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At least 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

New estimates of nitrous oxide emissions from biomass burning

The recent discovery of an artifact producing increased levels of N2O in combustion gas samples collected and stored in grab bottles before chemical analysis has resulted in the downgrading of fossil-fuel combustion and the questioning of biomass burning as important sources of N2O. As almost all reported analyses of N2O produced from biomass burning have involved essentially the same collection and analysis protocols as used in the fossil-fuel studies, this source of N2O must also be reexamined. Here, measurements of N2O made over a large prescribed fire using a near real-time in situ measurement technique are reported and compared with measurements of N2O from simultaneously collected grab-bottle samples. The results from 27 small laboratory biomass test fires are also used to help clarify the validity of earlier assessments. It is concluded that biomass burning contributes about seven percent of atmospheric N2O, as opposed to earlier estimates of several times this value.

Cofer, W. R., III↗
NASA NTRS1991

Stability of Y-Ba-Cu-oxide phases in salt flux

The results of an investigation into the possibility of growing YBa2Cu3O7 (or Y123) single crystals from a NaCl-KCl flux (salt flux) are presented. They are compared with results for Y123 crystals grown from a Ba-Cu-oxide flux system. The chosen salt flux composition was 1:1 (NaCl:KCl). The preparation method of the solutes is presented, with particular attention given to the compounds surrounding the Y123 phase, such as Y2BaCuO6 (Y211). Optical microscopy was introduced to study the morphology of the sample; X-ray diffraction was used for phase identification; and a chemical analysis was effected. The Y123, Y211, and BaCuO2 phases were shown to be dissociated in the NaCl-KCl flux, and could not be recrystallized. A small amount of the flux could be added to create large-grain Y123 crystals, but single-crystal growth was not possible in a top-seeded NaCl-KCl solution. This is attributed to significant differences in solubility of the crystal elements, and phase separation caused by CuO crystal formation.

Tao, Y. K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Combined Velocity/Charge-To-Mass-Ratio Analyzer

Instrument analyzes ions according to velocity and ratio of mass to electric charge. State-of-the-art combination of two instruments: time-of-flight analyzer and electrostatic analyzer functioning as mass spectrometer. Features include compactness, light weight, and low power. Terrestrial versions useful in chemical analysis, chromatography, and analysis of plasmas.

Chutjian, Ara↗
NASA NTRS1991

Clay minerals in primitive meteorites and interplanetary dust 2. Smectites and micas

The classification is briefly summarized of stony meteorites and cosmic dust, and the mineralogy and chemistry is described of serpentine group minerals. The occurrence of smectites and micas in extraterrestrial materials is examined. The characterization of fine grained minerals in meteorites and IDPs relies heavily on electron beam instruments, especially the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Typically, phyllosilicates are identified by a combination of high resolution imaging of basal spacings, electron diffraction, and chemical analysis. Smectites can be difficult to differentiate from micas because the smectites lose their interlayer water and the interlayer partly collapse in the high vacuum of the TEM.

Keller, L. P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Magma generation on Mars: Estimated volumes through time

Images of volcanoes and lava flows, chemical analysis by the Viking landers, and studies of meteorites show that volcanism has played an important role in the evolution of Mars. Photogeologic mapping suggests that half of Mars' surface is covered with volcanic materials. Here, researchers present results from new mappings, including estimates of volcanic deposit thicknesses based on partly buried and buried impact craters using the technique of DeHon. The researchers infer the volumes of possible associated plutonic rocks and derive the volumes of magmas on Mars generated in its post-crustal formation history. Also considered is the amount of juvenile water that might have exsolved from the magma through time.

