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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Low Cost Glass-Ceramic Matrix Composite Heat Exchanger

As part of ARPA-E’s High Intensity Thermal Exchange through Materials and Manufacturing Processes (HITEMMP) program, this project sought to develop novel heat exchanger (HX) capabilities to enable efficient and power dense power generation cycles. This class of HX comes under the category of ceramic/composite materials with the higher temperature goal in the program of ≥1100 °C inlet temperature operation. The enabling capability of this effort is the use of glass-ceramic matrix composite (GCMC) material which provides the high temperature durability of a ceramic, the flaw tolerance of a composite, a significantly faster and lower cost manufacturing process than conventional matrix CMCs and very low porosity levels < 0.5%. For thin-walled HX structures and the need to minimize leakage, the low porosity differentiator is particularly important. RTRC has prior experience with this material system and in the current project advanced the component design and manufacturing methods into new territory to produce features required for effective heat exchange under high pressures. In this approach, silicon carbide fiber is fabricated into a fiber preform using various textile processes. Graphite tooling is used both during the build-up of the fiber preform (interior tooling) and after the fiber preform has been completed (exterior tooling). This tooling assembly is heated to high temperature in an environment that has been evacuated and backfilled with inert gas. A reservoir of specialty glass is present and once the desired temperature has been reached to achieve the desired glass viscosity, an actuator distributes the glass throughout the fiber preform using passageways which are part of the tooling design in a process known as glass transfer molding. After the tooling has been removed, the composite is heat treated to convert the amorphous glass to a crystalline ceramic, providing improved properties. The project was divided into three phases focusing on the following: 1) 10 kW HX design and coupon-level tube sheet fabrication, 2) 10 kW HX fabrication, 3) 50 kW HX fabrication. During Budget Period 1 (BP1), additional risks were encountered and the need for additional funds was agreed upon by ARPA-E program leadership. Due to a variety of factors, the contract modification required nominally 18 months to execute at which time the HITEMMP program was effectively concluding. Because of this and the time that would be required to perform BP2 tasks, it was decided to conclude the project at the end of BP1. During the design of the 10 kW HX, manufacturing constraints were learned and incorporated, leading to a revised configuration for the fiber preform and HX. Heat exchange and pressure drop predictions also played a role in modifying the original design concept to be a higher aspect ratio shell-and-tube HX, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving the heat exchanger performance. Good gravimetric and volumetric thermal power densities of 11.2 kW/kg and 10,200 kW/m3 for the entire HX were projected that involved thermo-structural Finite Element Analysis to determine the structural mass needed for the high operation pressures of 250 bar cold inlet and 80 bar hot inlet. Fiber preforms using textile processes were produced for multiple headered tube sheets. Additional challenges were encountered during the glass transfer molding step for which solutions were identified, but programmatics did not allow them to be implemented in BP1. While complete HX test articles were not fabricated, the benefits of this GCMC material for a variety of high temperature applications remain.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
NASA NTRS1981

The helium abundance of Jupiter from Voyager

The helium abundance in the Jovian atmosphere is derived from Voyager 1 data by two methods. The first method uses only infrared spectra from selected locations on the planet while the second method uses a thermal profile independently derived from radio occultation measurements and infrared spectra recorded near the occultation point. A hydrogen mole fraction of 0.897 plus or minus 0.030 is obtained from the first method, while the second method gives 0.880 plus or minus 0.036, corresponding to helium mass fractions of 0.19 plus or minus 0.05 and 0.21 plus or minus 0.06, respectively. The estimated errors for the first method are primarily due to systematic uncertainties in the H2 and He absorption coefficients, while those for the second method result mainly from errors in the radio occultation profile and are less well known. Random errors in the measured infrared spectra are found to be negligible in both cases. The results are consistent with a uniform mix of hydrogen and helium within Jupiter's interior, but a modest amount of helium depletion (Delta Y equal to or less than 0.05) cannot be excluded.

