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At least 757 records · Page 42

Thin-film sensors for space propulsion technology: Fabrication and preparation for testing

The goal of this work is to develop and test thin-film thermocouples for Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) components. Thin-film thermocouples have been developed for aircraft gas turbine engines and are in use for temperature measurement on turbine blades up to 1800 F. Established aircraft engine gas turbine technology is currently being adapted to turbine engine blade materials and the environment encountered in the SSME, especially severe thermal shock from cryogenic fuel to combustion temperatures. Initial results using coupons of MAR M-246 (+Hf) and PWA 1480 have been followed by fabrication of thin-film thermocouples on SSME turbine blades. Current efforts are focused on preparing for testing in the Turbine Blade Tester at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Future work will include testing of thin-film thermocouples on SSME blades of single crystal PWA 1480 at MSFC.

Kim, Walter S.↗

Oxygen production processes on the Moon: An overview

The production of oxygen on the Moon utilizing indigenous material is paramount to a successful lunar colonization. Several processes were put forth to accomplish this. The lunar liquid oxygen (LLOX) generation schemes which have received the most study to date are those involving: (1) the reduction of ilmenite (FeTiO3) by H2, C, CO, CH4, CO-Cl2 plasma; (2) magma electrolysis, both unadulterated and fluoride-fluxed, and (3) several others, including carbo-chlorination, HF acid leaching, fluorine extraction, magma oxidation, and vapor pyrolysis. The H2 reduction of ilmenite and magma electrolysis processes have received the most study to date. At this stage of development, they both appear feasible schemes with various pros and cons. However, all processes should be addressed at least at the onset of the considerations. It is ultimatley the energy requirements of the entire process, including the acquisition of feedstock, which will determine the mode of oxygen productions. There is an obvious need for considerably more experimentation and study. Some of these requisite studies are in progress, and several of the most studied and feasible processes for winning oxygen from lunar materials are reviewed.

Taylor, Lawrence A.↗

The formation and study of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium complexes

Research involves the preparation and characterization of a series of Ti, Zr, Hf, TiO, and HfO complexes using the poly(pyrazole) borates as ligands. The study will provide increased understanding of the decomposition of these coordination compounds which may lead to the production of molecular oxygen on the Moon from lunar materials such as ilmenite and rutile. The model compounds are investigated under reducing conditions of molecular hydrogen by use of a high temperature/pressure stainless steel autoclave reactor and by thermogravimetric analysis.

Wilson, Bobby↗

A study of microstructural characteristics and differential thermal analysis of Ni-based superalloys

The objective of this work is to correlate the mechanical properties of the Ni-based superalloy MAR M246(Hf) used in the Space Shuttle Main Engine with its structural characteristics by systematic study of optical photomicrographs and differential thermal analysis. The authors developed a method of predicting the liquidus and solidus temperature of various nickel based superalloys (MAR-M247, Waspaloy, Udimet-41, polycrystalline and single crystals of CMSX-2 and CMSX-3) and comparing the predictions with the experimental differential thermal analysis (DTA) curves using Perkin-Elmer DTA 1700. The method of predicting these temperatures is based on the additive effect of the components dissolved in nickel. The results were compared with the experimental values.

Aggarwal, M. D.↗

High resolution electrolyte for thinning InP by anodic dissolution and its applications to EC-V profiling, defect revealing and surface passivation

An extensive experimental study was conducted using various electrolytes in an effort to find an appropriate electrolyte for anodic dissolution of InP. From the analysis of electrochemical characteristics in the dark and under different illumination levels, x ray photoelectron spectroscopy and SEM/Nomarski inspection of the surfaces, it was determined that the anodic dissolution of InP front surface layers by FAP electrolyte is a very good choice for rendering smooth surfaces, free of oxides and contaminants and with good electrical characteristics. The FAP electrolyte, based on HF, CH3COOH, and H2O2 appears to be inherently superior to previously reported electrolytes for performing accurate EC-V profiling of InP at current densities of up to 0.3 mA/sq cm. It can also be used for accurate electrochemical revealing of either precipitates or dislocation density with application to EPD mapping as a function of depth, and for defect revealing of multilayer InP structures at any depth and/or at the interfaces.

Faur, Maria↗

Hydrogen-terminated silicon substrates for low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy

The preparation of hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces for use as starting substrates for low-temperature MBE growth is examined in detail. The procedure involves the ex situ removal under nitrogen of residual oxide from a silicon substrate using a spin-clean with HF in ethanol, followed by the in situ low-temperature desorption (150 C) of physisorbed etch residues. The critical steps and the chemical basis for these steps are examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Impurity residues at the epilayer-substrate interface following subsequent homoepitaxial growth are studied using AES, SIMS and TEM. Finally, scanning tunneling microscopy is used to examine the effect of cleaning methods on substrate morphology.