Greeley, Ronald↗
NASA NTRS1992

Study of cosmic dust particles on board LDEF: The FRECOPA experiments AO138-1 and AO138-2

Two experiments, within the French Cooperative Payload (FRECOPA) and devoted to the detection of cosmic dust, were flown on the LDEF. A variety of sensors and collecting devices have made possible the study of impact processes on materials of technological interest. Preliminary examination of hypervelocity impact features gives valuable data on size distribution and nature of interplanetary dust particles in low earth orbit, within the 0.5 to 300 micrometer size range. Most of the events detected on the trailing face of LDEF are expected to be the result of impacts of meteoritic particles only. So far, chemical analysis of craters by EDS clearly shows evidence of elements (Na, Mg, Si, S, Ca, and Fe) consistent with cosmic origin. Systematic occurrence of C and O in crater residues is an important result, to be compared with the existence of CHON particles detected in P-Halley comet nucleus. Crater size distribution is in good agreement with results from other dust experiments flown on LDEF. However, no crater smaller than 1.5 micron was observed, thus suggesting a cutoff in the near earth particle distribution. Possible origin and orbital evolution of micrometeoroids is discussed.

Mandeville, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic (computer) modelling of the particulate environment: Transformations from the LDEF reference frame to decode geocentric and interplanetary populations

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) impact signature record and the size frequency distribution of craters and perforations offers a unique record of environmental data referenced conveniently to the geocentric reference frame. Chemical analysis of residues can offer only limited assistance. Hence, flux modeling has been developed to transform both geocentric orbital distributions and geocentrically unbounded interplanetary source distributions. This is applied to the foil and crater penetration records in the Ram (E), Trailing (W), and Space Pointing directions to offer the means of decoding the records. It shows that the mix of the components is size dependent. Parametric forms of the modeling transformations are presented for the orbital and unbounded populations.

Mcdonnell, J. A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Results of examination of silvered Teflon from the Long Duration Exposure Facility

A significant effort to determine the effects of low earth orbit (LEO) exposure on silver backed fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) blankets from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was performed, and the results of this investigation are described. Extensive measurements of surface, optical, chemical, and mechanical properties were conducted. Effects of contamination and erosion rates of the FEP layer were determined. Specific results are reported on solar absorptance, thermal emittance, diffuse reflectance, cross sectional microphotography, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, electron scattering for chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, percent elongation, and tensile strength. These measurements show the effects of two distinctly different exposure environments, solar exposure, and simultaneous atomic oxygen (AO) and solar exposure.

Rousslang, Ken↗
NASA NTRS1992

The nanophase iron mineral(s) in Mars soil

Iron-enriched smectites have been suggested as important mineral compounds of the Martian soil. They were shown to comply with the chemical analysis of the Martian soil, to simulate many of the findings of the Viking Labeled Release Experiments on Mars, to have spectral reflectance in the VIS-NIR strongly resembling the bright regions on Mars. The analogy with Mars soil is based, in a number of aspects, on the nature and behavior of the iron oxides and oxyhydroxides deposited on the surface of the clay particles. A summary of the properties of these iron phases and some recent findings are presented. Their potential relevance to Mars surface processes is discussed.

Banin, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermal degradation study of silicon carbide threads developed for advanced flexible thermal protection systems

Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber is a material that may be used in advanced thermal protection systems (TPS) for future aerospace vehicles. SiC fiber's mechanical properties depend greatly on the presence or absence of sizing and its microstructure. In this research, silicon dioxide is found to be present on the surface of the fiber. Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) show that a thin oxide layer (SiO2) exists on the as-received fibers, and the oxide thickness increases when the fibers are exposed to high temperature. ESCA also reveals no evidence of Si-C bonding on the fiber surface on both as-received and heat treated fibers. The silicon oxide layer is thought to signal the decomposition of SiC bonds and may be partially responsible for the degradation in the breaking strength observed at temperatures above 400 C. The variation in electrical resistivity of the fibers with increasing temperature indicates a transition to a higher band gap material at 350 to 600 C. This is consistent with a decomposition of SiC involving silicon oxide formation.

