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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Copper and nickel partitioning in iron meteorites

Trace element analyses using proton induced X-ray emission and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence have been made on metal and troilite from nine iron meteorites representing five geochemical groups. Nickel and copper distribution coefficients D (troilite/metal) vary by factors of 600 and 20, respectively, correlate positively with kamacite bandwidth and correlate negatively with bulk nickel content. Meteorites with bulk Ni of less than 10 percent have Cu-enriched troilite while those with Ni greater than 10 percent have Cu-depleted troilite. Since magmatic evolution and partial melting will produce Cu-enriched troilite only, the observation of Cu-depleted troilite in Ni-rich meteorites is evidence for subsolidus reequilibration, a process which reduces D(Cu) by transfer of Cu to exsolving metal. Elemental redistribution may have played an important role in establishing the present chemical trends in iron meteorites.

Sutton, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Sulfide mineralization: Its role in chemical weathering of Mars

Pyrrhotite-pentlandite assemblages in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks may have contributed significantly to the chemical weathering reactions that produced degradation products in the Martian regolith. By analogy with terrestrial processes, a model is proposed whereby supergene alteration of these primary Fe-Ni sulfides on Mars has generated secondary sulfides (e.g., pyrite) below the water table and produced acidic groundwater containing high concentrations of dissolved Fe, Ni and sulfate ions. The low pH solutions also initiated weathering reactions of igneous feldspars and ferromagnesian silicates to form clay silicate and ferric oxyhydroxide phases. Near-surface oxidation and hydrolysis of ferric sulfato- and hydroxo-complex ions and sols formed gossans above the water table consisting of poorly crystalline hydrated ferric sulfates (e.g., jarosite), oxides (ferrihydrite, goethite) and silica (opal). Underlying groundwater, now permafrost, contains hydroxo sulfato complexes of Fe, Al, Mg, Ni, etc., which may be stabilized in frozen acidic solutions beneath the surface of Mars. Sublimation of permafrost may replenish colloidal ferric oxides, sulfates and phyllosilicates during dust storms on Mars.

Burns, Roger G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Dendritic growth and structure of undercooled nickel base alloys

The principal objectives of this overall investigation are to: study means for obtaining high undercooling in levitation melted droplets, and study structures produced upon the solidification of these undercooled specimens. Thermal measurements are made of the undercooling, and of the rapid recalescence, to develop an understanding of the solidification mechanism. Comparison of results is made with the modeling studies. Characterization and metallographic work is done to gain an understanding of the relationship between rapid solidification variables and the structures so produced. In ground based work to date, solidification of undercooled Ni-25 wt percent Sn alloy was observed by high-speed cinematography and the results compared with optical temperature measurements. Also in ground based work, high-speed optical temperature measurements were made of the solidification behavior of levitated metal samples within a transparent glass medium. Two undercooled Ni-Sn alloys were examined. Measurements were carried out on samples at undercoolings up to 330 K. Microstructures of samples produced in ground based work were determined by optical metallography and by SEM, and microsegregation by electron microprobe measurements. A series of flight tests were planned to conduct experiments similar to the ground based experiments. The Space Shuttle Columbia carried an alloy undercooled experiment in the STS 61-C mission in January 1986. A sample of Ni-32.5 wt percent Sn eutectic was melted and solidified under microgravity conditions.

Flemings, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Formation of the lamellar structure in Group IA and IIID iron meteorites

Analytical EM, light microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis are used to study the lamellar plessite structure of Group IA and IIID iron meteorites. The alpha lamellae in IIID structures contained a compositional gradient from 6.1 + or - 0.7 wt pct Ni at the center of the alpha lamellae to 3.6 + or - 0.5 wt pct at the alpha/gamma interface. For the Group IA irons, compositions of 4 wt pct Ni in alpha and about 48 wt pct Ni in gamma are found. Convergent beam electron diffraction was used to characterize the orientation relations at the alpha/gamma interface in the lamellar regions of both Group IA and IIID. The phase transformations responsible for the observed lamellar structure in the IA and IIID chemical groups were also investigated.

Kowalik, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Nickel and chromium isotopes in Allende inclusions

High-precision nickel and chromium isotopic measurements were carried out on nine Allende inclusions. It is found that Ni-62, Ni-64, excesses are present in at least three of the samples. The results suggest that the most likely mechanism for the anomalies is a neutron-rich statistical equilibrium process. An indication of elevated Ni-60 is found in almost every inclusion measured. This effect is thought to be related to the decay of now extinct Fe-60. An upper limit of 1.6 X 10 to the -6th is calculated for the Fe-60/Fe-56 ratio at the time these Allende inclusions crystallized.