Grunthaner, P. J.↗

Lightning electromagnetic radiation field spectra in the interval from 0.2 to 20 MHz

New Fourier transforms of wideband time-domain electric fields (E) produced by lightning (recorded at the Kennedy Space Center during the summers of 1985 and 1987) were recorded in such a way that several different events in each lightning flash could be captured. Average HF spectral amplitudes for first return strokes, stepped-leader steps, and 'characteristic pulses' are given for significantly more events, at closer ranges, and with better spectral resolution than in previous literature reports. The method of recording gives less bias toward the first large event in the flash and thus yields a large sample of a wide variety of lightning processes. As a result, reliable composite spectral amplitudes are obtained for a number of different processes in cloud-to-ground lightning over the frequency interval from 0.2 to 20 MHz.

Willett, J. C.↗

Remote sensing of mesospheric and thermospheric density perturbations induced by subtropical heavy rainfalls for spacecraft environment study

The simultaneous measurements of VHF radar and HF Doppler array systems are used to observe three-dimensional wind speeds and gravity waves with the purpose of determining the density perturbations at different heights of mesosphere and thermosphere induced by the convective motions associated with subtropical heavy rainfall during the time period of the raining season. Frequency, horizontal wavelength, vertical wavelength, and phase velocity of the gravity waves are determined from the Fourier power spectral analysis of horizontal and vertical wind velocities. The results are compared with those of density perturbations caused by typhoons, tropical storms, and winter-time drizzles associated with convective motions. It is shown that the maximum amplitude of the density perturbations caused by the gravity waves is +/- 10 pct which is greater than that of density perturbations caused by gravity waves associated with weak convective motions in winter time and is smaller than that caused by the gravity waves associated with tropical storms.

Hung, R. J.↗

Crystallization kinetics of a lithia-silica glass - Effect of sample characteristics and thermal analysis measurement techniques

DTA and both isothermal and nonisothermal DSC techniques are presently used to investigate the crystallization kinetics of a 40 (mol) percent Li2O-60 percent SiO2 glass as a function of glass powder particle size, the use of either alumina or Pt as the crucible material, the use of N, O, or Ar atmospheres, and surface pretreatments of the glass powder with deionized water, HCl, or HF. Neither the furnace atmosphere nor the crucible material had a significant effect on activation energy, frequency factor, or Avrami exponent. Washings of the glass with the three different fluids decreased the crystallization temperature by 25 to 30 C.

Ray, Chandra S.↗

Approach to SSME health monitoring. II - Exhaust plume emission spectroscopy at the DTF

The Diagnostics Testbed Facility (DTF) located at the Stennis Space Center (SSC) is used for obtaining extensive sets of H2O2 exhaust plume emission spectral data for the SSME critical components related elements and materials. The SSME related elements and materials are simulated by mixing appropriate amounts of compounds of their respective constituent elements in an aqueous solution which is injected into the combustion chamber of the DTFT. Five of the most critical components of the SSME which have experienced very severe wear and tear problems in the past are analyzed. These are high pressure turbopump (HPTP) turbine blades, HPTP turbine disks, HPTP bearing, main injector LOX posts, and the main combustion chamber structural shell. The alloys used in the manufacturing of these components are MAR-M 246 + Hf, Waspaloy X, AISI 440C, Haynes 188, and Inconel 718, respectively. The experimental setup and procedures at the DTF are described; stratospheric data for the five alloys are presented; and strategies for the material identification in the SSME exhaust plume are discussed.

Tejwani, Gopal D.↗

Studies of conjugate plasma convection in the vicinity of the Harang discontinuity

This paper presents two case studies of the large-scale nightside ionospheric plasma convection observed in the two polar regions utilizing HF backscatter radars. The times at which the nightside flow reversal (the Harang discontinuity) occurs is seen to differ by several hours between the two study periods and between the two hemispheres. Flow reversal appeared simply to be shifted to later magnetic times in the Southern Hemisphere, while the evening westward flow was disrupted by the occurrence of eastward flow ahead of the Harang discontinuity in the Northern Hemisphere.

Dudeney, J. R.↗

Preliminary examination of the Yamato-86032 lunar meteorite. II - Major and trace element chemistry

Results of the chemical composition analysis of Yamato-86032, found in Antarctica in 1986, are summarized. The meteorite may be classified as an anorthositic breccia, but its trace element composition is different from the composition of the other known lunar meteorites. The major element chemistry of Y-86032 is similar to the other lunar meteorites, except for the iron content, which is lower by a factor of about 1.4. The abundances of incompatible and lithophile elements such as Zr, Hf, Ta, Th, or the REEs are very low and comparable to Y-82192/3. Other elements, in particular Fe, Ti, Sc, Cr, Mn, and Co, have lower abundances in Y-86032 than in Y-82192/3. Variations between individual analysis demonstrate that the rock itself is heterogeneous.

