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At least 667 records · Page 37

Testing of typical spacecraft materials in a simulated substorm environment

The test specimens were spacecraft paints, silvered Teflon, thermal blankets, and solar array segments. The samples, ranging in size from 300 to 1000 sq cm were exposed to monoenergetic electron energies from 2 to 20 keV at a current density of 1 NA/sq cm. The samples generally behaved as capacitors with strong voltage gradient at their edges. The charging characteristics of the silvered Teflon, Kapton, and solar cell covers were controlled by the secondary emission characteristics. Insulators that did not discharge were the spacecraft paints and the quartz fiber cloth thermal blanket sample. All other samples did experience discharges when the surface voltage reached -8 to -16kV. The discharges were photographed. The breakdown voltage for each sample was determined and the average energy lost in the discharge was computed.

Stevens, N. J.↗

Oxidant and precursor trends in the metropolitan Los Angeles region

This paper describes recent historical trends in oxidant and precursors in the Los Angeles region. Control strategies and basinwide emission trends for nitrogen oxides and reactive hydrocarbons are documented year by year from 1965 to 1974. Trends in the geographic distribution of emissions are illustrated by computing net percentage emission changes over the decade for individual counties. The changes in emissions are compared with changes in ambient precursor concentrations and oxidant concentrations. We find that many of the changes in monitored air quality can be explained by trends in both total emissions and the spatial distribution of emissions.

Trijonis, J.↗

Model for MOS field-time-dependent breakdown

A quantitative model for MOS breakdown is derived and correlated with experiments. The data were obtained by enhancing the effect of ion emission on breakdown through controlled ion-implantation damage prior to gate oxidation in an otherwise normal and clean MOS process

Li, S. P.↗

Voyager measurement of the rotation period of Saturn's magnetic field

Saturn's radio rotation period was determined using measurements made by the planetary radio astronomy experiment onboard the Voyager spacecraft. The sidereal period deduced, 10 hr 39 min 24 sec ? 7 sec, is within the 10 hr to 11 hr range of optical periods derived from a century of atmospheric spot and Doppler spectroscopy observations. The radio rotation period is presumably that of the planet's magnetic field. A provisional Saturn longitude convention is proposed and equations are provided to compute a longitude ephemeris and to transform between the proposed system and the (10 hr 14 min) system used for the Pioneer 11/Saturn encounter. The degree of longitude smearing which could result over the long term from the merging of data sets organized in this system is evaluated. No evidence of control of the radio emission by any of Saturn's satellites was found.

Desch, M. D.↗

Soil moisture sensing with microwave techniques

Microwave approaches for the remote sensing of soil moisture are discussed, with the advantages described as follows: (1) the all-weather capability, (2) the greater penetration depth into the soil and through vegetation than with optical or infrared sensors, and (3) the large changes in the dielectric properties of soil produced by changes in water content. Both active and passive microwave approaches are discussed. The dependence of the relationship between microwave response and soil moisture on such things as soil texture, surface roughness, vegetative cover and nonuniform moisture and temperature profiles is analyzed from both the experimental and theoretical viewpoints. The dielectric properties of the soil are analyzed quantitatively, as these control the reflective and emissive properties of the soil surface, and a model for estimating a soil's dielectric properties from its texture and moisture content is also presented. Emissivity is calculated using the Fresnel equation of electromagnetic theory, and reflectivity is shown to be decreased by surface roughness, while the backscatter coefficient increases. It is demonstrated, that microwave radiometers are sensitive to soil moisture for a wide range of surface conditions, and that the longer wavelengths are best for soil moisture sensing.

Schmugge, T.↗

Voyager measurement of the rotation period of Saturn's magnetic field

Saturn's radio rotation period is determined using measurements made by the Planetary Radio Astronomy experiment onboard the Voyager spacecraft. The sidereal period deduced is 10 hr 39 min 24 sec + or 7 sec. The radio rotation period is presumably that of the planet's magnetic field. A provisional Saturn longitude convention is proposed, and equations are provided to compute a longitude emphemeris and to transform between the proposed system and the (10 hr 14 min) system used for the Pioneer 11/Saturn encounter. In addition, the degree of longitude smearing which could result over the long term from the merging of data sets organized in this system is evaluated. Finally, no evidence of control of the radio emission by any of Saturn's satellites is found.