Gautier, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Pressure distribution under flexible polishing tools. II - Cylindrical (conical) optics

A previously developed eigenvalue model is extended to determine polishing pressure distribution by rectangular tools with unequal stiffness in two directions on cylindrical optics. Tool misfit is divided into two simplified one-dimensional problems and one simplified two-dimensional problem. Tools with nonuniform cross-sections are treated with a new one-dimensional eigenvalue algorithm, permitting evaluation of tool designs where the edge is more flexible than the interior. This maintains edge pressure variations within acceptable parameters. Finite element modeling is employed to resolve upper bounds, which handle pressure changes in the two-dimensional misfit element. Paraboloids and hyperboloids from the NASA AXAF system are treated with the AXAFPOD software for this method, and are verified with NASTRAN finite element analyses. The maximum deviation from the one-dimensional azimuthal pressure variation is predicted to be 10 percent and 20 percent for paraboloids and hyperboloids, respectively.

Mehta, Pravin K.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Sound Transmission through Cylindrical Shell Structures Excited by Boundary Layer Pressure Fluctuations

This paper examines sound transmission into two concentric cylindrical sandwich shells subject to turbulent flow on the exterior surface of the outer shell. The interior of the shells is filled with fluid medium and there is an airgap between the shells in the annular space. The description of the pressure field is based on the cross-spectral density formulation of Corcos, Maestrello, and Efimtsov models of the turbulent boundary layer. The classical thin shell theory and the first-order shear deformation theory are applied for the inner and outer shells, respectively. Modal expansion and the Galerkin approach are used to obtain closed-form solutions for the shell displacements and the radiation and transmission pressures in the cavities including both the annular space and the interior. The average spectral density of the structural responses and the transmitted interior pressures are expressed explicitly in terms of the summation of the cross-spectral density of generalized force induced by the boundary layer turbulence. The effects of acoustic and hydrodynamic coincidences on the spectral density are observed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the method for both subsonic and supersonic flows.

Tang, Yvette Y.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Prediction and Measurement of the Vibration and Acoustic Radiation of Panels Subjected to Acoustic Loading

Interior noise and sonic fatigue are important issues in the development and design of advanced subsonic and supersonic aircraft. Conventional aircraft typically employ passive treatments, such as constrained layer damping and acoustic absorption materials, to reduce the structural response and resulting acoustic levels in the aircraft interior. These techniques require significant addition of mass and only attenuate relatively high frequency noise transmitted through the fuselage. Although structural acoustic coupling is in general very important in the study of aircraft fuselage interior noise, analysis of noise transmission through a panel supported in an infinite rigid baffle (separating two semi-infinite acoustic domains) can be useful in evaluating the effects of active/adaptive materials, complex loading, etc. Recent work has been aimed at developing adaptive and/or active methods of controlling the structural acoustic response of panels to reduce the transmitted noise1. A finite element formulation was recently developed to study the dynamic response of shape memory alloy (SMA) hybrid composite panels (conventional composite panel with embedded SMA fibers) subject to combined acoustic and thermal loads2. Further analysis has been performed to predict the far-field acoustic radiation using the finite element dynamic panel response prediction3. The purpose of the present work is to validate the panel vibration and acoustic radiation prediction methods with baseline experimental results obtained from an isotropic panel, without the effect of SMA.

Turner, Travis L.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Reentry Thermal Analysis of a Generic Crew Exploration Vehicle Structure

Comparative studies were performed on the heat-shielding characteristics of honeycomb-core sandwich panels fabricated with different materials for possible use as wall panels for the proposed crew exploration vehicle. Graphite/epoxy sandwich panel was found to outperform aluminum sandwich panel under the same geometry due to superior heat-shielding qualities and lower material density. Also, representative reentry heat-transfer analysis was performed on the windward wall structures of a generic crew exploration vehicle. The Apollo low Earth orbit reentry trajectory was used to calculate the reentry heating rates. The generic crew exploration vehicle has a graphite/epoxy composite honeycomb sandwich exterior wall and an aluminum honeycomb sandwich interior wall, and is protected with the Apollo thermal protection system ablative material. In the thermal analysis computer program used, the TPS ablation effect was not yet included; however, the results from the nonablation heat-transfer analyses were used to develop a "virtual ablation" method to estimate the ablation heat loads and the thermal protection system recession thicknesses. Depending on the severity of the heating-rate time history, the virtual ablation period was found to last for 87 to 107 seconds and the ablation heat load was estimated to be in the range of 86 to 88 percent of the total heat load for the ablation time period. The thermal protection system recession thickness was estimated to be in the range of 0.08 to 0.11 inches. For the crew exploration vehicle zero-tilt and 18-degree-tilt stagnation points, thermal protection system thicknesses of h = {0.717, 0.733} inches were found to be adequate to keep the substructural composite sandwich temperature below the limit of 300 F.

