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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Helium-3 in the lunar regolith

A preliminary assessment of He-3 distribution in lunar soils was completed, including variations with soil location, depth, composition, grain size, and other parameters that might be useful in developing mining scenarios. One of the primary tools was a compilation of available analyses of He-3 in lunar samples. The compilation includes analyses of more than 250 numbered samples (plus duplicates and subsamples in many cases) from the American and Russian lunar programs, reported in nearly 100 publications. In addition, average abundances for soils from each of the Apollo landing sites were computed. These were coupled with models and measurements of other pertinent parameters.

Swindle, T.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Optical Imaging and Radiometric Modeling and Simulation

OPTOOL software is a general-purpose optical systems analysis tool that was developed to offer a solution to problems associated with computational programs written for the James Webb Space Telescope optical system. It integrates existing routines into coherent processes, and provides a structure with reusable capabilities that allow additional processes to be quickly developed and integrated. It has an extensive graphical user interface, which makes the tool more intuitive and friendly. OPTOOL is implemented using MATLAB with a Fourier optics-based approach for point spread function (PSF) calculations. It features parametric and Monte Carlo simulation capabilities, and uses a direct integration calculation to permit high spatial sampling of the PSF. Exit pupil optical path difference (OPD) maps can be generated using combinations of Zernike polynomials or shaped power spectral densities. The graphical user interface allows rapid creation of arbitrary pupil geometries, and entry of all other modeling parameters to support basic imaging and radiometric analyses. OPTOOL provides the capability to generate wavefront-error (WFE) maps for arbitrary grid sizes. These maps are 2D arrays containing digital sampled versions of functions ranging from Zernike polynomials to combination of sinusoidal wave functions in 2D, to functions generated from a spatial frequency power spectral distribution (PSD). It also can generate optical transfer functions (OTFs), which are incorporated into the PSF calculation. The user can specify radiometrics for the target and sky background, and key performance parameters for the instrument s focal plane array (FPA). This radiometric and detector model setup is fairly extensive, and includes parameters such as zodiacal background, thermal emission noise, read noise, and dark current. The setup also includes target spectral energy distribution as a function of wavelength for polychromatic sources, detector pixel size, and the FPA s charge diffusion modulation transfer function (MTF).

Ha, Kong Q.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

3d Particle Geometry Characterization of Apollo Regolith Samples Via Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Image Analysis

Establishing a fundamental understanding of regolith mechanics hinges on the characterization of the foundational physical parameters that dictate granular particle interactions both on micro- and macro-scales. Specifically, particle size distribution, particle geometry and grain density govern the geotechnical properties, including compressibility, shear strength, hydraulic conductivity (i.e., permeability), void ratio (i.e., porosity), and thermal conductivity of the lunar regolith. The absence of terrestrial geologic processes on the lunar surface, a lack of water, clay minerals, and organic material in lunar soils, and the narrow compositional range in terms of mineral diversity of the regolith produces a unique problem when attempting to project terrestrial soil mechanics concepts to the lunar surface. Additionally, the occurrence of agglutinates, exclusive to the lunar surface, further disassociates the physical behavior (e.g., particle crushability, flowability, etc.) of regolith from that observed in terrestrial soils.

R. Kovtun↗
NASA NTRS1982

Cloud cover sampling capability of various satellite combinations for ISCCP

One of the most important objectives of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) is the quantification of cloud cover and associated radiation parameters for climate research. The time-varying nature of cloud cover requires a measurement system that obtains cloud radiance at sufficient time intervals for determining accurate values of cloudiness for the appropriate averaging period. Current plans for the ISCCP call for such day to be acquired every 3 hours during both data and night to ensure that the diurnal cycle of cloud cover is adequately sampled. The satellite system proposed is an array of geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites. The error in mean cloud cover estimates for observation systems which do not include geostationary satellites are quantified. Candidates for such a system include two NOAA Sun-synchronous satellites with daylight equatorial-crossing times of 0730 and 1430, and a USSR satellite in an 81 deg. inclination, 900-km altitude orbit.

Harrison, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of samples from the Santa Catharina iron meteorite

Conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) of samples from the Santa Catharina iron meteorite shows the presence of the ordered iron-nickel phase with 50% Ni, tetrataenite, and of the paramagnetic iron-nickel phase with 25% Ni. The FeNi phase with 50% Ni amounts to 70% of the iron-nickel alloys. Futhermore, the CEM spectra show the presence of small peaks from one or more spinel compounds. These small peaks are more pronounced when regions near the rim of the samples are analyzed. The X-ray diffraction of different areas of the samples, both optically dark and optically light areas, shows the presence of a diffraction pattern from a single f.c.c. lattice with a lattice parameter of a=3.58A This means that the two different Fe-Ni phases seen in the CEMS analysis occupy the same lattice. The X-ray photographs also show the presence of super-structure reflections from the ordered FeNi phase, and that the orientation of the f.c.c. lattice is the same within the whole sample.

