 5 oC. The hot pixels on the Kepler FPA were mapped before photometer assembly during module testing. Selected hot pixels were used as target gstars h for the purposes of EEIS testing. gDead h pixels are permanently off, producing a permanently black pixel. These can also be used if there is some illumination of the FPA. During EEIS testing, Dark Current Full Frame Images (FFIs) taken at room temperature were used to create the hot pixel maps for all 84 Kepler photometer CCD channels. Data from two separate nights were used to create two hot pixel maps per channel, which were cross-correlated to remove cosmic ray events which appear to be hot pixels. These hot pixel maps obtained during EEIS testing were compared to the maps made during module testing to verify that the end-to-end data flow was correct.

Standley, Shaun P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Visible and Infrared Imaging of Various Flow Regimes in the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment Transfer Line

The Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) Transfer Line (TL) test module is being developed to study fluid physics of cryogenic transfer lines in microgravity. The TL module will reside in the FBCE facility located within the Fluids Integration Rack (FIR) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). TL will use the same normal perfluoro hexane (nPFH) used in the previous FBCE test sections. To simulate cryogenic line transfer in the visualization section, a sapphire tube coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) is heated via Joule heated while a bypass line is used to flow liquid nPFH at the desired inlet conditions. Once the visualization line reaches steady-state temperature and pressure conditions, flow is diverted through the heated line and chilldown begins. All flow regimes observed within a cryogenic TL are created and studied using visible imaging with diffuse backlighting to image inverted annular flow, transition, and nucleate boiling. A visible laser light sheet provided by FIR will provide a means to observe and track droplets in the dispersed flow regime. IR imaging of the visualization tube outer surface with the emissivity of the ITO coating provides the surface chilldown temperature profile. Preliminary imaging system development includes some of the components used in the Flow Boiling Module (FBM) and some new components that are easily integrated into the PC-based system but will require some refinement to operate properly on the FIR PCIe/104 imaging system. Optical design and packaging within the limited volume of the module enclosure is also presented. This paper presents FBCE-TL visible and infrared laboratory-based imaging studies and anticipated visualization capabilities of the TL module under preliminary breadboard development and under the utilization constraints within the FBCE/FIR host facility.

transfer line↗
NASA NTRS1999

Whistler Solitons in Plasma with Anisotropic Hot Electron Admixture

The longitudinal and transverse modulation instability of whistler waves in plasma, with a small admixture of hot anisotropic electrons, is discussed. If the hot particles temperature anisotropy is positive, it is found that, in such plasma, longitudinal perturbations can lead to soliton formation for frequencies forbidden in cold plasma. The soliton is enriched by hot particles. The frequency region unstable to transverse modulation in cold plasma in the presence of hot electrons is divided by stable domains. For both cases the role of hot electrons is more significant for whistlers with smaller frequencies.

Khazanov, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Whistler Solitons in Plasma with Anisotropic Hot Electron Admixture

The longitudinal and transverse modulation instability of whistler waves in plasma, with a small admixture of hot anisotropic electrons, is discussed. If the hot particles temperature anisotropy is positive, it is found that, in such plasma, longitudinal perturbations can lead to soliton formation for frequencies forbidden in cold plasma. The soliton is enriched by hot particles. The frequency region unstable to transverse modulation in cold plasma in the presence of hot electrons is divided by stable domains. For both cases the role of hot electrons is more significant for whistlers with smaller frequencies.

Khazanov, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Loop Heat Pipe Temperature Oscillation Induced by Gravity Assist and Reservoir Heating

The Laser Thermal Control System (LCTS) for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) to be installed on NASA's Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) consists of a constant conductance heat pipe and a loop heat pipe (LHP) with an associated radiator. During the recent thermal vacuum testing of the LTCS where the LHP condenser/radiator was placed in a vertical position above the evaporator and reservoir, it was found that the LHP reservoir control heater power requirement was much higher than the analytical model had predicted. Even with the control heater turned on continuously at its full power, the reservoir could not be maintained at its desired set point temperature. An investigation of the LHP behaviors found that the root cause of the problem was fluid flow and reservoir temperature oscillations, which led to persistent alternate forward and reversed flow along the liquid line and an imbalance between the vapor mass flow rate in the vapor line and liquid mass flow rate in the liquid line. The flow and temperature oscillations were caused by an interaction between gravity and reservoir heating, and were exacerbated by the large thermal mass of the instrument simulator which modulated the net heat load to the evaporator, and the vertical radiator/condenser which induced a variable gravitational pressure head. Furthermore, causes and effects of the contributing factors to flow and temperature oscillations intermingled.