Ko, William L.↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms and Allergens in Spacecraft Environment

The determination of risk from infectious disease during long-duration missions is composed of several factors including the concentration and the characteristics of the infectious agent. Thus, a thorough knowledge of the microorganisms aboard spacecraft is essential in mitigating infectious disease risk to the crew. While stringent steps are taken to minimize the transfer of potential pathogens to spacecraft, several medically significant organisms have been isolated from both the Mir and International Space Station (ISS). Historically, the method for isolation and identification of microorganisms from spacecraft environmental samples depended upon their growth on culture media. Unfortunately, only a fraction of the organisms may grow on a culture medium, potentially omitting those microorganisms whose nutritional and physical requirements for growth are not met. Thus, several pathogens may not have been detected, such as Legionella pneumophila, the etiological agent of Legionnaire s disease. We hypothesize that environmental analysis using non-culture-based technologies will reveal microorganisms, allergens, and microbial toxins not previously reported in spacecraft, allowing for a more complete health assessment. The development of techniques for this flight experiment, operationally named SWAB, has already provided advances in NASA laboratory processes and beneficial information toward human health risk assessment. The translation of 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing for the identification of bacteria from the SWAB experiment to nominal operations has increased bacterial speciation of environmental isolates from previous flights three fold compared to previous conventional methodology. The incorporation of molecular-based DNA fingerprinting using repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) into the capabilities of the laboratory has provided a methodology to track microorganisms between crewmembers and their environment. Both 16S ribosomal DNA identification and bacterial fingerprinting have improved NASA s capability to better understand spacecraft environments and determine the source of contamination events. Preflight sampling has been completed for air, surface, and water samples. In-flight sample collection has been completed for a total of 8 air and surface sample collection sessions. In-flight hardware has performed well and the surface sampling device received positive feedback from the crew for its ease of use. While processing and analysis continue for these samples, early results have begun to provide information on the spacecraft environment. Using a method called Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), several air and samples were evaluated to determine the types of organisms that were present. Using only molecular techniques, DGGE does not depend on any microbial growth on culture media, allowing a more comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft interior. Preliminary results have identified several microorganisms that would not have been isolated using current technology, though none of these organisms would be considered medically significant. Interestingly, the isolation of Gram negative organisms is greater using DGGE than conventional media based isolation. The cause of this finding is unclear, though it may be the result of the technique s ability to isolate both viable and non-viable bacteria. The next phase of the SWAB sample analysis is the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to look for specific medically significant organisms. While not as broad as DGGE, QPCR is much more sensitive and may reveal findings that were not seen during the initial evaluation. Together, this information will lead toward an accurate microbial risk assessment to help set flight requirements to protect the safety, health, and performance of the crew.

Castro, V.A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Analytical study of the liquid phase transient behavior of a high temperature heat pipe

The transient operation of the liquid phase of a high temperature heat pipe is studied. The study was conducted in support of advanced heat pipe applications that require reliable transport of high temperature drops and significant distances under a broad spectrum of operating conditions. The heat pipe configuration studied consists of a sealed cylindrical enclosure containing a capillary wick structure and sodium working fluid. The wick is an annular flow channel configuration formed between the enclosure interior wall and a concentric cylindrical tube of fine pore screen. The study approach is analytical through the solution of the governing equations. The energy equation is solved over the pipe wall and liquid region using the finite difference Peaceman-Rachford alternating direction implicit numerical method. The continuity and momentum equations are solved over the liquid region by the integral method. The energy equation and liquid dynamics equation are tightly coupled due to the phase change process at the liquid-vapor interface. A kinetic theory model is used to define the phase change process in terms of the temperature jump between the liquid-vapor surface and the bulk vapor. Extensive auxiliary relations, including sodium properties as functions of temperature, are used to close the analytical system. The solution procedure is implemented in a FORTRAN algorithm with some optimization features to take advantage of the IBM System/370 Model 3090 vectorization facility. The code was intended for coupling to a vapor phase algorithm so that the entire heat pipe problem could be solved. As a test of code capabilities, the vapor phase was approximated in a simple manner.