Roy-Poulsen, H.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Optical Photometric Observations of GEO Debris

We report on a continuing program of optical photometric measurements of faint orbital debris at geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). These observations can be compared with laboratory studies of actual spacecraft materials in an effort to determine what the faint debris at GEO may be. We have optical observations from Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile of two samples of debris: 1. GEO objects discovered in a survey with the University of Michigan's 0.6-m aperture Curtis-Schmidt telescope MODEST (for Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope), and then followed up in real-time with the CTIO/SMARTS 0.9-m for orbits and photometry. Our goal is to determine 6 parameter orbits and measure colors for all objects fainter than R = 15 t11 magnitude that are discovered in the MODEST survey. 2. A smaller sample of high area to mass ratio (AMR) objects discovered independently, and acquired using predictions from orbits derived from independent tracking data collected days prior to the observations. Our optical observations in standard astronomical BVRI filters are done with either telescope, and with the telescope tracking the debris object at the object's angular rate. Observations in different filters are obtained sequentially. We have obtained 71 calibrated sequences of R-B-V-I-R magnitudes. A total of 66 of these sequences have 3 or more good measurements in all filters (not contaminated by star streaks or in Earth's shadow). Most of these sequences show brightness variations, but a small subset has observed brightness variations consistent with that expected from observational errors alone. The majority of these stable objects are redder than a solar color in both B-R and R-I. There is no dependence on color with brightness. For a smaller sample of objects we have observed with synchronized CCD cameras on the two telescopes. The CTIO 0.9-m observes in B, and MODEST in R. The CCD cameras are electronically linked together so that the start time and duration of observations are the same to better than 50 milliseconds. Thus, the B-R color is a true measure of the surface of the debris piece facing the telescopes for that observation. Any change in color reflects a real change in the debris surface. We will compare our observations with models and laboratory measurements of selected surfaces.

Seitzer, Patrick↗
NASA NTRS1990

Functional relation among subpixel canopy cover, ground shadow, and illuminated ground at large sampling scales

The functional relation among subpixel canopy cover, illuminated soil, and shadowed soil, which progressively develops with increasing pixel size, is investigated for Poisson distributed plants using a geometric canopy simulation model. An analytical relation among cover components is shown to be applicable when the scale of the pixel is much larger than the scale of the plant and ground shadow. The analysis is facilitated through the use of a nondimensional solar-geometric similarity parameter, eta, equal to the ratio of the area of one plant canopy to its associated ground shadow area, as viewed from nadir. A sampling scale ratio, defined as the ratio of the area of the pixel to the mean area of a single plant shadow, is tested as a quantitative criterion to evaluate when the functional relation among subpixel components occurs. The results of a remote sensing experiment over a natural conifer landscape provide preliminary confirmation of the theoretical analysis.

Jasinski, Michael F.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Magnetic Shield Design Modeling and Validation on SWOT Spacecraft Applied to Mars Flux Pinning Orbiting Sample Design

A modeling methodology was developed for use on the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission for the computational modeling and design of a magnetic shield for a 63 A-sq m source. Shield options were modeled and tested across various design parameters and validated with measurement. Measurement results fell within 10% of simulation in most cases of concern with sources of error well understood. These methods results informed a subsequent modeling activity for a future Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission concept with stringent magnetic cleanliness requirements to retain geologic integrity of the samples. One option for capturing the sample from orbit requires rare earth magnets in close proximity to the Martian samples. Magnetic modeling with a finite-element method solver estimated the magnetic environment and established the need for shielding. Further modeling then determined the shielding necessary to meet magnetic requirements, followed by the design of a mass-optimized solution.