Desch, M. D.↗

Radio observations of the Jovian magnetic field

Radio observations of Jupiter are reviewed and discussed in relation to the planet's magnetic field. Early ground-based decameter- and decimeter-wave observations lead to a first estimate of the magnetic field strength which was subsequently confirmed by space-borne measurements. Decametric, hectometric and decimetric measurements of the Jovian rotation period offer the possibility of detecting a real change in the magnetic field structure within the next few decades. Solar wind control of the radio emission allows inferences to be made concerning the magnetic field and the emission regions at decametric, hectometric and kilometric frequencies. The decametric and the hectometric radiation may originate in hollow-cone emission sources at high (auroral) latitudes on Jupiter. The broad-band kilometric emission appears to originate at the outer edge of the Io torus.

Barrow, C. H.↗

Development of high temperature liquid lubricants for low-heat rejection: Heavy duty diesel engines

The objective of this DOE program was to develop a liquid lubricant that will allow advanced diesel engines to operate at top ring reversal temperatures approaching 500 C and sump temperatures approaching 250 C. The lubricants developed demonstrated at marginal increase in sump temperature capability, approximately 15 C, and an increase in top ring reversal temperature. A 15W-40 synthetic lubricant designated HTL-4 was the best lubricant developed in terms of stability, wear control, deposit control dispersancy, and particulate emissions.

Wiczynski, P. D.↗

HSCT integrated propulsion control issues

The propulsion control system affects the economics of the HSCT through the mechanisms indicated. Weight reduction is paramount in an aircraft of this type. Significant reductions are possible relative to the SST or even current technology if improvements are made in areas such as high temperature electronics. Dependability is an increasingly important parameter in all aircraft, but the higher capital cost of the HSCT makes it doubly important. Conversely the more difficult HSCT design problem makes it more difficult to achieve. Integration of propulsion controls will make it possible to improve both the static and dynamic performance of the HSCT propulsion system. Noise and emissions requirements may introduce novel control system requirements such as automatically programmed takeoff thrust for noise abatement. Control system development technology is evolving. For HSCT, highly automated and thoroughly validated tools will be required to reliably achieve desired system performance at introduction, and to reduce development costs. A technology plan was developed to prepare for HSCT development. This presentation addresses the portion of the plan required to demonstrate technology readiness for the HSCT in the late 1990's rather than the technology development currently in progress.

Carlin, Christopher M.↗

Chaos: Understanding and Controlling Laser Instability

In order to characterize the behavior of tunable diode lasers (TDL), the first step in the project involved the redesign of the TDL system here at the University of Tennessee Molecular Systems Laboratory (UTMSL). Having made these changes it was next necessary to optimize the new optical system. This involved the fine adjustments to the optical components, particularly in the monochromator, to minimize the aberrations of coma and astigmatism and to assure that the energy from the beam is focused properly on the detector element. The next step involved the taking of preliminary data. We were then ready for the analysis of the preliminary data. This required the development of computer programs that use mathematical techniques to look for signatures of chaos. Commercial programs were also employed. We discovered some indication of high dimensional chaos, but were hampered by the low sample rate of 200 KSPS (kilosamples/sec) and even more by our sample size of 1024 (1K) data points. These limitations were expected and we added a high speed data acquisition board. We incorporated into the system a computer with a 40 MSPS (million samples/sec) data acquisition board. This board can also capture 64K of data points so that were then able to perform the more accurate tests for chaos. The results were dramatic and compelling, we had demonstrated that the lead salt diode laser had a chaotic frequency output. Having identified the chaotic character in our TDL data, we proceeded to stage two as outlined in our original proposal. This required the use of an Occasional Proportional Feedback (OPF) controller to facilitate the control and stabilization of the TDL system output. The controller was designed and fabricated at GSFC and debugged in our laboratories. After some trial and error efforts, we achieved chaos control of the frequency emissions of the laser. The two publications appended to this introduction detail the entire project and its results.