Roche, Gregory Lawrence↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computational Methods to Characterize Panel Loading Conditions for Accelerated Testing

Panel cracking and degradation due to wind loading are known to have a detrimental effect on power output. Recreating these damaging conditions in a controlled experimental setting requires an understanding of the loads being generated at the panel surface as a function of both wind speed, wind direction, and panel orientation. To better understand these relationships, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation package was constructed using an open-source Python library for solving partial differential equations with the finite element method. This CFD package allows the simulated wind speed and panel orientation of a multi-panel array to be easily changed and provides the capability to measure the traction forces at discrete points along the sun-facing and ground-facing surface of an interior panel residing in the wake of one or more upstream panels. A parameter exploration was performed in which the panel angle was varied in even increments from -70 deg to 70 deg and the wind speed was varied from 2 to 30 m/s. During post processing, the measured traction along the panel surface was averaged spatially and interpreted as a time-varying signal, where further processing of this signal yielded the root mean square amplitude and a characteristic frequency associated with the loading. This study found that higher wind speeds are generally associated with increased amplitude of loading and that the panel orientation angle can significantly exacerbate or mitigate this loading. These outcomes are presented along with current work on higher-fidelity verification simulations and recommendations for performing accelerated experimental testing.

loading↗
NASA NTRS2012

Improved Maneuver Reconstructions for the GRAIL Orbiters

Maneuver reconstructions for the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) A and B lunar orbiters were improved through updates to the orbit determination filter and dynamic models. Consistent reconstructions of the 27 GRAIL A and B maneuvers from the Trans-Lunar Cruise phase in the fall of 2011 through the Transition to Science Formation phase in February 2012 were performed. Standard methods of orbit determination were applied incorporating the latest dynamic models and filter strategies developed by the GRAIL Navigation and Science Teams, including a high resolution, 420 x 420 degree and order lunar spherical harmonic gravity field model. For Trans-Lunar Cruise for GRAIL-A (TLC-A), all maneuvers executed with delta V errors below 5.50 +/- 0.50 mm/s and pointing errors below 0.25 degrees. GRAIL-A lunar orbit maneuvers had delta V errors below 30.0 mm/s and pointing errors below 0.51 degrees. For TLC-B, all maneuvers executed with delta V errors below 8.60 +/- 1.41 mm/s and pointing errors below 0.300 degrees. GRAIL-B maneuvers in lunar orbit executed with maximum delta V errors of 25.0 mm/s and pointing error of 0.43 degrees. These maneuver reconstructions will enable the GRAIL Navigation Team to better characterize the main engine performance of each spacecraft. This will help the Navigation Team to navigate low (greater than 8 km) altitude orbits during the extended mission phase in the fall of 2012.

lunar mapping↗
DOE OSTI2023

Performance of Windows in Walls With Continuous Insulation

Window openings in walls are a significant contributor to poor thermal performance because of thermal bridging through the framing members (e.g., studs, joists, plates, bracing) and because windows lack the thermal properties of insulation. Window installation guidance for walls with continuous insulation (CI) is critical for continued market growth of this energy efficiency technology. This research project offers window manufacturers a starting point and a potential path toward developing installation instructions for windows over CI. The objectives of the research include evaluating the common method for installing windows in walls with CI, as well as establishing acceptance criteria for evaluating the performance of windows installed in walls with and without CI. The research measures: 1. The performance characteristics (e.g., water management, structural integrity) of windows in walls without CI. 2. The performance of different thicknesses and types of CI used in walls. 3. The performance of different types of window assemblies (e.g., double-hung windows, mulled double-hung windows, mulled casement windows, and slider windows) installed over CI. 4. The performance of window flange types (e.g., rigid mounting and less robust flanges) installed over CI. 5. Installing windows over CI using baseline installation instructions versus window manufacturer installation instructions. The project’s sequential testing protocol consists of the following: • A water penetration resistance testing adapted from two ASTM standards: E331 (uniform static air pressure in four steps) and E547 (cyclic static air pressure) • A temperature cycling adapted from ASTM E2264 Method B (convective hot air) • A service condition wind loading test adapted from ASTM E330 • A six-month vertical displacement observation phase prior to the structural performance testing • A final water penetration resistance test after vertical displacement observation • A structural performance test adapted from ASTM E330. Key research findings include: • The criterion for passing a water penetration resistance test is that there is no water overflowing at the interior face of the studs. If there is any bubbling or slight pooling of water at the sill, then it must recede after the pressure is removed. Excessive leakage and/or water leaking to the interior face of the framing around the window constitutes a failure. • All single double-hung windows installed directly to lumber or over oriented strand board passed all test protocols. • For most wall specimens, the test results showed that the use of foam sheathing did not affect the performance of the window for water leakage. • All wall specimens underwent temperature cycling. The results indicated that temperature cycling had little to no effect on windows installed over foam sheathing. • For wall specimens that underwent six-month vertical displacement monitoring, the results showed that windows installed over foam sheathing do not sag over time. • The single-hung and double-hung windows installed using window manufacturer installation instructions passed the structural performance test, compared to failures observed in windows that were installed using generic installation instructions. The generic and manufacturer installation methods differed on the following construction details: type of fasteners, fastening patterns on the flanges, and window shimming details. • Additional testing is required to determine methods to improve structural pressure performance of slider windows. Potential solutions that would require additional testing may include fastener spacing, different types of fasteners, masonry window clips, construction adhesive, foam sealant, stronger window flange material, and/or straps.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2006