Thermal Control Systems↗
NASA NTRS2015

Loop Heat Pipe Temperature Oscillation Induced by Gravity Assist and Reservoir Heating

The Laser Thermal Control System (LCTS) for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) to be installed on NASA's Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) consists of a constant conductance heat pipe and a loop heat pipe (LHP) with an associated radiator. During the recent thermal vacuum testing of the LTCS where the LHP condenser/radiator was placed in a vertical position above the evaporator and reservoir, it was found that the LHP reservoir control heater power requirement was much higher than the analytical model had predicted. Even with the control heater turned on continuously at its full power, the reservoir could not be maintained at its desired set point temperature. An investigation of the LHP behaviors found that the root cause of the problem was fluid flow and reservoir temperature oscillations, which led to persistent alternate forward and reversed flow along the liquid line and an imbalance between the vapor mass flow rate in the vapor line and liquid mass flow rate in the liquid line. The flow and temperature oscillations were caused by an interaction between gravity and reservoir heating, and were exacerbated by the large thermal mass of the instrument simulator which modulated the net heat load to the evaporator, and the vertical radiator/condenser which induced a variable gravitational pressure head. Furthermore, causes and effects of the contributing factors to flow and temperature oscillations intermingled.

0000↗
NASA NTRS1999

ECLSS Design for the International Space Station Nodes 2 and 3

The International Space Station (ISS) modules Nodes 2 and 3 are currently under development by Alenia Spazio and the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The design of the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for these two modules have some similarities but many differences. The Node 2 ECLSS provides inter- and intramodule ventilation, temperature and humidity control, fire detection and suppression, and distribution of atmosphere samples, low pressure and recharge oxygen and nitrogen, fuel cell water and wastewater. Design Review 1 was held in March 1998. Fabrication of the ducting, tubing, and support structure is ongoing with Design Review 2 planned for December 1999. In addition to providing the same functions as Node 2, the ECLSS for Node 3 includes carbon dioxide removal, trace contaminant control, atmosphere monitoring, atmosphere pressure control, oxygen generation, urine and potable water processing, waste management, and potable water distribution to support the habitability functions relocated from the U.S. Hab module. Scarring for future incorporation of carbon dioxide reduction is also included. Design Review 1 is planned for July 1999. An overview of each Node's system design as well as issues and challenges are discussed.

Carrasquillo, Robyn L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Design, development, and fabrication of a electronic analog microminiaturized electronic analog signal to discrete time interval converter

The microminiaturization of an electronic analog signal to discrete time interval converter is presented. Discrete components and integrated circuits comprising the converter were assembled on a thin-film ceramic substrate containing nichrome resistors with gold interconnections. The finished assembly is enclosed in a flat package measuring 3.30 by 4.57 centimeters. The module can be used whenever conversion of analog to digital signals is required, in particular for the purpose of regulation by means of pulse modulation. In conjunction with a precision voltage reference, the module was applied to control the duty cycle of a switching regulator within a temperature range of -55 C to +125 C, and an input voltage range of 10V to 35V. The output-voltage variation was less than + or - 300 parts per million, i.e., less than + or - 3mV for a 10V output.

Schoenfeld, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Large modular graphite radiant heaters for testing space shuttle thermal protection systems

A graphite radiant heating array, capable of heating a 5-ft span of shuttle wing leading edge or a 4 x 8 ft flat panel through an entry thermal profile up to 3200 G, has been designed and built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation for NASA-Johnson Space Center. The unique, interchangeable, self-contained heather modules and their versatile support structure/coolant manifold are discussed along with the extensive thermal analysis that accompanied the design effort. A complete description of the geometric capabilities of the array, as well as the design details of the individual modules, is presented. The complete performance envelope of the array is discussed, including maximum temperature and gradients, heating uniformity, and the required utilities and support equipment.

Cox, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

An interim report on the NTS-2 solar cell experiment

Data obtained from the fourteen solar cell modules on the NTS-2 satellite are presented together with a record of panel temperature and sun inclination. The following flight data are discussed: (1) state of the art solar cell configurations which embody improvements in solar cell efficiency through new silicon surface and bulk technology, (2) improved coverslip materials and coverslip bonding techniques, (3) short and long term effects of ultraviolet rejection filters vs. no filters on the cells, (4) degradation on a developmental type of liquid epitaxy gallium-aluminum-arsenide solar cell, and (5) space radiation effects.

Statler, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Structural features of conducting quasi-one-dimensional organic halides and pseudohalides

The physical properties of quasi-one-dimensional conductors are profoundly influenced by slight changes in structure. The unusual structural features of this class of materials include only short range order of the anions and structure modulation. The nature of disorder and structure modulation can affect the character of the metal-to-insulator transition at low temperature, and may allow us to make some predictions of low temperature behavior based on room temperature structural properties.

Williams, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Propulsion apparatus and method using boil-off gas from a cryogenic liquid

A propulsion system and method are disclosed for controlling the attitude and drag of a space vehicle. A helium dewar contains liquid helium which cools an experiment package. The helium is heated or vented to keep the temperature between 1.5 and 1.7 degrees K to maintain adequate helium boil-off gas as a propellant without adversely affecting the experiment package which is contained in the helium dewar for protection from solar heating. The apparatus includes auxiliary heater and temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the helium. The boil-off gas propellant is delivered to thruster modules to control vehicle attutude and compensate for drag.