Blass, William E.↗

[Sources of Methane in the Boreal Region]

In determining the global methane budget the sources of methane must be balanced with the sinks and atmospheric inventory. The approximate contribution of the different methane sources to the budget has been establish showing the major terrestrial inputs as rice, wetlands, bogs, fens, and tundra. Measurements and modeling of production in these sources suggest that temperature, water table height and saturation along with substratum composition are important in controlling methane production and emission. The isotopic budget of 13 C and D/H in methane can be used as a tool to clarify the global budget. This approach has achieved success at constraining the inputs. Studies using the isotopic approach place constraints on global methane production from different sources. Also, the relation between the two biogenic production pathways, acetate fermentation and CO2 reduction, and the effect of substratum composition can be made using isotope measurements shows the relation between the different biogenic, thermogenic and anthropogenic sources of methane as a function of the carbon and hydrogen isotope values for each source and the atmosphere, tropospheric composition. Methane emissions from ponds and fens are a significant source in the methane budget of the boreal region. An initial study in 1993 and 1994 on the isotopic composition of this methane source and the isotopic composition in relation to oxidation of methane at the sediment surface of the ponds or fen was conducted as part of our BOREAS project. The isotopic composition of methane emitted by saturated anoxic sediment is dependent on the sediment composition and geochemistry, but will be influenced by in situ oxidation, in part, a function of rooted plant activity. The influence of oxidation mediated by rooted plant activities on the isotopic composition of methane is not well known and will depend on the plant type, sediment temperature, and numerous other variables. Information on this isotopic composition is important in both understanding the bio-geochemistry of the system and also in determining the regional and global inputs for the methane isotope budget. In determining the destruction of methane for balancing the atmospheric methane budget soil oxidation must be considered.

Source record↗

Thermal Studies of New Precursors to Indium-tin Oxides for Use as Sensor Materials in the Detection of NO(x)

Control of combustion product emissions in both sub and super-sonic jet engines can be facilitated by measurement of NO(x) levels with metal oxide sensors, In2O3, metal-doped SnO2, and SnO, (as well as other materials) show resistivity changes in the presence of NO(x), but often their sensitivity, stability, and selectivity are low. This study was designed to develop new synthetic pathways to precursors that produce high purity, two phase In2O3-SnO2. The precursors were formed by complexation of tin with any oxide ligands to give the ammonium salt (NH4). Thermal studies of these precursors were carried out by thermal gravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further studies by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were also conducted.

Goldsby, J. C.↗

Intelligent Propulsion System Foundation Technology

Program Objectives: Fabricate a combustor incorporating advanced diagnostics and active combustor control to reduce NOx emissions by 85% relative to 1996 ICAO standards, while retaining the performance of existing commercial combustors. The University of Dayton has performing three major tasks: (1) Well-Stirred Reactor (WSR) Task, (2) Shock- Tube Task, and (3) TAPS Task. Technical work performed on these tasks will go towards meeting the objective set for the NASA Work Element 2.1: Intelligent Combustor.

Source record↗

Segmented cold cathode display panel

The present invention is a video display device that utilizes the novel concept of generating an electronically controlled pattern of electron emission at the output of a segmented photocathode. This pattern of electron emission is amplified via a channel plate. The result is that an intense electronic image can be accelerated toward a phosphor thus creating a bright video image. This novel arrangement allows for one to provide a full color flat video display capable of implementation in large formats. In an alternate arrangement, the present invention is provided without the channel plate and a porous conducting surface is provided instead. In this alternate arrangement, the brightness of the image is reduced but the cost of the overall device is significantly lowered because fabrication complexity is significantly decreased.

