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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

The dynamic cusp at low altitudes: A case study utilizing Viking, DMSP-F7 and Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar observations

Coincident multi-instrument magnetospheric and ionospheric observations have made it possible to determine the position of the ionospheric footprint of the magnetospheric cusp and to monitor its evolution over time. The data used include charged particle and magnetic field measurements from the Earth-orbiting Viking and DMSP-F7 satellites, electric field measurements from Viking, interplanetary magnetic field and plasma data from IMP-8, and Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar observations of the ionospheric plasma density, temperature, and convection. Viking detected cusp precipitation poleward of 75.5 deg invariant latitude. The ionospheric response to the observed electron precipitation was simulated using an auroral model. It predicts enhanced plasma density and elevated electron temperature in the upper E- and F- regions. Sondrestrom radar observations are in agreement with the predictions. The radar detected a cusp signature on each of five consecutive antenna elevation scans covering 1.2h local time. The cusp appeared to be about 2 deg invariant latitude wide, and its ionospheric footprint shifted equatorward by nearly 2 deg during this time, possibly influenced by an overall decrease in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B(sub z) component. The radar plasma drift data and the Viking magnetic and electric field data suggest that the cusp was associated with a continuous, rather than a patchy, merging between the IMF and the geomagnetic field.

Watermann, J.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Thunderstorm and Fair-weather Quasi-Static Electric Fields Over Land and Ocean

Natural lightning and the associated clouds are known to behave differently over land and ocean, but many questions remain. We expand the related observational datasets by obtaining simultaneous quasi-static electric field observations over coastal land, near-shore water, and deep ocean regions during both fair-weather and thunderstorm periods. Oceanic observations were obtained using two 3-m NOAA buoys that were instrumented with Campbell Scientific electric field mills to measure the quasi-static electric fields. These data were compared to selected electric field records from the existing on-shore electric field mill suite of 31 sensors at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Lightning occurrence times, locations and peak current estimates for both onshore and ocean were provided by the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network. The buoy instruments were first evaluated on-shore at the Florida coast, and the first system was calibrated for field enhancements and to confirm proper behavior of the system in elevated-field environments. The buoys were then moored 20 mi and 120 mi off the coast of KSC in February (20 mi) and August (120 mi) 2014. Diurnal fair-weather fields at both ocean sites matched will with each other and with those found during the Carnegie cruise, but mean values were 33% smaller, due at least in-part to constraints on the calibration procedure. Diurnal fair-weather fields variations at coastal and inland sites were a poorer match than offshore, likely because the offshore environment is “cleaner” with limited variations in local space charge, lower surface aerosol densities, little surface heating to disturb the surface charge layer during fair weather, and fewer local radioactive sources to modulate the near-surface electrical conductivity. Storm-related static fields were 4-5× larger at both oceanic sites than over land, likely due to decreased screening by near-surface space charge produced by corona current. The time-evolution of the electric field and field changes during storm approach are sufficiently different over land and ocean to warrant further study. This work shows the quality, accuracy, and reliability of these data, and has demonstrated the practicality of off-shore electric field measurements for safety- and launch-related decision making at KSC.

Lightning↗
DOE OSTI2022

Revealing room temperature ferromagnetism in exfoliated Fe 5 GeTe 2 flakes with quantum magnetic imaging

Van der Waals (vdW) material Fe 5 GeTe 2 , with its long-range ferromagnetic ordering near room temperature, has significant potential to become an enabling platform for implementing novel spintronic and quantum devices. To pave the way for applications, it is crucial to determine the magnetic properties when the thickness of Fe 5 GeTe 2 reaches the few-layers regime. However, this is highly challenging due to the need for a characterization technique that is local, highly sensitive, artifact-free, and operational with minimal fabrication. Prior studies have indicated that Curie temperature T C can reach up to close to room temperature for exfoliated Fe 5 GeTe 2 flakes, as measured via electrical transport; there is a need to validate these results with a measurement that reveals magnetism more directly. Here, we investigate the magnetic properties of exfoliated thin flakes of vdW magnet Fe 5 GeTe 2 via quantum magnetic imaging technique based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond. Through imaging the stray fields, we confirm room-temperature magnetic order in Fe 5 GeTe 2 thin flakes with thickness down to 7 units cell. The stray field patterns and their response to magnetizing fields with different polarities is consistent with previously reported perpendicular easy-axis anisotropy. Furthermore, we perform imaging at different temperatures and determine the Curie temperature of the flakes at ≈300 K. These results provide the basis for realizing a room-temperature monolayer ferromagnet with Fe 5 GeTe 2 . This work also demonstrates that the imaging technique enables rapid screening of multiple flakes simultaneously as well as time-resolved imaging for monitoring time-dependent magnetic behaviors, thereby paving the way towards high throughput characterization of potential two-dimensional (2D) magnets near room temperature and providing critical insights into the evolution of domain behaviors in 2D magnets due to degradation.

