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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 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Fluorescence microscopy for the characterization of structural integrity

The absorption characteristics of light and the optical technique of fluorescence microscopy for enhancing metallographic interpretation are presented. Characterization of thermally sprayed coatings by optical microscopy suffers because of the tendency for misidentification of the microstructure produced by metallographic preparation. Gray scale, in bright field microscopy, is frequently the only means of differentiating the actual structural details of porosity, cracking, and debonding of coatings. Fluorescence microscopy is a technique that helps to distinguish the artifacts of metallographic preparation (pullout, cracking, debonding) from the microstructure of the specimen by color contrasting structural differences. Alternative instrumentation and the use of other dye systems are also discussed. The combination of epoxy vacuum infiltration with fluorescence microscopy to verify microstructural defects is an effective means to characterize advanced materials and to assess structural integrity.

Street, Kenneth W.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Optical Amplifier Based Space Solar Power

The objective was to design a safe optical power beaming system for use in space. Research was focused on identification of strategies and structures that would enable achievement near diffraction limited optical beam quality, highly efficient electrical to optical conversion, and high average power in combination in a single system. Efforts centered on producing high efficiency, low mass of the overall system, low operating temperature, precision pointing and tracking capability, compatibility with useful satellite orbits, component and system reliability, and long component and system life in space. A system based on increasing the power handled by each individual module to an optimum and the number of modules in the complete structure was planned. We were concerned with identifying the most economical and rapid path to commercially viable safe space solar power.

Fork, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Moisture effects and control for the UVCS composite structure

The Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrograph (UVCS) is an optical instrument to be flown on the European spacecraft Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to the sun-earth L1 point. The stability requirements of the instrument require the moisture content of the pseudoisotropic composite material not to exceed 0.06 percent during alignment and calibration. This paper describes the steps necessary to meet this requirement. These steps include a dynamic moisture content analysis, selection of bake out conditions and moisture controls, verification sampling, and use of witness specimens to monitor the moisture content during the prelaunch life of the structure.

Austin, James D.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Fiber-Optic Micrometeoroid/Orbital Debris Impact Detector System

A document describes a reliable, lightweight micrometeoroid/orbital debris (MMOD) detection system that can be located at strategic positions of "high consequence" to provide real-time warning of a penetration, its location, and the extent of the damage to a spacecraft. The concept is to employ fiber-optic sensors to detect impact damage and penetration of spacecraft structures. The fibers are non-electrical, employ light waves, and are immune to electromagnetic interference. The fiber-optic sensor array can be made as a stand-alone product, being bonded to a flexible membrane material or a structure that is employed as a MMOD shield material. The optical sensors can also be woven into hybrid MMOD shielding fabrics. The glass fibers of the fiber-optic sensor provide a dual purpose in contributing to the breakup of MMOD projectiles. The grid arrays can be made in a modular configuration to provide coverage over any area desired. Each module can be connected to a central scanner instrument and be interrogated in a continuous or periodic mode.

Christiansen, Eric L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Examples of Current and Future Uses of Neural-Net Image Processing for Aerospace Applications

Feed forward artificial neural networks are very convenient for performing correlated interpolation of pairs of complex noisy data sets as well as detecting small changes in image data. Image-to-image, image-to-variable and image-to-index applications have been tested at Glenn. Early demonstration applications are summarized including image-directed alignment of optics, tomography, flow-visualization control of wind-tunnel operations and structural-model-trained neural networks. A practical application is reviewed that employs neural-net detection of structural damage from interference fringe patterns. Both sensor-based and optics-only calibration procedures are available for this technique. These accomplishments have generated the knowledge necessary to suggest some other applications for NASA and Government programs. A tomography application is discussed to support Glenn's Icing Research tomography effort. The self-regularizing capability of a neural net is shown to predict the expected performance of the tomography geometry and to augment fast data processing. Other potential applications involve the quantum technologies. It may be possible to use a neural net as an image-to-image controller of an optical tweezers being used for diagnostics of isolated nano structures. The image-to-image transformation properties also offer the potential for simulating quantum computing. Computer resources are detailed for implementing the black box calibration features of the neural nets.