Birck, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Spectral line profiles of nickel and argon in supernova 1987A - Expansion velocity and electron scattering effects

Spectra of SN 1987A showing the Ni II 6.634-micron and Ar II 6.983-micron fine-structure lines were obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory in April 1988. The signal-to-noise ratio of 100 near the peaks and resolving power of 200 are sufficient to show the average velocity of expansion from the core of about 1400 km/s and to indicate the range of velocities. An asymmetry in the profiles of both lines and a redshift of the line centroids of about 440 km/s above the 280-km/s recessional velocity of the LMC can be explained in terms of scattering of the photons by electrons in the expanding hydrogen envelope of the supernova. A mass of 0.0030 solar masses of Ni II can be deduced from the line strength of the Ni II line and a mass of 0.0009 solar masses of Ar II from the Ar II line strength.

Witteborn, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Improving the low temperature ductility of NiAl

As part of a study aimed at developing a ductile NiAl-based alloy, ingots of Ni-Fe-Al alloys were cast and hot extruded to rods. The purpose of the iron additions was two-fold viz; to produce a change in the slip vector from 001 to 111 line and, in one alloy, to add a L1(2)-structured ductile second phase. Extruded Ni-20Al-30Fe was two-phase, containing a pro-eutectic B2 phase in a fine lamellar structure of B2+L1(2) phases. Room temperature tensile testing of both single extruded and double extruded alloys resulted in 8-percent and 22-percent plastic elongation and yield stresses of 850 and 760 MPa, respectively. Fracture in both cases occurred by ductile tearing of the eutectic and transgranular cleavage of the proeutectic phase at 1350 MPa. The ductility in double extruded condition is higher than that reported earlier in rapidly solidified wires by Inoue et al. (1984). By comparison, extruded single-phase B2-structured Ni-30Al-20Fe exhibited a fracture strength of 780 MPa, no plasticity, and a mixture of intergranular fracture and transgranular cleavage. This is contrast to earlier work by Inoue et al. where a yield stress of 400 MPa, 5 percent plastic strain, and a mixture of dimple and intergranular fracture was reported.

Guha, Sumit↗
NASA NTRS1989

Compressive strength of a B2 matrix NiAl-Nb intermetallic at 1200 and 1300 K

The effect of a large Nb addition to a NiAl, to a final composition 43.5Ni-45.2Al-0.8Fe-10.5Nb (in at. pct), on the high-temperature compressive strength of NiAl was investigated using cylindrical samples which were compression tested in air at 1200 K and 1300 K under constant-velocity conditions. The compressive strength of the Ni-45Al-10.5Nb was compared to data from all known solid solution-strengthened and/or precipitation-strengthened NiAl-based materials. It was found that, for strain rates higher than 5 x 10 to the -6th/sec, the Ni-45Al-10.5Nb is stronger than NiAl. However, this advantage disappears at lower strain rates. A comparison of NiAl-based materials indicated that a NiAl+TiB2 composite containing 20 vol pct 1-micron-diam particles has a strength superiority over all the solid solution and precipitation-hardened aluminides at strain rates below 10 to the -7th/sec.

Whittenberger, J. Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1990

Carbon-rich aggregates in type 3 ordinary chondrites - Characterization, origins, and thermal history

Carbon-rich aggregates from three type 3.4-3.6 ordinary chondrites and two chondritic clasts have been characterized in detail, using TEM techniques. The aggregates in all the meteorites studied range in size from 5-1000 microns and consist of a fine scale intergrowth of poorly graphitized carbon, amorphous carbon, Fe,Ni metal, and minor chromite. Contrary to previous reports, well-crystallized graphite and magnetite are absent. The association of Fe,Ni metal and carbonaceous material suggests that the original carbonaceous material may have formed by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) type reactions at low temperatures (less than 400 K), possibly in the solar nebula. This carbonaceous material probably consisted of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, kerogen-like material, and other complex organic molecules. The aggregates were subsequently accreted onto the ordinary chondrite parent bodies and underwent planetary thermal processing which resulted in the catalytic graphitization of hydrocarbons, in the presence of Fe,Ni metal, to produce poorly graphitized carbon. None of the meteorites studied experienced temperatures sufficiently high to produce crystalline, ordered graphite. Using the empirical geothermometer of Rietmeijer and Mackinnon (1985), the measured d(002) spacings of poorly graphitized carbon show that graphitization occurred at temperatures between 300 and 450 C. This range of temperatures is significantly lower than the generally quoted metamorphic temperatures for type 3.4-3.6 ordinary chondrites (about 450-500 C).