2D magnet↗
NASA NTRS1974

In situ measurements of plasma drift velocity and enhanced NO(+) in the auroral electroject by the Bennett spectrometer on AE-C

Simultaneous measurements of ion composition and plasma drift velocity by the Bennett mass spectrometer on the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite reveal a direct correlation between enhancements in NO(+) concentration and ion drift velocity in the southern auroral oval. Low altitude (137 to 250 km) nighttime data reveal a region of westward plasma flow at velocities up to 1.3 km/s between 62 deg and 68 deg invariant latitude, with corresponding NO(+) enhancements of up to a factor of 25. A narrow region of reverse flow at approximately 0.9 km/s was also measured. These drift observations are consistent with convective flow patterns derived from electric field measurements, and their correlation with NO(+) appears to support the suggestion that NO(+) enhancements would be expected in regions of drift owing to the dependence on ion energy of the reaction O(+) + N2 yields NO(+) + N.

Brinton, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

In situ measurements of plasma drift velocity and enhanced NO/+/ in the auroral electrojet by the Bennett spectrometer on AE-C

Simultaneous measurements of ion composition and plasma drift velocity by the Bennett mass spectrometer on the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite reveal a direct correlation between enhancements in NO(+) concentration and ion drift velocity in the southern auroral oval. Low altitude (137 to 250 km) data obtained between 1700 and 2400 hr magnetic local time on October 22, 1974, reveal a region of westward plasma flow at velocities up to 1.3 km/s between 62 and 68 deg invariant latitude, with corresponding NO(+) enhancements of up to a factor of 20. A narrow region of reverse flow at about 0.9 km/s was also measured. These drift observations are consistent with convective flow patterns derived from electric field measurements, and their correlation with NO(+) appears to support the suggestion that NO(+) enhancements would be expected in regions of drift owing to the dependence on ion energy of the reaction O(+) + N2 yields NO(+) + N.

Brinton, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The spherical probe Electric Field and Wave Experiment for the Cluster mission

The Electric Field and Wave experiment (EFW) on Cluster, which is designed to measure the electric field and density fluctuations with sampling rates, on some occasions, up to 36,000 samples/s in two channels, is decribed. Langmuir sweeps can also be made to determine the electron density and temperature. Among the more interesting objectives of the experiment is to study nonlinear processes that result in acceleration of plasma. Large scale phenomena where all four spacecraft are needed are also studied.

Gustafsson, G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Novel sensors for continuous crack-length measurement

A continuous crack-length sensor, fabricated from a carbon powder filled polymer, is described. The paper describes the basic sensor as well as some suggestions for improving the response by altering the sensor shape. The paper also describes two modes of using the sensor: measuring the change in electrical resistance and measuring the potential drop when a constant current is passed through the gage. The paper concludes with some results showing the temperature sensitivity of the sensor.

Prabhakaran, R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Application of carbon nanotube hold-off voltage for determining gas composition

Method and system for determining chemical composition of a single-component or multiple-component gas, using a discharge holdoff mechanism. A voltage difference V between two spaced apart electrodes is brought to a selected value and held, the holdoff time interval .DELTA.t(V;ho) required before gas discharge occurs is measured, and the associated electrical current or cumulative electrical charge is measured. As the voltage difference V increases, the time interval length .DELTA.t(V;ho) decreases monotonically. Particular voltage values, V.sub..infin. and V.sub.0, correspond to initial appearance of discharge (.DELTA.t.apprxeq..infin.) and prompt discharge (.DELTA.t.apprxeq.0). The values V.sub..infin. and V.sub.0 and the rate of decrease of .DELTA.t(V;ho) and/or the rate of increase of current or cumulative charge with increasing V are characteristic of one or more gas components present.