Decker, Arthur J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Adaptive Optics Imaging and Spectroscopy of Neptune

OBJECTIVES: We proposed to use high spectral resolution imaging and spectroscopy of Neptune in visible and near-IR spectral ranges to advance our understanding of Neptune s cloud structure. We intended to use the adaptive optics (AO) system at Mt. Wilson at visible wavelengths to try to obtain the first groundbased observations of dark spots on Neptune; we intended to use A 0 observations at the IRTF to obtain near-IR R=2000 spatially resolved spectra and near-IR A0 observations at the Keck observatory to obtain the highest spatial resolution studies of cloud feature dynamics and atmospheric motions. Vertical structure of cloud features was to be inferred from the wavelength dependent absorption of methane and hydrogen,

Johnson, Lindley↗
NASA NTRS1973

Determination of atmospheric structure function by using a single coherent detector

The wave structure function associated with atmospheric turbulence is important in the effective design of telescopes for coherent optical receivers. This paper describes a method of measurement of the wave structure function by employing an already existing optical receiver. The aperture of this receiver's telescope is masked by an opaque screen with two small holes. It is then shown that when the incident beam obeys Gaussian statistics, the receiver's A.M. output can be simply related to the wave structure function of the incident beam.

Lang, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Deflection-Compensating Beam for use inside a Cylinder

A design concept for a beam for a specific application permits variations and options for satisfying competing requirements to minimize certain deflections under load and to minimize the weight of the beam. In the specific application, the beam is required to serve as a motion-controlled structure for supporting a mirror for optical testing in the lower third portion of a horizontal, cylindrical vacuum chamber. The cylindrical shape of the chamber is fortuitous in that it can be (and is) utilized as an essential element of the deflection-minimizing design concept. The beam is, more precisely, a table-like structure comprising a nominally flat, horizontal portion with vertical legs at its ends. The weights of the beam and whatever components it supports are reacted by the contact forces between the lower ends of the legs and the inner cylindrical chamber wall. Whereas the bending moments arising from the weights contribute to a beam deflection that is concave with its lowest point at midlength, the bending moments generated by the contact forces acting on the legs contribute to a beam deflection that is convex with its highest point at midlength. In addition, the bending of the legs in response to the weights causes the lower ends of the legs to slide downward on the cylindrical wall. By taking the standard beam-deflection equations, combining them with the geometric relationships among the legs and the horizontal portion of the beam, and treating the sliding as a component of deflection, it is possible to write an equation for the net vertical deflection as a function of the load and of position along the beam. A summary of major conclusions drawn from the equation characterization is included.

Goodman, Dwight↗
NASA NTRS1992

The structure of the high-latitude molecular cloud toward HD 210121

Optical absorption line observations and millimeter emission of the high-latitude cloud toward the star HD 21021 are reported. The cloud was mapped with the ESO submillimeter telescope. Maps of (C-12)O and (C-13)O emission are presented and the line profiles and velocity structure of the cloud are discussed. The optical absorption line observations allow an independent determination of the H2 column density along the line of sight. The molecular column densities found in this cloud were consistent with those measured in diffuse and translucent clouds. Attention is given to the physical and chemical properties of the cloud with reference to chemical models. Analysis indicates that small fluctuations in H2 column density and other factors can produce large variations of CO abundance and column density in clouds where carbon is just being transformed into CO.

Gredel, Roland↗
NASA NTRS1999

Electrical Field Effects in Phthalocyanine Film Growth by Vapor Deposition

Phthalocyanine, an organic material, is a very good candidate for non-linear optical application, such as high-speed switching and optical storage devices. Phthalocyanine films have been synthesized by vapor deposition on quartz substrates. Some substrates were coated with a very thin gold film for introducing electrical field. These films have been characterized by surface morphology, material structure, chemical and thermal stability, non-linear optical parameters, and electrical behaviors. The films have excellent chemical and optical stability. However, the surface of these films grown without electrical field shows flower-like morphology. When films are deposited under an electrical field ( an aligned structure is revealed on the surface. A comparison of the optical and electrical properties and the growth mechanism for these films grown with and without an electrical field will be discussed.