Brearley, Adrian J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ongoing nickel-hydrogen energy storage device testing at George C. Marshall Space Flight Center

The primary objective of the testing is to characterize Ni-H2 cells for successful integration into the electrical power system (EPS) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). A broad spectrum of Ni-H2 design technology is encompassed by the testing configurations; tests include cells with dates of manufacture as early as 1976. The database includes cells of varied storage times, capacity, plate design, stack design, terminal configuration, pressure vessel thickness, separator material, potassium hydroxide (KOH) concentration, and thermal control. Currently, 196 Ni-H2 cells are being tested, grouped as follows: 12 RNH-35-3, 14 RNH-30-1, 22 HST cells (1 battery, flight spare lot), 132 HST cells (6 batteries, test modules 1 and 2, called TM1 and TM2), 12 HST cells (3 four-cell packs, TM1, TM2, flight spare module FSM), and 4 HST cells (engineering lot). In addition to the characterization and life testing, an extensive thermal vacuum and purge test was conducted in November 1989 and February 1990 using the HST FSM (3 batteries composed of 69 HST cells from the flight spare lot) to help verify thermal design. A report is presented of the progress, significant findings, and future objectives of the testing.

Lowery, John E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The structure and composition of metal particles in two type 6 ordinary chondrites

The microstructure and composition of taenite particles were examined in two type-6 ordinary chondrites, Kernouve (H6) and Saint Severin (LL6), using reflected light microscopy and a combination of electron optical instruments. It was found that, in both meteorites, the taenite particles consisted of a narrow rim of high-Ni taenite and a central region of cloudy zone similar to those present in iron meteorites. The microstructure of the cloudy zone in Saint Severin was coarser than that in Kernouve , due to the higher Ni content and slower cooling rate of the former. Three microstructural zones were observed in the outer taenite rim of both meteorites, the origin of which is considered likely to be due to the presence of ordered domain boundaries or to the presence of two phases FeNi and FeNi3 in the high-Ni region of the outer taenite rim.

Holland-Duffield, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Distribution of silicon between kamacite and taenite

Meteorites formed under highly reducing conditions can incorporate substantial amounts of Si in solid solution in their metallic phases. In enstatite meteorites, reduced Si appears in shreibersite, perryite and, in variable amounts, in the kamacite, taenite, and tetrataenite. Microprobe bulk analysis of Si in Fe,Ni particles of aubrites show a large variation from grain to grain; this large compositional range has been attributed to local equilibrium conditions in the specific T and/or fO2 environments in which they are formed. Si concentrations are homogeneous in the kamacite; in contrast, the Ni-rich phases (taenite and tetrataenite) show a characteristic Si profile. Concentrations of this element in tetrataenite are substantially higher than in the adjacent kamacite, and decrease smoothly towards the center of the taenite grain, matching very closely the M-shaped profile of Ni. Other elements with similar distribution patterns are Ge and Cu. A satisfactory explanation for this behavior cannot be given in the absence of experimental data for the diffusion of Si between alpha and gamma-Fe alloys. However, two end-member possibilities can be envisioned: the distribution of Si between kamacite and taenite may be controlled by (1) the crystallographic structure or (2) the chemical composition of the host phases. These possibilities are explored.

Casanova, Ignacio↗
NASA NTRS1992

Improving the low temperature ductility of NiAl

The intermetallic NiAl exhibits excellent potential as a structural material for application in air-breathing and single-stage-to-orbit engines. Unfortunately NiAl is brittle at ambient temperature, which is partly attributed to the lack of five independent slip systems as required by von Mises criterion for uniform, volume conserving deformation since the operative group of zone axes (100) slip offers only three independent slip systems. Isostructural FeAl, however, deforms by group of zone axes (111) slip at room temperature which provides five independent slip systems. Thus, it was decided to macroalloy NiAl with Fe to promote group of zone axes (111) slip thereby possibly improving the ductility. For Ni - 30 at. (percent) Al - 20 at. (percent) Fe having essentially bcc microstructure indicated up to 6 percent tensile elongation combined with high yield strength (about 800 MPa). The results compare favorably with those of stoichiometric Ni - 50 at. (percent) Al which, however, deforms by group of zone axes (100) slip at room temperature. The multi-phase alloy approach has proven even more successful for Ni - 20 at. (percent) Al - 30 at. (percent) Fe. The high temperature ductility of the multi-phase alloy was attributed to deformation transfer across interphase boundaries and the crack stopping action of the constituent gamma/gamma' phase. While the constituent phase became increasingly brittle, the beta' phase became more ductile at elevated temperatures. Thus the multi-phase alloy did not exhibit any elevated temperature embrittlement. Similarly, while the beta' phase became weak at high temperatures, the gamma/gamma' phase exhibited better strength retention leading to the improved elevated temperature strength of the multi-phase alloy. Thus, the multi-phase alloy benefits from both its constituent phases, with each phase alleviating the disadvantages associated with the other phase over any temperature range. The multi-phase alloy approach is suggested as a possible approach to designing intermetallic-based alloys.

