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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 775 records · Page 43

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NASA NTRS1993

Germanium Resistance Thermometer For Subkelvin Temperatures

Improved germanium resistance thermometer measures temperatures as small as 0.01 K accurately. Design provides large area for electrical connections (to reduce electrical gradients and increase sensitivity to changes in temperatures) and large heat sink (to minimize resistance heating). Gold pads on top and bottom of germanium crystal distribute electrical current and flow of heat nearly uniformly across crystal. Less expensive than magnetic thermometers or superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID's) otherwise used.

Castles, Stephen H.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Shape-Memory-Alloy Release Mechanism

Release-nut mechanism activated by electric current applied to shape-memory alloy. Separates attached objects quickly by remote control. Does not create hazard or cause damage. Shape-memory release-nut mechanism unaffected by moisture or vacuum. Requires sustained current lasting 5 seconds or longer, and insensitive to electromagnetic interference. Mechanism can be reused.

Mckinnis, Darin↗

NASA NTRS1992

The X flare of 1991 November 15 - Coordinated Mees/Yohkoh observations

This is a preliminary report on two unique new results from coordinated observations at Mees Solar Observatory and Yohkoh of the X1.5 flare of November 15, l991 using vector magnetograms, H-alpha imaging spectra, X-ray images, and X-ray spectra. First, we find a close spatial relationship between H-alpha redshifts and X-rays from a flare loop and its footpoints at a time of large X-ray blueshifts. Second, we find that impulsive-phase hard X-rays originate in regions that are new, but not coincident with, the peaks of the vertical electrical current density distribution in AR 6919.

Canfield, Richard C.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Unique determination of model coronal magnetic fields using photospheric observations

We show that the nonradial field-boundary condition (or the line-of-sight boundary condition) for the Laplacian-like equation developed by Bogdan and Low (1986) is sufficient to uniquely determine the model coronal magnetic field provided the electric currents are horizontal (or zero, the current-free case) at the solar surface as well as in the solar atmosphere between the photosphere and the source surface. The derived recursion formulae for the spherical harmonic coefficients can be used to determine the spherical harmonic coefficients in the solutions of the horizontal current models very efficiently.

Zhao, Xuepu↗

NASA NTRS1993

The free energies of partially open coronal magnetic fields

A simple model of the low corona is examined in terms of a static polytropic atmosphere in equilibrium with a global magnetic field. The question posed is whether magnetostatic states with partially open magnetic fields may contain magnetic energies in excess of those in fully open magnetic fields. Based on the analysis presented here, it is concluded that the cross-field electric currents in the pre-eruption corona are a viable source of the bulk of the energies in a mass ejection and its associated flare.

Low, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Microelectrode-based technology for the detection of low levels of bacteria

A microelectrode-based electrochemical detection method was used for quantitation of bacteria in water samples. The redox mediator, benzoquinone, was used to accept electrons from the bacterial metabolic pathway to create a flow of electrons by reducing the mediator. Electrochemical monitoring electrodes detected the reduced mediator as it diffused out of the cells and produced a small electrical current. By using a combination of microelectrodes and monitoring instrumentation, the cumulative current generated by a particular bacterial population could be monitored. Using commercially available components, an electrochemical detection system was assembled and tested to evaluate its potential as an emerging technology for rapid detection and quantitation of bacteria in water samples.

Rogers, Tom D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Mapping and energization in the magnetotail. II - Particle acceleration

Mapping with the Tsyganenko (1989) or T89 magnetosphere model has been examined previously. In the present work, an attempt is made to evaluate quantitatively what the selection of T89 implies for steady-state particle energization. The Heppner and Maynard (1987) or HM87 electric field model is mapped from the ionosphere to the equatorial plane, and the electric currents associated with T89 are evaluated. Consideration is also given to the nature of the acceleration that occurs when cross-tail current is suddenly diverted to the ionosphere.

Kaufmann, Richard L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Narrow lanes of transverse magnetic field in sunspots

Observations are presented of a large, active sunspot group which show oppositely-directed vertical-field inversions separated by very narrow elongated channels of intense horizontal fields. When newly emerging sunspots move through older magnetic-field configurations, the poles are pushed together and the field lines turn sharply along the inversion line to reconnect with the vertical field some distance away. These observations show that almost all of the larger flares in this region occur in highly convoluted, multiple-channeled horizontal fields with substantial electric current.

