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At least 91 records · Page 5

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NASA NTRS1995

SSME Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) hot oil dewaxing

In an attempt to comply with the changing environmental regulations, a process was developed for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) and other associated hardware filled with the Rigidax (R) casting compound. Rigidax (R) is a hard blue-dyed, calcium carbonate filled thermoplastic casting compound (melting point 77 C) that is melted and poured into hardware cavities to prevent contamination during material removal processes, i.e. machining, grinding, drilling, and deburring. Additionally, it serves as a maskant for designated areas during electroforming processes. Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate seven alternate fluids for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing process. Based upon successful laboratory results, a mineral oil was selected for testing on actual hardware. The final process developed involves simultaneous immersion and flushing of the MCC channels using a distinct eight stage process. A nonvolatile hydrocarbon analysis of a solvent flush sample is performed to determine the hardware cleanliness for comparison to the previous perchloroethylene dewaxing process.

Akpati, Anthony U.↗

NASA NTRS1994

SSME Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) 'Hot Oil' Dewaxing

In an attempt to comply with the changing environmental regulations, a process was developed for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) and other associated hardware filled with the Rigidax(registered mark) casting compound. Rigidax(registered mark) is a hard blue-dyed, calcium carbonate filled thermoplastic casting compound (melting point 77 C) that is melted and poured into hardware cavities to prevent contamination during material removal processes, i.e. machining, grinding, drilling, and deburring. Additionally, it serves as a maskant for designated areas during electroforming processes. Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate seven alternate fluids for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing process. Based upon successful laboratory results, a mineral oil was selected for testing on actual hardware. The final process developed involves simultaneous immersion and flushing of the MCC channels using a distinct eight stage process. A nonvolatile hydrocarbon analysis of a solvent flush sample is performed to determine the hardware cleanliness for comparison to the previous perchloroethylene dewaxing process.

Akpati, Anthony U.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) Efforts and Observations at the Rocknest Eolian Sand Shadow in Curiosity's Gale Crater Field Site

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is focused on assessing the past or present habitability of Mars, through interrogation of environment and environmental records at the Curiosity rover field site in Gale crater. The MSL team has two methods available to collect, process and deliver samples to onboard analytical laboratories, the Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument (CheMin) and the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. One approach obtains samples by drilling into a rock, the other uses a scoop to collect loose regolith fines. Scooping was planned to be first method performed on Mars because materials could be readily scooped multiple times and used to remove any remaining, minute terrestrial contaminants from the sample processing system, the Collection and Handling for In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis (CHIMRA). Because of this cleaning effort, the ideal first material to be scooped would consist of fine to very fine sand, like the interior of the Serpent Dune studied by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit team in 2004 [1]. The MSL team selected a linear eolian deposit in the lee of a group of cobbles they named Rocknest (Fig. 1) as likely to be similar to Serpent Dune. Following the definitions in Chapter 13 of Bagnold [2], the deposit is termed a sand shadow. The scooping campaign occurred over approximately 6 weeks in October and November 2012. To support these activities, the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) acquired images for engineering support/assessment and scientific inquiry.

Edgett, K. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Application of mass spectrometry to process control for polymer material in autoclave curing

Mass spectrometer analysis of gas samples collected during a cure cycle of polymer materials can be used as a process control technique. This technique is particularly helpful in studying the various types of solvents and resin systems used in the preparation of polymer materials and characterizing the chemical composition of different resin systems and their mechanism of polymerization.

Smith, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Synchronous Separation, Seaming, Sealing and Sterilization (S4) using Brazing for Sample Containerization and Planetary Protection