Payne, Leslie↗

India Is Overtaking China as the World's Largest Emitter of Anthropogenic Sulfur Dioxide

Severe haze is a major public health concern in China and India. Both countries rely heavily on coal for energy, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted from coal-fired power plants and industry is a major pollutant contributing to their air quality problems. Timely, accurate information on SO2 sources is a required input to air quality models for pollution prediction and mitigation. However, such information has been difficult to obtain for these two countries, as fast-paced changes in economy and environmental regulations have often led to unforeseen emission changes. Here we use satellite observations to show that China and India are on opposite trajectories for sulfurous pollution. Since 2007, emissions in China have declined by 75 percent while those in India have increased by 50 percent. With these changes, India is now surpassing China as the world's largest emitter of anthropogenic SO2. This finding, not predicted by emission scenarios, suggests effective SO2 control in China and lack thereof in India. Despite this, haze remains severe in China, indicating the importance of reducing emissions of other pollutants. In India, approximately 33 million people now live in areas with substantial SO2 pollution. Continued growth in emissions will adversely affect more people and further exacerbate morbidity and mortality.

air pollution↗

Methanol mixing−controlled compression ignition enabled via homogeneous charge compression ignition of dimethyl ether through catalytic decomposition of methanol

Methanol is a potentially attractive fuel for marine and off−road engines owing to its availability at bunkering and global distribution locations. Although methanol is well−distributed worldwide, its fuel chemistry and ignition properties make it poorly suited as a direct drop−in replacement for diesel fuel in compression−ignition engines. However, industrial processes are regularly used to convert methanol, via catalytic dehydration, to dimethyl ether (DME) over nonprecious metal catalysts. This chemical conversion can occur at relatively low pressures, temperatures, and catalyst space velocities, highlighting a potential opportunity to generate DME via onboard catalytic dehydration of methanol. DME’s fuel kinetic and ignition properties for compression ignition are much more favorable than those of methanol or even diesel fuel, but DME is more challenging than diesel fuel or methanol to pump, store, and deliver through conventional diesel fueling injection hardware. Thus, a potential opportunity exists to use the ignition and kinetic properties of DME, with the transportation and delivery advantages of methanol, in a methanol−fueled mixing−controlled compression−ignition engine. The present work explores performance, combustion behavior, and emissions reduction opportunities for methanol mixing−controlled combustion, enabled by a HCCI of DME that represents a small fraction of the total fuel energy that can be generated onboard via catalytic dehydration of methanol.

Splitter, Derek [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000174044047)↗

Estimation of abatement potentials and costs of air pollution emissions in China

Understanding the air pollution emission abatement potential and associated control cost is a prerequisite to design cost ef?cient control policies. In this study, a linear programming algorithm model, International Control Cost Estimate Tool, was updated with cost data for applications of 56 types of end-of-pipe technologies and ?ve types of renewable energy in 10 major sectors namely power generation, industry combustion, cement pro-duction, iron and steel production, other industry processes, domestic combustion, transportation, solvent use, livestock rearing, and fertilizer use. The updated model was implemented to estimate the abatement potential and marginal cost of multiple pollutants in China. The total maximum abatement potentials of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), primary particulate matter (PM2.5), non-volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and ammonia (NH3) in China were estimated to be 19.2, 20.8, 9.1, 17.2 and 8.6 Mt, respectively, which accounted for 89.7%, 89.9%, 94.6%, 74.0%, and 80.2% of their total emissions in 2014, respectively. The associated control cost of such reductions was estimated as 92.5, 469.7, 75.7, 449.0, and 361.8 billion CNY in SO2, NOx, primary PM2.5, NMVOCs and NH3, respectively. Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces exhibited large abatement potentials for all pollutants. Provincial disparity analysis shows that high GDP regions tend to have higher reduction potential and total abatement costs. End-of-pipe technologies tended be a cost-ef?cient way to control pollution in industries processes (i.e., cement plants, iron and steel plants, lime production, building ceramic production, glass and brick production), whereas such technologies were less cost- effective in fossil fuel-related sectors (i.e., power plants, industry combustion, domestic combustion, and transportation) compared with renewable energy. The abatement potentials and marginal abatement cost curves developed in this study can further be used as a crucial component in an integrated model to design optimized cost-ef?cient control policies.

Zhang, Fenfen↗