Blount, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The Initial Blood Storage Experiment - The spaceflight hardware program

The Initial Blood Storage Experiment (IBSE) was conceived to investigate the effects of microgravity on the formed elements of human blood. The experiment flew on the January 1986, 61-C mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The experiment hardware was designed to provide a closely controlled temperature and air flow environment for all blood samples. During the mission, two IBSE modules were on board the orbiter and an identical set of hardware and blood samples were maintained on earth as a control. This paper describes the development and performance of the IBSE hardware which was converted from a conceptual design to an on-orbit, man-rated, mid-deck locker experiment in 17 months.

Almgren, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Systems integration and demonstration of advanced reusable structure for ALS

The objective was to investigate the potential of advanced material to achieve life cycle cost (LCC) benefits for reusable structure on the advanced launch system. Three structural elements were investigated - all components of an Advanced Launch System reusable propulsion/avionics module. Leading aeroshell configurations included sandwich structure using titanium, graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI), or high-temperature aluminum (HTA) face sheets. Thrust structure truss concepts used titanium, graphite/epoxy, or silicon carbide/aluminum struts. Leading aft bulkhead concepts employed graphite epoxy and aluminum. The technical effort focused on the aeroshell because the greatest benefits were expected there. Thermal analyses show the structural temperature profiles during operation. Finite element analyses show stresses during splash-down. Weight statements and manufacturing cost estimates were prepared for calculation of LCC for each design. The Gr/PI aeroshell showed the lowest potential LCC, but the HTA aeroshell was judged to be lower risk. A technology development plan was prepared to validate the applicable structural technology.

Gibbins, Martin N.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A seasonal radiative-dynamic model of Saturn's troposphere

The present steady-state, linearized and zonally-averaged model of the thermal response of Saturn's atmosphere to seasonal insolation is compared with extant data in order to extract diagnostic information on the planet's troposphere and stratosphere. The planet's rings are shown to constitute a strong modulator of the seasonal insolation function. A detailed comparison of the model with existing temperature measurements shows that the large thermal inertia of Saturn and uncertainties in the wind and thermal measurements overwhelm the rings' thermal effects. A meridional asymmetry in heating is noted which is consistent with an enhancement of aerosols and of photochemically generated ethane and acetylene in the southern hemisphere's summer.

Barnet, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development Of Infrared Imager For Spacelab

Terrestrial instrument modified for use in outer space. Report discusses progress in development of infrared-imaging instrument for use in microgravity scientific experiments in manned module in payload bay of Space Shuttle. Imager intended primarily for characterization of surface temperatures in microgravity fluid-physics experiment. Design versatile so instrument serves as "off-the-shelf" unit for other experiments, eliminating need to duplicate development and qualifications for spacecraft for future experiments.

Pline, Alexander D.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Wintertime East Asian Jet Stream and its Association with the Asian-Pacific-American Climate

The wintertime upper-tropospheric westerly jet stream over subtropical East Asia and western Pacific, often referred to as East Asian Jet (EAJ), is an important atmospheric circulation system in the Asian-Pacific-American (APA) region. It is characterized by variabilities on a wide range of time scales and exerts a strong impact on the weather and climate of the region. On the synoptic scale, the jet is closely linked to many phenomena such as cyclogenesis, frontogenesis, blocking, storm track activity, and the development of other atmospheric disturbances. On the seasonal time scale, the variation of the EAJ determines many characteristics of the seasonal transition of the atmospheric circulation over Asia. The variabilities of the jet on these time scales have been relatively well documented (e.g., Yeh et al. 1959, Palmen and Newton 1969; Zeng 1979). It has also been understood that the inter-annual variability of the EAJ is associated with many climate signals in the APA region. These signals include the persistent anomalies of the East Asian winter monsoon and the changes in diabatic heating and in the Hadley circulation (Bjerknes 1966; Chang and Lau 1980; Huang and Gambo 1982; Kang and Held 1986; Tao and Chen 1987; Lau et al. 1988; Yang and Webster 1990; Ding 1992; Webster and Yang 1992; Dong et al. 1999). However, many questions remain for the year-to-year variabilities of the jet and their relation to the APA climate. For example, what is the relationship between the EAJ and El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)? Will the jet and ENSO play different roles in modulating the APA climate? How is the jet linked to North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) and the Pacific/North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern? In this study, we address several issues related to the wintertime EAJ with a focus on interannual time scales. We will examine the association between the jet core and ENSO, which has always been overshadowed by the relationship between ENSO and the upper-tropospheric winds over northern extratropics of the central Pacific. We will investigate the linkage of the jet to variabilities of the Asian winter monsoon, tropical convection, and upper tropospheric wave patterns. We will also explore the relationship between the jet core and extratropical S ST with an aim at providing helpful information for improving our understanding of the connection of the EAJ to surface boundary conditions. The analysis is expected to provide information that is helpful for improving regional climate predictions.

Yang, Song↗