The potential return of samples back to Earth from other planetary bodies would be based on planetary protection requirements that vary depending on the type of body [1]. Potential Mars Sample Return would require the protection of our planet from backward contamination. To fulfill this requirement, it would be necessary to implement “break the chain of contact (BTC)” process, where any material reaching Earth would have to be inside a container that is sealed with an extremely high level of confidence. In order to accomplish this, it would be necessary to contain the acquired samples and destroy any potential biological materials that may have contaminated the external surface of the container, while protecting the samples for further analysis. Using brazing, a novel synchronous separation, seaming, sealing and sterilization (S4) process for sample containerization and planetary protection has been conceived and demonstrated. A prototype double-wall container with inner and outer shells and Earth clean interstitial space was used for this demonstration. For potential Mars sample return, the double wall container would be consist of two halves and prepared on Earth. The on-orbit execution would consist of inserting the sample into one of the halves and then mating to the other half and melt the braze material to perform the S4 process. The use of brazing material that melts at temperatures higher than 500OC would assure sterilization of the exposed areas due to pyrolysis since carbon bonds are broken at this temperature. The process consists of two-steps, Step-1: the double wall container halves are fabricated and brazed on Earth; and Step-2: Assembly and brazing the samples on orbit. To prevent potential jamming during the process of mating the two halves of the double-wall container and the extraction of the brazed inner container, a double cone-within-cone approach has been conceived. The results of this study are described and discussed in this manuscript.

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph↗

NASA NTRS2000

BUNDLE: A Novel Furnace for Performing Controlled Directional Solidification Experiments in a Microgravity Environment

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a novel directional solidification furnace prototype for processing metals and alloys experiments in a microgravity environment. The BUNDLE (Bridgman Unidirectional Dendrite in Liquid Experiment) furnace is intended to accommodate the science requirements of Flight Definition Principle Investigators studying cellular/dendritic growth in aluminum and lead alloys at processing temperatures up to 1200 C. The furnace implements a number of innovative features to achieve high thermal gradients and quench rates in a low-power, light-weight design. These include a pyrolytic boron nitride/graphite composite heating element surrounded by layers of self-supporting refractory metal shielding, and a graphite fiber enhanced cold zone allowing high levels of heat extraction from the sample crucible. Novel to the BUNDLE design is an in-situ helium gas quench capability that ensures rapid freezing of the solidifying region (mushy zone) of the metal sample within the furnace without sample disturbance prior to quenching; this is a stringent requirement for subsequent analysis and understanding of microstructural development. The experiment hardware concept features multiple furnaces that may be "bundled" together so many samples, currently up to eight, can be processed at one time. The design of BUNDLE is flexible enough to be implemented on the Shuttle and Space Station in a number of locations (SpaceHab, Express Rack, MPESS, ISPR, etc). BUNDLE prototype furnaces have directionally solidified and quenched 1cm diameter lead - 5.8 weight percent antimony and aluminum - 4 weight percent copper alloys. Quenching of the mushy zone, as recorded by in-situ thermocouples, occurred on the order of 0.5 seconds or less, a rate within the PI's requirements. Subsequent metallographic examination revealed the solidified microstructure to be, as expected, unidirectional. Both the dendrite tips and the eutectic reaction were planar in nature indicating uniform axial heat flow. Delineation between the growing dendrites and eutectic structure with the "quenched-in" liquid was sharp, attesting to the efficacy of the helium quench. BUNDLE's conception, development, capability, and adaptability are presented (in view of Flight PI's needs and science requirements) through viewgraphs depicting actual hardware, generated thermal analysis, and micrographs prepared from BUNDLE processed, flight-like samples.

Carrasquillo, Edgar J.↗

NASA NTRS2001

BUNDLE - A Novel Furnace for Performing Controlled Directional Solidification Experiments in a Microgravity Environment

Carrasquillo, Edgar J.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Self-Sealing Wet Chemistry Cell for Field Analysis

In most analytical investigations, there is a need to process complex field samples for the unique detection of analytes, especially when detecting low concentration organic molecules that may identify extraterrestrial life. Wet chemistry based instruments are the techniques of choice for most laboratory- based analysis of organic molecules due to several factors including less fragmentation of fragile biomarkers, and ability to concentrate target species resulting in much lower limits of detection. Development of an automated wet chemistry preparation system that can operate autonomously on Earth and is also designed to operate under Martian ambient conditions will demonstrate the technical feasibility of including wet chemistry on future missions. An Automated Sample Processing System (ASPS) has recently been developed that receives fines, extracts organics through solvent extraction, processes the extract by removing non-organic soluble species, and delivers sample to multiple instruments for analysis (including for non-organic soluble species). The key to this system is a sample cell that can autonomously function under field conditions. As a result, a self-sealing sample cell was developed that can autonomously hermetically seal fines and powder into a container, regardless of orientation of the apparatus. The cap is designed with a beveled edge, which allows the cap to be self-righted as the capping motor engages. Each cap consists of a C-clip lock ring below a crucible O-ring that is placed into a groove cut into the sample cap.