Schipper, John F.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Rapid Polymer Sequencer

Method and system for rapid and accurate determination of each of a sequence of unknown polymer components, such as nucleic acid components. A self-assembling monolayer of a selected substance is optionally provided on an interior surface of a pipette tip, and the interior surface is immersed in a selected liquid. A selected electrical field is impressed in a longitudinal or transverse direction at the tip, a polymer sequence is passed through the tip, and a change in an electrical current signal is measured as each polymer component passes through the tip. Each measured change in electrical current signals is compared with a database of reference signals, with each reference signal identified with a polymer component, to identify the unknown polymer component. The tip preferably has a pore inner diameter of no more than about 40 nm and is prepared by heating and pulling a very small section of a glass tubing.

Stolc, Viktor↗
NASA NTRS2013

Rapid Polymer Sequencer

Method and system for rapid and accurate determination of each of a sequence of unknown polymer components, such as nucleic acid components. A self-assembling monolayer of a selected substance is optionally provided on an interior surface of a pipette tip, and the interior surface is immersed in a selected liquid. A selected electrical field is impressed in a longitudinal direction, or in a transverse direction, in the tip region, a polymer sequence is passed through the tip region, and a change in an electrical current signal is measured as each polymer component passes through the tip region. Each of the measured changes in electrical current signals is compared with a database of reference electrical change signals, with each reference signal corresponding to an identified polymer component, to identify the unknown polymer component with a reference polymer component. The nanopore preferably has a pore inner diameter of no more than about 40 nm and is prepared by heating and pulling a very small section of a glass tubing.

Stolc, Viktor↗
NASA NTRS2013

Common Practice Lightning Strike Protection Characterization Technique to Quantify Damage Mechanisms on Composite Substrates

To support FAA certification airworthiness standards, composite substrates are subjected to lightning direct-effect electrical waveforms to determine performance characteristics of the lightning strike protection (LSP) conductive layers used to protect composite substrates. Test results collected from independent LSP studies are often incomparable due to variability in test procedures & applied practices at different organizations, which impairs performance correlations between different LSP data sets. Under a NASA supported contract, The Boeing Company developed technical procedures and documentation as guidance in order to facilitate a test method for conducting universal common practice lightning strike protection test procedures. The procedures obtain conformity in future lightning strike protection evaluations to allow meaningful performance correlations across data sets. This universal common practice guidance provides the manufacturing specifications to fabricate carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) test panels, including finish, grounding configuration, and acceptable methods for pretest nondestructive inspection (NDI) and posttest destructive inspection. The test operations guidance elaborates on the provisions contained in SAE ARP5416 to address inconsistencies in the generation of damage protection performance data, so as to provide for maximum achievable correlation across capable lab facilities. In addition, the guidance details a direct effects test bed design to aid in quantification of the multi-physical phenomena surrounding a lightning direct attachment supporting validation data requirements for the development of predictive computational modeling. The lightning test bed is designed to accommodate a repeatable installation procedure to secure the test panel and eliminate test installation uncertainty. It also facilitates a means to capture the electrical waveform parameters in 2 dimensions, along with the mechanical displacement and thermal heating parameters which occur during lightning attachment. Following guidance defined in the universal common practice LSP test documents, protected and unprotected CFRP panels were evaluated at 20, 40 and 100KAmps. This report presents analyzed data demonstrating the scientific usefulness of the common practice approach. Descriptions of the common practice CFRP test articles, LSP test bed fixture, and monitoring techniques to capture the electrical, mechanical and thermal parameters during lightning attachment are presented here. Two methods of measuring the electrical currents were evaluated, inductive current probes and a newly developed fiberoptic sensor. Two mechanical displacement methods were also examined, optical laser measurement sensors and a digital imaging correlation camera system. Recommendations are provided to help users implement the common practice test approach and obtain LSP test characterizations comparable across data sets.