Tran, Huy Kim↗
NASA NTRS1991

An e.s.c.a. study of atomic oxygen interactions with phosphazene-coated polyimide films

Metallic as well as most nonmetallic materials experience oxidation and mass loss via surface erosion in low earth orbit as shown in previous Space Shuttle flights. This study is an evaluation of select polyphosphazene polymers and their resistance to atomic oxygen attack. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis examinations of the surfaces of polyphosphazene coatings were monitored for microstructural changes induced during exposures to atomic oxygen. Sample exposures in oxygen plasmas and O(3P) beam were compared as to their effect on surface compositional changes in the polyphosphazene coating. High resolution line scans revealed rearrangements in the polymer backbone and scissioning reactions involving fluorocarbon units of long chain fluoroalkoxy pendant groups. Atom percents and peak areas of all species provided a detailed profile of the microstructural changes induced in phosphazene polymers as a result of exposures to atomic oxygen.

Fewell, Larry L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Chemical analyses of provided samples

Two batches of samples were received and chemical analysis was performed of the surface and near surface regions of the samples by the surface analysis by laser ionization (SALI) method. The samples included four one-inch optics and several paint samples. The analyses emphasized surface contamination or modification. In these studies, pulsed sputtering by 7 keV Ar+ and primarily single-photon ionization (SPI) by coherent 118 nm radiation (at approximately 5 x 10(exp 5) W/cm(sup 2) were used. For two of the samples, also multiphoton ionization (MPI) at 266 nm (approximately 5 x 10(exp 11) W/cm(sup 2) was used. Most notable among the results was the silicone contamination on Mg2 mirror 28-92, and that the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) paint sample had been enriched in K and Na and depleted in Zn, Si, B, and organic compounds relative to the control paint.

Becker, Christopher H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Proposal for a Universal Particle Detector Experiment

The Universal Particle Detector Experiment (UPDE), which consists of parallel planes of two diode laser beams of different wavelengths and a large surface metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) impact detector, is proposed. It will be used to perform real-time monitoring of contamination particles and meteoroids impacting the spacecraft surface with high resolution of time, position, direction, and velocity. The UPDE will discriminate between contaminants and meteoroids, and will determine their velocity and size distribution around the spacecraft environment. With two different color diode lasers, the contaminant and meteroid composition will also be determined based on laboratory calibration with different materials. Secondary particles dislodged from the top aluminum surface of the MOS detector will also be measured to determine the kinetic energy losses during energetic meteoroid impacts. The velocity range of this instrument is 0.1 m/s to more than 14 km/s, while its size sensitivity is from 0.2 microns to millimeter-sized particles. The particulate measurements in space of the kind proposed will be the first simultaneous multipurpose particulate experiment that includes velocities from very slow to hypervelocities, sizes from submicrometer- to pellet-sized diameters, chemical analysis of the particulate composition, and measurements of the kinetic energy losses after energetic impacts of meteroids. The experiment will provide contamination particles and orbital debris data that are critically needed for our present understanding of the space environment. The data will also be used to validate contamination and orbital debris models for predicting optimal configuration of future space sensors and for understanding their effects on sensitive surfaces such as mirrors, lenses, paints, and thermal blankets.

Lesho, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The effect of oxygen fugacity on the partitioning of nickel and cobalt between olivine, silicate melt, and metal

The effect of oxygen fugacity, f(O2), on the partitioning behavior of Ni and Co between olivine, silicate melt, and metal was investigated in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-FeO-Na2O system, an analogue of a chondrule composition from an ordinary chondrite. The conditions were 1350 C and 1 atm, with values of f(O2) varying between 10 exp -5.5 and 10 exp -12.6 atm (i.e., the f(O2) range relevant for crystal/liquid processes in terrestrial planets and meteorite parent bodies). Results of chemical analysis showed that the values of the Ni and Co partitioning coefficients begin to decrease at values of f(O2) that are about 3.9 log units below the nickel-nickel oxide and cobalt-cobalt oxide buffers, respectively, near the metal saturation for the chondrule analogue composition.