Zirin, H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Magnetic reconnection in solar flares

The magnetic energy stored in the corona is the only plausible source for the energy released during large solar flares. During the last 20 years most theoretical work has concentrated on models which store magnetic energy in the corona in the form of electrical currents, and a major goal of present day research is to understand how these currents are created, and then later dissipated during a flare. Another important goal is to find a flare model which can eject magnetic flux into interplanetary space. Although many flares do not eject magnetic flux, those which do are of special importance for solar-terrestrial relations since the ejected flux can have dramatic effects if it hits the Earth's magnetosphere. Three flare models which have been extensively investigated are the emerging-flux model, the sheared-arcade model, and the magnetic-flux-rope model. All of these models can store and release magnetic energy efficiently provided that rapid magnetic reconnection occurs. However, only the magnetic-flux-rope model appears to provide a plausible mechanism for ejecting magnetic flux into interplanetary space.

Forbes, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Latching Solenoid-Operated Ball Valve

Proposed solenoid-operated ball valve latches in open or closed position until energized to change position. Electrical energy consumed only during opening or closing motion. Valve ball contains central channel through which fluid could flow. Made of highly magnetically permeable steel. When appropriate coil(s) energized by brief pulse (or pulses) of electrical current at appropriate polarity, ball rotates clockwise until permanent magnets come to rest against hard stops in housing, and inlet and outlet ports aligned with central channel so fluid flows through valve. Magnets adhere to stops by magnetic attraction, latching valve in open position. To close valve, appropriate coil(s) energized by pulse (or pulses) of appropriate polarity to generate magnetic forces rotating ball counterclockwise until magnets make contact with hard stops, and inlet and outlet ports sealed.

Brudnicki, Myron↗

NASA NTRS1994

Low-Heat-Leak Electrical Leads For Cryogenic Systems

Electrical leads offering high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity developed for use in connecting electronic devices inside cryogenic systems to power supplies, signal-processing circuits, and other circuitry located in nearby warmer surroundings. Strip of superconductive leads on ceramic substrate, similar to ribbon cable, connects infrared detectors at temperature of liquid helium with warmer circuitry. Electrical leads bridging thermal gradient at boundary of cryogenic system designed both to minimize conduction of heat from surroundings through leads into system and to minimize resistive heating caused by electrical currents flowing in leads.

Wise, Stephanie A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Using Si Diodes To Detect H2 Liquid/Vapor Interfaces

Commercially available silicon-diode temperature sensors used to detect interfaces between hydrogen liquid and hydrogen vapor at steady-state saturation conditions. Sensors mounted at short intervals along rod to form rake-like array. Array inserted in tank with rod oriented vertically, where it senses level of liquid hydrogen to resolution equal to interval between sensors. Basic idea to measure voltage across sensor while supplying small electric current that heats sensor. Because vapor cools sensor less effectively than liquid does, sensor's steady-state temperature greater when sensor surrounded by vapor than when immersed in liquid. Voltage output decreases as temperature increases for silicon diodes. Thus, temperature (voltage) reading used to determine whether liquid level above or below sensor.

Dempsey, Paula Jean↗

NASA NTRS1992

FNAS/solar flare energetics

We have performed an extensive study of solar flare energy buildup and release, concentrating in two aspects: (1) relationship with 3D field topology and measured electric currents; and (2) flare onset characteristics as determined from combined x ray and ultraviolet observations. We extended our previous studies on the characteristic topology of flaring regions, by following the evolution of an active region over three consecutive days. From comparison with flare observations in x rays and h alpha, we found further support for the hypothesis that flares were triggered by taking place at the separators (3D generalization of and x-type neutral point). Furthermore, we found that emerging in flux at a site within the active regions where no (or little) activity was previously observed, caused the appearance of a secondary separator and thereon continuous triggering of activity at such site. Our topology arguments were then applied to a study of sympathetic activity between two regions within an active complex. Here again we found that interacting field structures along separators and separatrices, which act as pathways for recurrent flaring to spread between the regions, could be used to understand how activity spread to potentially explosive sites with the complex. We also finished our study of flare onset characteristics as determined from combined x ray and ultraviolet observations. Using a quasi-static modeling approach, we find that this phase is characterized by a relatively low level of energy release, 10 exp 26-27 erg/s, which is sufficient to produce 'gentle' evaporation, a shift in the location of the transition zone as compared to pre-flare conditions, and an increase in the temperature and density of coronal loops. All these changes have profound implications on the observed signatures of impulsive phase phenomena, which had been neglected in the past. As a follow-up of this investigation, we now plan to apply our results to the interpretation of high-sensitivity spectroscopic and hard x-ray data currently being gathered by the Yohkoh and Compton Gamma Ray Observatory satellites.