Koeberl, Christian↗

Fassaite composition trends during crystallization of Allende Type B refractory inclusion melts

Major-, minor-, and trace-element zoning trends in fassaite from Type B1 and B2 inclusions from the Allende meteorite are defined by using electron and ion microprobe data. Fassaite/liquid distribution coefficients are calculated for many of the lithophile elements, and evidence for and against the presence of relict fassaite in these inclusions is discussed. Major-element zoning in fassaite in Type B CAIs is found from Ti-, V-, Sc-rich cores to relatively Mg-, Si-rich rims. Trace elements that are incompatible in this fassaite are Nb (effective fassaite/liquid distribution = 0.29), Y(0.52), Ta(0.34), Th(0.053), U(0.4), and rare earth elements (0.31-0.48), while compatible trace elements are Zr(1.1) and Hf(1.5). Rare-earth-elements (RRE) abundances in fassaite are found to be controlled by crystal/liquid fractionation. Candidates for relict fassaite grains are discovered: Ti-, Sc-rich, REE-poor crystals enclosed in melilite in the mantle of TS34.

Simon, Steven B.↗

Improved techniques for outgoing wave variational principle calculations of converged state-to-state transition probabilities for chemical reactions

Improved techniques and well-optimized basis sets are presented for application of the outgoing wave variational principle to calculate converged quantum mechanical reaction probabilities. They are illustrated with calculations for the reactions D + H2 yields HD + H with total angular momentum J = 3 and F + H2 yields HF + H with J = 0 and 3. The optimization involves the choice of distortion potential, the grid for calculating half-integrated Green's functions, the placement, width, and number of primitive distributed Gaussians, and the computationally most efficient partition between dynamically adapted and primitive basis functions. Benchmark calculations with 224-1064 channels are presented.

Mielke, Steven L.↗

Far infrared balloon-based limb emission measurements of HO(sub x) gases in the middle atmosphere

The aim of the measurements is to obtain vertical mixing of profiles of hydrogen and halogen trace gases and to study the related processes of diurnal change, OH/HO2 ratio, and HO sub x total budget involved in stratospheric ozone. The species to be measured in the first planned 1990 flight of this new series include OH, H2O2, HO2, HOCl, HBr, HCl, HF, H2O, HDO, O3, and isotopic O3. Recent analyses have been completed for the retrieval of the OH concentration profile and the first measurement of the HBr column concentration.

Russell, James M., III↗

Toxicology of atmospheric degradation products of selected hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a liquid with a sharp biting odor. It has been proposed as the product of environmental degradation of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HFC-134a, and HFC-125. Compounds HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b could yield mixed fluorochloroacetic acids, for which there is no available toxicologic data. The release of hydrochlorofluorocarbons into the environment could also give rise to HF, but the additional fluoride burden (1 to 3 ppb) in rainwater is trivial compared to levels in fluoridated drinking water (1 ppm), and would provide an insignificant risk to humans. Thus, in this paper only the toxocologic data on TFA is reviewed to assess the potential risks of environmental exposure.

Kaminsky, Laurence S.↗

Assessment of effects on vegetation of degradation products from alternative fluorocarbons

Concern with the effects of fluorides on plants has been devoted to that resulting from dry deposition (mainly with reference to gaseous HF and secondarily with particulate forms). The occurrence of precipitation as rain or mist and the presence of dew or free water on the foliage has mainly been considered with respect to their effects on the accumulation of air-borne fluoride and not with fluoride in wet deposition. That is, precipitation has been viewed primarily with respect to its facilitation of the solution and subsequent absorption of deposits by the foliar tissues or its elution of deposited fluoride from foliage. Accordingly, our evaluation of inorganic fluoride from fluorocarbon degradation rests upon a comparison with what is known about the effects of industrial emissions and what could be considered the natural condition.

Mccune, D. C.↗

Planet-B: A Japanese Mars aeronomy observer

An introduction is given to a Japanese Mars mission (Planet-B) which is being planned at the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science (ISAS), Japan. Planet-B aims to study the upper atmosphere of Mars and its interaction with the solar wind. The launch of Planet-B is planned for 1996 on a new launcher, M-L, which is being developed at ISAS. In addition to the interaction with the solar wind, the structure of the Martian upper atmosphere is thought to be controlled by the meteorological condition in the lower atmosphere. The orbit of Planet-B was chosen so that it will pass two important regions, the region where the solar wind interacts with the Martian upper atmosphere and the tail region where ion acceleration is taking place. Considering the drag due to the Martian atmosphere, the periapsis altitude of 150 km and apoapsis of 10 Martian radii are planned. The orbit plane will be nearly parallel to the ecliptic plane. The altitude of the spacecraft will be spin stabilized and its spin axis will be controlled to the point of the earth. The dry weight of the spacecraft will be about 250 kg, including the scientific payload which consists of a magnetometer, plasma instruments, HF sounder, UV imaging spectrometer, and lower atmosphere monitor.

Tsuruda, K.↗