Ehlers, Karin↗
NASA NTRS1923

Tests on riveted joints in sheet duralumin

In making tension tests, the slippage of the joints was noted at three points across each joint. In addition, stress strain curves were obtained for plain tension specimens, and a chemical analysis was made of the sheet.

Rettew, H F↗
NASA NTRS1993

The monzonorite-anorthosite connection: The petrogenesis of terrestrial KREEP

There is a suite of rocks typically associated with Proterozoic massif anorthosites that bear some interesting similarities to lunar KREEP. In many cases these rocks are plutonic and have traditionally been referred to as the jotunite-mangerite-+/-charnockite-+/-syenite suite. However, in the Rogaland district of southwestern Norway, where they are referred to as 'monzonorites', these rocks are also present as fine-grained dikes and as the chill margin of a layered intrusion, and thus approximate magmatic liquid compositions are readily obtained by chemical analysis. Monzonorites are typically enriched in incompatible lithophile elements such as K (alkali feldspar is present), the rare earths (REE), and P. They have intermediate to low Mg', low-Ca pyroxene, and more evolved types have low Ti/Sm ratios. Much debate has developed over attempts to explain the link between monzonorites and massif anorthosites. One feature seems clear: monzonorites and associated anorthosites have different initial isotopic ratios, so a simple relation is not possible. However, there is apparently a continuum in major elements between the monzonorites and gabbros believed to represent magmas parental to the anorthosites. This continuum suggests a link via high pressure fractionation coupled with assimilation. Although more complicated, this scenario is similar to that evoked for the early Moon: following the formation of ferroan anorthosites, continued fractional crystallization of the residual liquids at the base of the crust led to the formation of KREEP. An attempt is made here to establish a link between monzonorites and high-Al gabbros which are nearly always found as ancillary intrusions associated with anorthosites, and which may record processes in lower crustal magma chambers.

Longhi, J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Space Shuttle solid rocket motor exposure monitoring

During the processing of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), segments at the Kennedy Space Center, an odor was detected around the solid propellant. An Industrial Hygiene survey was conducted to determine the chemical identity of the SRB offgassing constituents. Air samples were collected inside a forward SRB segment and analyzed to determine chemical composition. Specific chemical analysis for suspected offgassing constituents of the propellant indicated ammonia to be present. A gas chromatograph mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis of the air samples detected numerous high molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Brown, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Characterization of Minnesota lunar simulant for plant growth

Processing of lunar regolith into a plant growth medium is crucial in the development of a regenerative life support system for a lunar base. Plants, which are the core of such a system, produce food and oxygen for humans and, at the same time, consume carbon dioxide. Because of the scarcity of lunar regolith, simulants must be used to infer its properties and to develop procedures for weathering and chemical analyses. The Minnesota Lunar Simulant (MLS) has been identified to date as the best available simulant for lunar regolith. Results of the dissolution studies reveal that appropriately fertilized MLS can be a suitable medium for plant growth. The techniques used in conducting these studies can be extended to investigate the suitability of actual lunar regolith as a plant growth medium. Dissolution experiments were conducted using the MLS to determine its nutritional and toxicity characteristics for plant growth and to develop weathering and chemical analysis techniques. Two weathering regimes, one with water and one with dilute organic acids simulating the root rhizosphere microenvironment, were investigated. Elemental concentrations were measured using inductively-coupled-plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry and ion chromatography (IC). The geochemical speciation model, MINTEQA2, was used to determine the major solution species and the minerals controlling them. Acidification was found to be a useful method for increasing cation concentrations to meaningful levels. Initial results indicate that MLS weathers to give neutral to slightly basic solutions which contain acceptable amounts of the essential elements required for plant nutrition (i.e., potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, sodium, silicon, manganese, copper, chlorine, boron, molybdenum, and cobalt). Elements that need to be supplemented include carbon, nitrogen, and perhaps phosphorus and iron. Trace metals in solution were present at nontoxic levels.

Oglesby, James P.↗