Beegle, Luther W.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Containerless processing technology analysis

Research on acoustic levitation, air-jet levitation, and heat transfer from molten samples is reported. The goal was to obtain a better understanding and improving the quality of containerless processing systems. These systems are applied to the processing of materials in situations in which contact with a container must be avoided, and have potential application in both ground based and orbiting laboratories. Containerless processing is reviewed. The development of glasses from materials which normally crystallize upon cooling, are studied.

Rush, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Fused Bead Analysis of Diogenite Meteorites

Bulk rock chemistry is an essential dataset in meteoritics and planetary science [1]. A common method used to obtain the bulk chemistry of meteorites is ICP-MS. While the accuracy, precision and low detection limits of this process are advantageous [2], the sample size used for analysis (approx.70 mg) can be a problem in a field where small and finite samples are the norm. Fused bead analysis is another bulk rock analytical technique that has been used in meteoritics [3]. This technique involves forming a glass bead from ~10 mg of sample and measuring its chemistry using a defocused beam on a microprobe. Though the ICP-MS has lower detection limits than the microprobe, the fused bead method destroys a much smaller sample of the meteorite. Fused bead analysis was initially designed for samples with near-eutectic compositions and low viscosities. Melts generated of this type homogenize at relatively low temperatures and produce primary melts near the sample s bulk composition [3]. The application of fused bead analysis to samples with noneutectic melt compositions has not been validated. The purpose of this study is to test if fused bead analysis can accurately determine the bulk rock chemistry of non-eutectic melt composition meteorites. To determine this, we conduct two examinations of the fused bead. First, we compare ICP-MS and fused bead results of the same samples using statistical analysis. Secondly, we inspect the beads for the presence of crystals and chemical heterogeneity. The presence of either of these would indicate incomplete melting and quenching of the bead.

Mittlefehldt, D.W.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Automated Lab-on-a-Chip Electrophoresis System

Capillary electrophoresis is an analytical technique that can be used to detect and quantify extremely small amounts of various biological molecules. In the search for biochemical traces of life on other planets, part of this search involves an examination of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life on Earth. The most sensitive method for detecting amino acids is the use of laser induced fluorescence. However, since amino acids do not, in general, fluoresce, they first must be reacted with a fluorescent dye label prior to analysis. After this process is completed, the liquid sample then must be transported into the electrophoresis system. If the system is to be reused multiple times, samples must be added and removed each time. In typical laboratories, this process is performed manually by skilled human operators using standard laboratory equipment. This level of human intervention is not possible if this technology is to be implemented on extraterrestrial targets. Microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) combined with laser induced fluorescence detection (LIF) was selected as an extremely sensitive method to detect amino acids and other compounds that can be tagged with a fluorescent dye. It is highly desirable to package this technology into an integrated, autonomous, in situ instrument capable of performing CE-LIF on the surface of an extraterrestrial body. However, to be fully autonomous, the CE device must be able to perform a large number of sample preparation and analysis operations without the direct intervention of a human.

Willis, Peter A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Space Weathering in OSIRIS-REx Samples From Bennu: Impact Melt Deposits

Early analyses of regolith samples from asteroid Bennu delivered by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft showed a mineralogy dominated by hydrated silicates, sulfides, magnetite, phosphates, and abundant organic matter, in addition to other minor/trace phases. A major objective of the sample analysis campaign is to understand the nature and extent of space weathering processes recorded by returned samples from Bennu. Here we report our preliminary transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations of impact melt deposits on surfaces of Bennu sample particles.

L. P. Keller↗

NASA NTRS1978

Fast processing of data from Sneg-2MP experiment

The following subjects are covered: Basic stages during computer processing of data from Sneg-2MP instrument, basic modes during separation and fast processing (separation of data during satellite flight, separation of burst data segments, sampling and analysis of initial burst data segment). Experimental results obtained on the basis of fast processed data are reported.