Gonzales, Edward↗
NASA NTRS2014

Relationship between LIBS Ablation and Pit Volume for Geologic Samples: Applications for in situ Absolute Geochronology

In planetary sciences, in situ absolute geochronology is a scientific and engineering challenge. Currently, the age of the Martian surface can only be determined by crater density counting. However this method has significant uncertainties and needs to be calibrated with absolute ages. We are developing an instrument to acquire in situ absolute geochronology based on the K‐Ar method. The protocol is based on the laser ablation of a rock by hundreds of laser pulses. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) gives the potassium content of the ablated material and a mass spectrometer (quadrupole or ion trap) measures the quantity of 40Ar released. In order to accurately measure the quantity of released 40Ar in cases where Ar is an atmospheric constituent (e.g., Mars), the sample is first put into a chamber under high vacuum. The 40Arquantity, the concentration of K and the estimation of the ablated mass are the parameters needed to give the age of the rocks. The main uncertainties with this method are directly linked to the measures of the mass (typically some μg) and of the concentration of K by LIBS (up to 10%). Because the ablated mass is small compared to the mass of the sample, and because material is redeposited onto the sample after ablation, it is not possible to directly measure the ablated mass. Our current protocol measures the ablated volume and estimates the sample density to calculate ablated mass. The precision and accuracy of this method may be improved by using knowledge of the sample's geologic properties to predict its response to laser ablation, i.e., understanding whether natural samples have a predictable relationship between laser energy deposited and resultant ablation volume. In contrast to most previous studies of laser ablation, theoretical equations are not highly applicable. The reasons are numerous, but the most important are: a) geologic rocks are complex, polymineralic materials; b) the conditions of ablation are unusual (for example, variable vacuum pressure), and c) the ablation is made with hundreds of successive laser pulses. In this work, we aim to understand the effects that occur on LIBS spectra when a homogeneous rock or a mineral is ablated under high vacuum. Understanding these effects is important to define best practices for LIBS measurements and may lead to improved measurement (or possibly prediction) of the ablated volume. We will describe our laboratory approach and first results, and discuss its utility for situ absolute geochronology campaigns.

Devismes, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An approach for relating the results of quantitative nondestructive evaluation to intrinsic properties of high-performance materials

One of the most difficult problems the manufacturing community has faced during recent years has been to accurately assess the physical state of anisotropic high-performance materials by nondestructive means. In order to advance the design of ultrasonic nondestructive testing systems, a more fundamental understanding of how ultrasonic waves travel and interact within the anisotropic material is needed. The relationship between the ultrasonic and engineering parameters needs to be explored to understand their mutual dependence. One common denominator is provided by the elastic constants. The preparation of specific graphite/epoxy samples to be used in the experimental investigation of the anisotropic properties (through the measurement of the elastic stiffness constants) is discussed. Accurate measurements of these constants will depend upon knowledge of refraction effects as well as the direction of group velocity propagation. The continuing effort for the development of improved visualization techniques for physical parameters is discussed. Group velocity images are presented and discussed. In order to fully understand the relationship between the ultrasonic and the common engineering parameters, the physical interpretation of the linear elastic coefficients (the quantities that relate applied stresses to resulting strains) are discussed. This discussion builds a more intuitional understanding of how the ultrasonic parameters are related to the traditional engineering parameters.

Miller, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

A microwave plasma cleaning apparatus

In a microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma source, reactive plasmas of oxygen and its mixtures of argon have been used for evaluating plasma cleaning technologies. Small aluminum samples (0.95 x 1.9 cm) were coated with thin films (less than or equal to 20 micrometers in thickness) of Shell Vitrea oil and cleaned with reactive plasmas. The discharge parameters, such as gas pressure, magnetic field, substrate biasing, and microwave power, were varied to change cleaning conditions. A mass spectroscopy (or residual gas analyzer) was used to monitor the status of plasma cleaning. Mass loss of the samples after plasma cleaning was measured to estimate cleaning rates. Measured cleaning rates of low-pressure (0.5-m torr) argon/oxygen plasmas were as high as 2.7 micrometers/min. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine cleanliness of the sample surfaces. In this paper, significant results of the plasma cleaning are reported and discussed.

Tsai, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Analysis of Organic Molecules Extracted from Mars Analogues and Influence of Their Mineralogy Using N-Methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)Trifluoroacetamide Derivatization Coupled with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry in Preparation for the Sample Analysis at Mars Derivatization Experiment on the Mars Science Laboratory Mission

The search for complex organic molecules on Mars, including important biomolecules such as amino acids and carboxylic acids will require a chemical extraction and derivatization step to transform these organic compounds into species that are sufficiently volatile to be detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). We have developed, a one-pot extraction and chemical derivatization protocol using N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) and dimethylformamide (DMF) for the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) experiment on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). The temperature and duration the derivatization reaction, pre-concentration of chemical derivatives, and gas chromatographic separation parameters have been optimized under SAM instrument design constraints. MTBSTFA/DMF extraction and derivatization at 300 C for several minutes of a variety of terrestrial Mars analogue materials facilitated the detection of amino acids and carboxylic acids in a surface soil sample collected from the Atacama Desert and a carbonate-rich stromatolite sample from Svalbard. However, the rapid reaction of MTBSTFA with water in several analogue materials that contained high abundances of hydrated minerals and the possible deactivation of derivatized compounds by iron oxides, as detected by XRD/XRF using the CheMin field unit Terra, proved to be highly problematic for the direct extraction of organics using MTBSTFA, The combination of pyrolysis and two different chemical derivatization methods employed by SAM should enable a wide range of organic compounds to be detected by GCMS if present on Mars,