Szatkowski, George N.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Optoelectronic Technique Eliminates Common-Mode Voltages

Small signals transmitted between circuits at large differences of potential. Technique lends itself to accurate measurement of any electrical parameter and display of value. Accommodates broad range of measured values from millivolts to hundreds of volts and provides unlimited electrical isolation. Measured parameter converted to duration, proportional to value, of pulse of light. Transmitted along optical fiber to or from isolated circuit. Applications include operation of traveling-wave tubes or other electron-gun devices including filaments at cathode potential and measurement of current from, or control of series stacked power supplies. Used for optimization and testing of depressed-collector/microwave-tube combinations.

Lesny, Gary G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Correlated electric and magnetic fields from lightning return strokes

The first broad band (1 kHz to 5 mHz) correlated measurements of electric and magnetic fields from close lightning return strokes are presented. Sample wave forms are shown for the distance range 2-200 km. The transmission line return stroke model is used to find a typical current wave shape and return stroke velocity from the experimental data, and theoretical curves are given of electric and magnetic field as a function of time for 1, 5, 10, and 100 km by using this typical current and velocity.

Uman, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Measurement of the potential drop across the earth's collisionless bow shock

The normal component of the dc electric field measured on ISEE-1 ordinarily exhibits an enhancement of a few mV/m over both upstream and downstream values at the earth's bow shock. Using the measured relative velocity between the shock and the spacecraft (from the ISEE-1/2 time delay in the magnetometer data), it is possible to transform the observed E enhancement to a potential drop (delta phi). For a subcritical shock the potential drop is found to be very close to the measured change of particle kinetic energy (delta phi, approximately 280 V on day 330, 1977), whereas for a supercritical shock the potential drop is only a fraction of the measured change of kinetic energy (delta phi, approximately 140 V on day 324, 1977).

Formisano, V.↗
DOE OSTI2025

AC electrical transport detection of magnetic properties of small, granular, and heterogeneous samples

Experimental constraints and sample limitations can preclude ideal measurements of electrical transport properties of materials. In such situations, AC electrical transport methods are often employed due to a significant increase in signal-to-noise ratio they can provide. However, dynamic effects that are not often accounted for may be present that may modify the signals in these measurements. In particular, dynamic filtering effects are prominent in small, granular, and heterogeneous materials. We demonstrate that a lock-in amplifier based circuit can distinguish between these DC transport and AC filtering effects. Here, we further demonstrate that this filtering can reveal distinct signatures of magnetic transitions while providing a measure of sample quality.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

2018 Meander Y and Meander Z floodplain groundwater chemistry from the East River watershed, Colorado

This dataset includes groundwater geochemistry data from floodplain piezometers collected as a part of the Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area (SFA) located in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The data were collected in order to investigate the role of hyporheic exchange and other river corridor processes on riverine export of solutes. Floodplain piezometers installed in Meander Z (MZA, MZB wells) and Meander Y (MYP wells) just upstream of the confluence with Brush Creek were sampled on daily to weekly time scales during summer-fall 2018. Some river water grab samples are also included. Data includes in-field measurements (pH, electrical conductivity [EC], oxidation reduction potential [ORP], and groundwater level) along with laboratory measurements (dissolved inorganic carbon [DIC], dissolved organic carbon [DOC], metals and major cations, anions [chloride, sulfate, nitrate], and dissolved ammonium). Five files are included in this dataset, including: sample locations and depths in both a kmz file which can be opened in Google Earth and a csv file, sampling protocol as a pdf document, aqueous geochemistry data in a csv file, and analytical detection limits in a csv file.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

Performance of the MIR Cooperative Solar Array After 2.5 Years in Orbit

The Mir Cooperative Solar Array (MCSA) was developed jointly by the United States and Russia to produce 6 kW of power for the Russian space station Mir. Four, multi-orbit test sequences were executed between June 1996 and December 1998 to measure MCSA electrical performance. A dedicated Fortran computer code was developed to analyze the detailed thermal-electrical performance of the MCSA. The computational performance results compared very favorably with the measured flight data in most cases. Minor performance degradation was detected in one current generating section of the MCSA. Yet overall, the flight data indicated the MCSA was meeting and exceeding performance expectations. There was no precipitous performance loss due to contamination or other causes after 2.5 years of operation. In this paper, we review the MCSA flight electrical performance tests, data and computational modeling and discuss findings from data comparisons with the computational results.

Kerslake, Thomas W.↗