Acoustic Source Localization in Aircraft Interiors Using Microphone Array Technologies

Using three microphone array configurations at two aircraft body stations on a Boeing 777-300ER flight test, the acoustic radiation characteristics of the sidewall and outboard floor system are investigated by experimental measurement. Analysis of the experimental data is performed using sound intensity calculations for closely spaced microphones, PATCH Inverse Boundary Element Nearfield Acoustic Holography, and Spherical Nearfield Acoustic Holography. Each method is compared assessing strengths and weaknesses, evaluating source identification capability for both broadband and narrowband sources, evaluating sources during transient and steady-state conditions, and quantifying field reconstruction continuity using multiple array positions.

Sklanka, Bernard J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Interior noise analysis and control for light aircraft

This paper describes experimental and analytical studies of the interior noise of twin-engine, propeller-driven, light aircraft. Experimental results indicate that interior noise levels due to propeller noise can be reduced by reduction of engine rpm at constant airspeed (about 3 dB), by synchronization of the twin engines/propellers (up to 12 dB), and by increasing the distances from propeller tip to fuselage. The analytical model described uses modal methods and incorporates the flat-sided geometrical and skin-stringer structural features of light aircraft. Initial results show good agreement with measured noise transmitted into a rectangular box through a flat panel.

Mixson, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Numerical generation of composite three dimensional grids by quasilinear elliptic systems

A three-dimensional grid generation technique designed to numerically construct a boundary-conforming grid within a three-dimensional region bounded by a closed surface is described. The boundary values are generated numerically by a modified elliptic system and are used to compute grid control parameters that are contained in the elliptic systems. The interior grid distribution is governed by the distribution of points on the boundary as well as by the boundary's geometric shape. The composite three-dimensional grid remains both continuous and smooth across the surface of juncture between any two adjoining subregions. The details of the method and its implementation are presented, displaying numerical results for three-dimensional composite grid for a wing-body combination and surface grids.

Thomas, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Numerical methods for analyzing electromagnetic scattering

Numerical methods to analyze electromagnetic scattering are presented. The dispersions and attenuations of the normal modes in a circular waveguide coated with lossy material were completely analyzed. The radar cross section (RCS) from a circular waveguide coated with lossy material was calculated. The following is observed: (1) the interior irradiation contributes to the RCS much more than does the rim diffraction; (2) at low frequency, the RCS from the circular waveguide terminated by a perfect electric conductor (PEC) can be reduced more than 13 dB down with a coating thickness less than 1% of the radius using the best lossy material available in a 6 radius-long cylinder; (3) at high frequency, a modal separation between the highly attenuated and the lowly attenuated modes is evident if the coating material is too lossy, however, a large RCS reduction can be achieved for a small incident angle with a thin layer of coating. It is found that the waveguide coated with a lossy magnetic material can be used as a substitute for a corrugated waveguide to produce a circularly polarized radiation yield.

Lee, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Electromagnetic scattering from a class of open-ended waveguide discontinuities

A relatively simple high frequency analysis of electromagnetic scattering from a class of open-ended waveguide discontinuites was developed. The waveguides are composed of perfectly-conducting sections in which the electromagnetic field can be written as the sum of waveguide modes. Junctions are formed at the open end and also within interior regions where different sections are joined. The reflection and transmission properties of each junction are described in terms of a scattering matrix which is determined by combining the modal ray picture with high frequency techniques such as the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD), the Equivalent Current Method (ECM), and modifications of the Physical Theory of Diffraction (PTD). A new set of equivalent circuits are employed in this ECM analysis which leads to a simple treatment of many types of junction discontinuities. Also, a new procedure is presented to improve the efficiency of the aperture integration at the open end which is required in the PTD procedure for finding the fields radiated from (or coupled to) the open end. Once the scattering matrices are determined, they are then combined using a self-consistent multiple scattering method to obtain the total scattered fields.