Dumer, I. I.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Remote sensing of coal mine pollution in the upper Potomac River basin

A survey of remote sensing data pertinent to locating and monitoring sources of pollution resulting from surface and shaft mining operations was conducted in order to determine the various methods by which ERTS and aircraft remote sensing data can be used as a replacement for, or a supplement to traditional methods of monitoring coal mine pollution of the upper Potomac Basin. The gathering and analysis of representative samples of the raw and processed data obtained during the survey are described, along with plans to demonstrate and optimize the data collection processes.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1977

Remote water-monitoring system

General-purpose, water-quality sampling process detects microorganisms and integrates sampling, sample preservation, and sample analysis. System overcomes difficulties in correlation of surface measurements with remote measurements and minimizes human error in handling of samples and instrumentation.

Grana, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1997

A Web-Based System for Monitoring and Controlling Multidisciplinary Design Projects

In today's competitive environment, both industry and government agencies are under enormous pressure to reduce the time and cost of multidisciplinary design projects. A number of frameworks have been introduced to assist in this process by facilitating the integration of and communication among diverse disciplinary codes. An examination of current frameworks reveals weaknesses in various areas such as sequencing, displaying, monitoring, and controlling the design process. The objective of this research is to explore how Web technology, in conjunction with an existing framework, can improve these areas of weakness. This paper describes a system that executes a sequence of programs, monitors and controls the design process through a Web-based interface, and visualizes intermediate and final results through the use of Java(Tm) applets. A small sample problem, which includes nine processes with two analysis programs that are coupled to an optimizer, is used to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.

Salas, Andrea O.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Tracking capability for entry, descent and landing and its support to NASA Mars Exploration Rovers

This paper described a new capability recently deployed in the NASA Deep Space Network to support the entry, descent and landing of the two Mars Exploration Rovers - Spirit and Opportunity. This final segment of a 7-month journey was critical step in enabling successful mission operation. The EDL Data Analysis (EDA) equipment processed the open loop recording samples from the existing radio science receivers, extracted the MFSK-modulated tones, and provided information on the occurrence of associated events happened onboard spacecraft. The EDA software supported real-time as well as post pass processing. The design flexibility allowed the track to be divided into different segments, each could be processed with a configuration optimized for its signal conditions and uncertainties. The use of dynamic lock state concept enabled signal detection be done with minimum required computing power - less was spent when signal was steadily detected and more when signal fluctuated. With the server-client design, the EDA supported connections to different remote operation centers for monitor purpose. The paper also presented the field results from both Spirit and Opportunity landings. The detection were much better than anticipated. All critical event tones were seen in real time. Surprising detection of LCP signal was found with Spirit landing, resulted in a reconfiguration for Opportunity landing to maximize signal detection.

tracking↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The ANGSA Program: A Low-cost Lunar "Sample Return Mission". An Overview and Progress over the Last 18 Months

The Apollo Program returned 381 kg of samples. Analyses of these samples have provided fundamental insights into the origin and history of the Earth-Moon system and how planets and even solar systems work. These samples have provided ground truth for every post-Apollo mission to the Moon for the interpretation of remotely sensed data. After 50 years of analysis and study, our sophistication for handling and examining samples has greatly increased. Some special samples that were collected or preserved in unique containers or environments remain unexamined by standard or advanced analytical approaches. The Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) Program was designed to examine a subset of these special samples. The ANGSA consortium consists of 9 original teams funded by NASA that have combined into a single science team referred to as the ANGSA Science Team. The program was designed to function as the sample analysis portion of a sample return mission with processing, preliminary examination, and analyses utilizing new and improved technologies and recent mission observations. The ANGSA Program links the first generation of lunar explorers (Apollo) with future explorers of the Moon (Artemis). The purpose of this abstract is to highlight the ANGSA samples, science and engineering goals, and progress made so far. Related abstracts and talks will focus on the links between Apollo and Artemis, geologic context, and initial examination, processing, and results.

F M McCubbin↗