Machado, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Measuring electrically charged particle fluxes in space using a fiber optic loop sensor

The purpose of this program was to demonstrate the potential of a fiber optic loop sensor for the measurement of electrically charged particle fluxes in space. The key elements of the sensor are a multiple turn loop of low birefringence, single mode fiber, with a laser diode light source, and a low noise optical receiver. The optical receiver is designed to be shot noise limited, with this being the limiting sensitivity factor for the sensor. The sensing element is the fiber optic loop. Under a magnetic field from an electric current flowing along the axis of the loop, there is a non-vanishing line integral along the fiber optic loop. This causes a net birefringence producing two states of polarization whose phase difference is correlated to magnetic field strength and thus, current in the optical receiver electronic processing. The objectives in this program were to develop a prototype laser diode powered fiber optic sensor. The performance specification of a minimum detectable current density of 1 (mu)amp/sq m-(radical)Hz, should be at the shot noise limit of the detection electronics. OPTRA has successfully built and tested a 3.2 m diameter loop with 137 turns of low birefringence optical fiber and achieved a minimum detectable current density of 5.4 x 10(exp-5) amps/(radical)Hz. If laboratory space considerations were not an issue, with the length of optical fiber available to us, we would have achieved a minimum detectable current density of 4 x 10(exp -7) amps/(radical)Hz.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1994

Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC)

The scientific emphasis of this contract has been on the physics of beam ionosphere interactions, in particular, what are the plasma wave levels stimulated by the Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC) electron beam as it is ejected from the Electron Beam Accelerator (EBA) and passes into and through the ionosphere. There were two different phenomena expected. The first was generation of plasma waves by the interaction of the DC component of the beam with the plasma of the ionosphere, by wave particle interactions. The second was the generation of waves at the pulsing frequency of the beam (AC component). This is referred to as using the beam as a virtual antenna, because the beam of electrons is a coherent electrical current confined to move along the earth's magnetic field. As in a physical antenna, a conductor at a radio or TV station, the beam virtual antenna radiates electromagnetic waves at the frequency of the current variations. These two phenomena were investigated during the period of this contract.

Taylor, William W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Root gravitropism in maize and Arabidopsis

Research during the period 1 March 1992 to 30 November 1993 focused on improvements in a video digitizer system designed to automate the recording of surface extension in plants responding to gravistimulation. The improvements included modification of software to allow detailed analysis of localized extension patterns in roots of Arabidopsis. We used the system to analyze the role of the postmitotic isodiametric growth zone (a region between the meristem and the elongation zone) in the response of maize roots to auxin, calcium, touch and gravity. We also used the system to analyze short-term auxin and gravitropic responses in mutants of Arabidopsis with reduced auxin sensitivity. In a related project, we studied the relationship between growth rate and surface electrical currents in roots by examining the effects of gravity and thigmostimulation on surface potentials in maize roots.

Evans, Michael L.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Design, characterization, and control of the NASA three degree of freedom reaction compensation platform

Increasing research is being done into industrial uses for the microgravity environment aboard orbiting space vehicles. However, there is some concern over the effects of reaction forces produced by moving objects, especially motors, robotic actuators, and astronauts. Reaction forces produced by the movement of these objects may manifest themselves as undesirable accelerations in the space vehicle making the vehicle unusable for microgravity applications. It is desirable to provide compensation for such forces using active means. This paper presents the design and experimental evaluation of the NASA three degree of freedom reaction compensation platform, a system designed to be a testbed for the feasibility of active attenuation of reaction forces caused by moving objects in a microgravity environment. Unique 'linear motors,' which convert electrical current directly into rectilinear force, are used in the platform design. The linear motors induce accelerations of the displacer inertias. These accelerations create reaction forces that may be controlled to counteract disturbance forces introduced to the platform. The stated project goal is to reduce reaction forces by 90 percent, or -20 dB. Description of the system hardware, characterization of the actuators and the composite system, and design of the software safety system and control software are included.

Birkhimer, Craig↗

NASA NTRS1994

Modelling directional solidification

This grant, NAG8-831, was a continuation of a previous grant, NAG8-541. The long range goal of this program has been to develop an improved understanding of phenomena of importance to directional solidification, in order to enable explanation and prediction of differences in behavior between solidification on Earth and in space. Emphasis in the recently completed grant was on determining the influence of perturbations on directional solidification of InSb and InSb-GaSb alloys. In particular, the objective was to determine the influence of spin-up/spin-down (ACRT), electric current pulses and vibrations on compositional homogeneity and grain size.

Wilcox, William R.↗