Stalport, F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Cooling rates for lunar samples determined with a diffusion model for phosphide exsolution

A numerical model for diffusion-controlled phase growth has been applied to the exsolution of phosphide lamellae in lunar metal grains. Computer simulations reproduce observed composition profiles, and reveal the influence of cooling rate on dimensional and compositional parameters of phosphide and metal. At lower cooling rates, phosphide lamellae are larger and the concentration of P in the metal host close to the interface is lower. Cooling rates inferred for Apollo 16 samples, based on compositions and dimensions of the phosphide-metal grains, are mostly in the range 1-100 C/day. These rates correspond to burial depths of 5-0.5 m for melt rocks and 3-0.3 m for breccias. This is in good agreement with thicknesses of lunar cooling units determined by other techniques.

Hewins, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Lightweight Low Force Rotary Percussive Coring Tool for Planetary Applications

A prototype low-force rotary-percussive rock coring tool for use in acquiring samples for geological surveys in future planetary missions was developed. The coring tool could eventually enable a lightweight robotic system to operate from a relatively small (less than 200 kg) mobile or fixed platform to acquire and cache Mars or other planetary rock samples for eventual return to Earth for analysis. To gain insight needed to design an integrated coring tool, the coring ability of commercially available coring bits was evaluated for effectiveness of varying key parameters: weight-on-bit, rotation speed, percussive rate and force. Trade studies were performed for different methods of breaking a core at its base and for retaining the core in a sleeve to facilitate sample transfer. This led to a custom coring tool design which incorporated coring, core breakage, core retention, and core extraction functions. The coring tool was tested on several types of rock and demonstrated the overall feasibility of this approach for robotic rock sample acquisition.

Hironaka, Ross↗
NASA NTRS1976

Analysis of atmospheric ozone measurements made from a B-747 airliner during March 1975

Measurements of atmospheric ozone in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere made during March 1975 as part of the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program are reported and analyzed. The interrelationships between the ozone mixing ratio and geographical and meteorological parameters are examined in several case studies. The ozone data correlate well with the difference between the flight altitude and the height of the tropopause, as obtained from National Meteorological Center gridded data. The distribution of ozone mixing ratios with latitude at an altitude of 11 + or - 0.5 km shows a poleward increase and large variability at latitudes greater than 30 deg N in agreement with published mean ozone levels from the North American ozone sonde network.

Holdeman, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Digital controller design: Continuous and discrete describing function analysis of the IPS system

The digital IPS with wire cable and flex pivot nonlinearity is simulated on the digital computer to determine the effects of varying the sampling period T on the system stability, and to determine a range of optimal values of the parameters of the digital controller. The listing of the computer program is shown as well as the Dahl model for the flex pivot nonlinearity. For the wire cable nonlinearity, two ranges of values were used and the nominal values of the digital controller parameters are included.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Remotely piloted aircraft in the civil environment

Improved remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), i.e., incorporating reductions in size, weight, and cost, are becoming available for civilian applications. Existing RPA programs are described and predicted into the future. Attention is given to the NASA Mini-Sniffer, which will fly to altitudes of more than 20,000 m, sample the atmosphere behind supersonic cruise aircraft, and telemeter the data to ground stations. Design and operating parameters of the aircraft are given, especially the optical sensing systems, and civilian RPA uses are outlined, including airborne research, remote mapping, rescue, message relay, and transportation of need materials. Civil regulatory factors are also dealt with.

Gregory, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A computer program for the calculation of the flow field in supersonic mixed-compression inlets at angle of attack using the three-dimensional method of characteristics with discrete shock wave fitting

The calculation procedure is based on the method of characteristics for steady three-dimensional flow. The bow shock wave and the internal shock wave system were computed using a discrete shock wave fitting procedure. The general structure of the computer program is discussed, and a brief description of each subroutine is given. All program input parameters are defined, and a brief discussion on interpretation of the output is provided. A number of sample cases, complete with data deck listings, are presented.

Vadyak, J.↗