Guha, Sumit↗
NASA NTRS1992

A detailed petrological analysis of hydrated, low-nickel, nonchondritic stratospheric dust particles

A detailed petrological analysis of three low-Ni, K-bearing, nonchondritic stratospheric dust particles is performed, and these particles are compared to products of high-energy, explosive (Plinian-type) volcanic events. The analytical electron microscope (AEM) analyses show pervasive layer silicates, carbonate and goethite, and chemical fractionation in the matrix of these particles similar to hydrothermal alteration in volcanic ejecta. Along with low Ni content and the presence of potassium, the texture and mineralogy of particles L2001-18, L2001-20, and L2002 C2 are similar to at least two nonchondritic stratospheric dust particles of the igneous subgroup for which an extraterrestrial origin has been suggested based on their minor- and trace-element abundances. The petrological characteristics of some low-Ni, K-bearing nonchondritic stratospheric dust particles supports a probable terrestrial volcanic origin, but the AEM data alone cannot exclude an extraterrestrial origin for these particles.

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Optical emission generated by collisions of 5 eV O(3P) atoms with surface-absorbed hydrazine

Optical emission has been observed corresponding to vibrational bands in the NH (A 3Pi - X 3Sigma(-)) electronic transition during collisions of 5 eV, ground-state oxygen O(3P) atoms with MgF2 and Ni surfaces continuously exposed to a beam of hydrazine (N2H4). The NH emission intensity is observed to be about five times greater for MgF2 than for Ni. No dependence on temperature was observed for either surface in the range 240 - 340 K, implying that the NH-producing intermediate species is tightly bound. The half-lifetime for desorption of hydrazine from each surface was measured. This was found to be 120 min for the MgF2 surface at 240 K, and less than 20 min for Ni. After exposure, the surface composition was measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on the exposed and unexposed areas of both targets.

Orient, O. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Battery Review Board

The topics covered are presented in viewgraph form: NASA Battery Review Board Charter; membership, board chronology; background; statement of problem; summary of problems with 50 AH standard Ni-Cd; activities for near term programs utilizing conventional Ni-Cd; present projects scheduled to use NASA standard Ni-Cd; other near-term NASA programs requiring secondary batteries; recommended direction for future programs; future cell/battery procurement strategy; and the NASA Battery Program.

Vaughn, Chester↗
NASA NTRS1993

Nearly incompressible fluids. II - Magnetohydrodynamics, turbulence, and waves

The theory of nearly incompressible (NI) fluid dynamics developed previously for hydrodynamics is extended to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Based on a singular expansion technique, modified systems of fluid equations are obtained for which the effects of compressibility are admitted only weakly in terms of the different possible incompressible solutions. NI MHD represents the interface between the compressible and incompressible magnetofluid descriptions in the subsonic regime. It is shown that three distinct NI descriptions exist corresponding to each of the three possible plasma beta regimes. The detailed theory of weakly compressible corrections to the various incompressible MHD descriptions is presented, and the implications for the solar wind are discussed.

Zank, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Validation test of 125 Ah advanced design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight cells

An update of validation test results confirming the advanced design nickel-hydrogen cell is presented. An advanced 125 Ah individual pressure vessel Ni-H cell was designed. The primary function of the advanced cell is to store and deliver energy for long-term LEO spacecraft missions. The new features of this design are: (1) use of 26 percent rather than 31 percent KOH electrolyte; (2) use of a patented catalyzed wall wick; (3) use of serrated-edge separators to facilitate gaseous O and H flow within the cell, while maintaining physical contact with the wall wick for electrolyte management; and (4) use of a floating rather than a fixed stack to accommodate Ni electrode expansion due to charge/discharge cycling. The significant improvements resulting from these innovations are extended cycle life; enhanced thermal, electrolyte, and oxygen management; and accommodation of Ni electrode expansion. Six 125 Ah flight cells based on this design were fabricated; the catalyzed wall wick cells have been cycled for over 19,000 cycles with no cell failures in the continuing test. Two of the noncatalyzed wall wick cells failed (cycles 9588 and 13,900).

Smithrick, John J.↗