Banks, Curtis E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Differential Measurement Periodontal Structures Mapping System

This invention relates to a periodontal structure mapping system employing a dental handpiece containing first and second acoustic sensors for locating the Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) and measuring the differential depth between the CEJ and the bottom of the periodontal pocket. Measurements are taken at multiple locations on each tooth of a patient, observed, analyzed by an optical analysis subsystem, and archived by a data storage system for subsequent study and comparison with previous and subsequent measurements. Ultrasonic transducers for the first and second acoustic sensors are contained within the handpiece and in connection with a control computer. Pressurized water is provided for the depth measurement sensor and a linearly movable probe sensor serves as the sensor for the CEJ finder. The linear movement of the CEJ sensor is obtained by a control computer actuated by the prober. In an alternate embodiment, the CEJ probe is an optical fiber sensor with appropriate analysis structure provided therefor.

Companion, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Banded structures in stratospheric aerosol distributions

Zonal bands of stratospheric aerosol optical depth are observed by various sensors under both volcanic and non-volcanic conditions. Maximum optical depths occur within the tropics and at high latitudes, while minima are found between latitudes of approximately 15 deg and 45 deg. This structure is shown to result from a reservoir of aerosol over the tropics, poleward transport, and the departure of the tropopause from isentropic surfaces.

Trepte, Charles R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Formation metrology and control for large separated optics space telescopes

In this paper we present formation flying performance analysis initial results for a representative large space telescope composed of separated optical elements [Mett 02]. A virtual-structure construct (an equivalent rigid body) is created by unique metrology and control that combines both centralized and decentralized methods. The formation may be in orbit at GEO for super-resolution Earth observation, as in the case of Figure 1, or it may be in an Earth-trailing orbit for astrophysics, Figure 2. Extended applications are envisioned for exo-solar planet interferometric imaging by a formation of very large separated optics telescopes, Figure 3. Space telescopes, with such large apertures and f/10 to f/100 optics, are not feasible if connected by massive metering structures. Instead, the new virtual-structure paradigm of information and control connectivity between the formation elements provides the necessary spatial rigidity and alignment precision for the telescope.

formation flying virtual-structure telescopes↗
NASA NTRS1985

The IRAS galaxy 0421 + 040P06 - An active spiral (?) galaxy with extended radio lobes

The infrared bright galaxy 0421 + 040P06 detected by IRAS at 25 and 60 microns was studied at optical, infrared, and radio wavelength. It is a luminous galaxy with apparent spiral structure emitting 4 x 10 to the 37th power from far-infrared to optical wavelengths. Optical spectroscopy reveals a Seyfert 2 emission line spectrum, making 0421 + 040P06 the first active galaxy selected from an unbiased infrared survey of galaxies. The fact that this galaxy shows a flatter energy distribution with more 25 micron emission than other galaxies in the infrared sample may be related to the presence of an intense active nucleus. The radio observations reveal the presence of a non-thermal source that, at 6 cm, shows a prominent double lobed structure 20 to 30 kpc in size extending beyond the optical confines of the galaxy. The radio source is three to ten times larger than structures previously seen in spiral galaxies.

Beichman, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The IRAS galaxy 0421+040P06: An active spiral (?) galaxy with extended radio lobes

The infrared bright galaxy 0421+040P06 detected by IRAS at 25 and 60 microns was studied at optical, infrared, and radio wavelength. It is a luminous galaxy with apparent spiral structure emitting 4 x 10 to the 37th power from far-infrared to optical wavelengths. Optical spectroscopy reveals a Seyfert 2 emission line spectrum, making 0421+040P06 the first active galaxy selected from an unbiased infrared survey of galaxies. The fact that this galaxy shows a flatter energy distribution with more 25 micron emission than other galaxies in the infrared sample may be related to the presence of an intense active nucleus. The radio observations reveal the presence of a non-thermal source that, at 6 cm, shows a prominent double lobed structure 20 to 30 kpc in size extending beyond the optical confines of the galaxy. The radio source is three to ten times larger than structures previously seen in spiral galaxies.

Beichman, C. A.↗