Altintas, A.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Leveraging the Gravity Field Spectrum for Icy Satellite Interior Structure Determination: The case of Europa with the Europa Clipper Mission

Understanding the interior structures of icy moons is pivotal for addressing their origins and habitability. We introduce an approach employing the gravity field spectrum as an additional constraint for the inversion of differentiated icy bodies' interior structures. After developing the general methodology, we apply it to Europa, utilizing the predicted measurement capability of NASA's Europa Clipper mission, and we prove its effectiveness in resolving key geophysical parameters. Notably, we show that using the gravity field spectrum in combination with the mass and moment of inertia of the body allows us to estimate, depending on the considered end-member interior structure, the hydrosphere thickness with 4–20 km uncertainty and reliably determine the seafloor maximum topographic range and elastic thickness to within 100–600 m and 5–15 km, respectively, together with the power–degree relationship of the seafloor topography. We also show that the proposed method allows us to determine the density of the silicate mantle and the radius of the core to within 0.25 g cc −1 and 50 km, respectively.

G. Cascioli↗
NASA NTRS2001

Visualization of Microbial Biomarkers by Scanning Electron Microscopy

We are developing tools to link the biochemical structure of selected biomarkers with putative biogenic structures observed in mineralized samples. The detection of evidence of life on Mars and other planets will rely on methods that can discriminate compounds formed exclusively by living organisms. While biogenic compounds, such as amino acids and nucleotides have been discovered in extraterrestrial sources, such as meteorites and comets, their formation can be explained by abiotic means. The formation of cellular structures, or more elaborate organic molecules, such as complex lipids, proteins or nucleic acids, however, is strongly correlated to the presence of even the most primitive life processes. Recent evidence lends support to the hypothesis that life may have once existed on Mars. Carbonate globules and ppm concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been described in ALH84001, a meteorite originating from Mars ejecta captured by Earth over 13,000 years ago. The localized high concentration of PAHs that follow an increasing gradient from the intact fusion crust towards the interior corresponds to microgram quantities of hydrocarbon. Even though ALH84001 and other similar meteorites have withstood the forces capable of ejecting rock through Mars' escape velocity, upon entering Earth's atmosphere, their core temperatures are likely not to have been raised significantly, as evidenced by the survival of remanent magnetic signatures. Ideal biomarkers of ancient or modern biological life would include molecules that are (or were) pervasive and highly resistant to degradation. Also, requisite methods of detection should be simple, extremely sensitive and broadly inclusive (NASA SP-530). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan or pseudopeptidoglycan and beta-glucan are microbial cell wall components which together cover the entire microbial spectrum of eubacteria, archea and fungi. They are all remarkably resistant to thermal degradation. Fortunately, many antimicrobial defense systems of higher organisms require sensitive detection to combat microbial pathogens. We employ here the primitive immune system of the evolutionarily ancient horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. This species relies on multi-enzyme signal amplification detection of cell wall molecules and they can be applied to the development of useful detectors of life. An extension of this work includes the visualization of microbial signatures by labeling LAL components with chromogenic or electron dense markers. The protein Limulus Anti-LPS Factor (LALF) has an extremely high affinity for LPS. By coupling LALF binding with colloidal gold labels we demonstrate a correlation of the structures visible by electron microscopy with biochemical evidence of microbial cell wall materials. Pure silica particles were mixed with cultures of E. coli (10(exp 6) cfu/mL). Samples were washed sequentially with buffered saline, LALF, antibody to LALF and finally colloidal gold-labeled Protein A. Negative controls were not exposed to E. coli but received identical treatment otherwise. Samples were coated with carbon and imaged on a JEOL JSM-840 scanning electron microscope with LaB6 source in the back scatter mode with the JEOL annular back scatter detector. 20 nm-scale black spots in this contrast-reversed image originate from electrons back-scattered by gold atoms. Negative controls did not give any signal. Future work will expand application of this technique to soil simulants and mineralized rock samples.

Wainwright, Norman R.↗