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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 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

A possible common origin for the rare gases on Venus, earth, and Mars

The rare gas concentrations in the terrestrial planets and the carbonaceous chondrites could have been derived from a single source an early solar wind. The fractionation processes responsible for the varying concentration patterns in this model are differential ionization and the relative separation of neutrals from ions due to interaction with the solar magnetic field. If species dependent effects are small relative to radius dependent effects, this process can explain in detail both the relative and absolute abundances in the terrestrial planets and carbonaceous chondrites. The electron temperatures predicted by the data are consistent with astrophysical constraints previously derived for the solar nebula, and the timeline of events necessary for this model is consistent with accretion in a gas free environment. If species dependent fractionations are small, or approximately cancel each other, the earth is found to be outgassed by an order of magnitude more efficiently than Venus or Mars.

Hostetler, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Nuclear microprobe analysis of solar proton implantation profiles in lunar rock surfaces

Discussion of the results of hydrogen (proton) depth profile concentration analyses conducted on selected Apollo 16 rocks. A modeling of solar particle implantation profiles in lunar rocks is shown to trace the evolvement of these profiles under the combined influence of diffusion of atomic particles implanted in the rock, and rock surface erosion. It is also demonstrated that such diffusion may have a significant effect on the shape of the implantation profiles in certain rock materials.

Stauber, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The galactic globular cluster system

We explore correlations between various properties of Galactic globular clusters, using a database on 143 objects. Our goal is identify correlations and trends which can be used to test and constrain theoretical models of cluster formation and evolution. We use a set of 13 cluster parameters, 9 of which are independently measured. Several arguments suggest that the number of clusters still missing in the obscured regions of the Galaxy is of the order of 10, and thus the selection effects are probably not severe for our sample. Known clusters follow a power-law density distribution with a slope approximately -3.5 to -4, and an apparent core with a core radius approximately 1 kpc. Clusters show a large dynamical range in many of their properties, more so for the core parameters (which are presumably more affected by dynamical evolution) than for the half-light parameters. There are no good correlations with luminosity, although more luminous clusters tend to be more concentrated. When data are binned in luminosity, several trends emerge: more luminous clusters tend to have smaller and denser cores. We interpret this as a differential survival effect, with more massive clusters surviving longer and reaching more evolved dynamical states. Cluster core parameters and concentrations also correlate with the position in the Galaxy, with clusters closer to the Galactic center or plane being more concentrated and having smaller and denser cores. These trends are more pronounced for the fainter (less massive) clusters. This is in agreement with a picture where tidal shocks form disk or bulge passages accelerate dynamical evolution of clusters. Cluster metallicities do not correlate with any other parameter, including luminosity and velocity dispersion; the only detectable trend is with the position in the Galaxy, probably reflecting Zinn's disk-halo dichotomy. This suggests that globular clusters were not self-enriched systems. Velocity dispersions show excellent correlations with luminosity and surface brightness. Their origin is not well understood, but they may well reflect initial conditions of cluster formation, and perhaps even be used to probe the initial density perturbation spectrum on a approximately 10(exp 6) solar mass scale. Core radii and concentrations play a role of a 'second parameter' in these correlations. While a global manifold of cluster properties has a high statistical dimensionality (D greater than 4), a subset of structural, photometric, and dynamical parameters forms a statistically three-dimensional family, as expected from objects following King models; we propose to call this set of quantities the King Manifold. Some of the observed correlations may be usable as distance indicator relations for globular clusters.

Djorgovski, S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Polymer-Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites for Potential Spacecraft Applications

Polymer-single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite films were prepared and characterized as part of an effort to develop polymeric materials with improved combinations of properties for potential use on future spacecraft. Next generation spacecraft will require ultra-lightweight materials that possess specific and unique combinations of properties such as radiation and atomic oxygen resistance, low solar absorptivity, high thermal emissitivity, electrical conductivity, tear resistance, ability to be folded and seamed, and good mechanical properties. The objective of this work is to incorporate sufficient electrical conductivity into space durable polyimides to mitigate static charge build-up. The challenge is to obtain this level of conductivity (10(exp -8) S/cm) without degrading other properties of importance, particularly optical transparency. Several different approaches were attempted to fully disperse the SWNTs into the polymer matrix. These included high shear mixing, sonication, and synthesizing the polymers in the presence of pre-dispersed SWNTs. Acceptable levels of conductivity were obtained at loading levels less than one tenth weight percent SWNT without significantly sacrificing optical properties. Characterization of the nanocomposite films and the effect of SWNT concentration and dispersion on the conductivity, solar absorptivity, thermal emissivity, mechanical and thermal properties were discussed. Fibers and non-woven porous mats of SWNT reinforced polymer nanocomposite were produced using electrospinning.

Park, C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Spectral reflectance properties of electroplated and converted zinc for use as a solar selective coating

The spectral reflectance properties of electroplated and chemically converted zinc were measured for both chromate and chloride conversion coatings. The reflectance properties were measured for various times of conversion and for conversion at various chromate concentrations. The values of absorptance, integrated over the solar spectrum, and of infrared emittance, integrated over black body radiation at 250 F were then calculated from the measured reflectance values. The interdependent variations of absorptance and infrared emittance were plotted. The results indicate that the optimum combination of the highest absorptance in the solar spectrum and the lowest emittance in the infrared of the converted electroplated zinc is produced by chromate conversion at 1/2 concentration of the standard NEOSTAR chromate black solution for 0.50 minute or by chloride conversion for 0.50 minute.

Mcdonald, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Brayton cycle solarized advanced gas turbine

Described is the development of a Brayton Engine/Generator Set for solar thermal to electrical power conversion, authorized under DOE/NASA Contract DEN3-181. The objective was to design, fabricate, assemble, and test a small, hybrid, 20-kW Brayton-engine-powered generator set. The latter, called a power conversion assembly (PCA), is designed to operate with solar energy obtained from a parobolic dish concentrator, 11 meters in diameter, or with fossil energy supplied by burning fuels in a combustor, or by a combination of both (hybrid model). The CPA consists of the Brayton cycle engine, a solar collector, a belt-driven 20-kW generator, and the necessary control systems for automatic operation in solar-only, fuel-only, and hybrid modes to supply electrical power to a utility grid. The original configuration of the generator set used the GTEC Model GTP36-51 gas turbine engine for the PCA prime mover. However, subsequent development of the GTEC Model AGT101 led to its selection as the powersource for the PCA. Performance characteristics of the latter, thermally coupled to a solar collector for operation in the solar mode, are presented. The PCA was successfully demonstrated in the fuel-only mode at the GTEC Phoenix, Arizona, facilities prior to its shipment to Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for installation and testing on a test bed concentractor (parabolic dish). Considerations relative to Brayton-engine development using the all-ceramic AGT101 when it becomes available, which would satisfy the DOE heat engine efficiency goal of 35 to 41 percent, are also discussed in the report.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Formation of the 0.511 MeV line in solar flares

The slowing down and annihilation of positrons and the formation of positronium in a solar flare plasma are investigated to determine how the width of the 0.511-MeV line and its strength relative to the three-photon continuum from positronium decay depend on the temperature and density of the medium in which the positron comes to rest. The calculations are limited to the cases of annihilation in a completely ionized plasma, in a partially ionized plasma with an electron/neutron density ratio of 1.0 or 0.1, and in an atomic gas with a very small ion density. Thermally averaged rate coefficients are obtained for the free annihilation of positrons and for positronium formation through radiative recombination in the fully ionized plasma. Positronium formation rates and the resultant energy distributions of the positronium atoms in the partially ionized medium are determined by numerically solving the Fokker-Planck equation in a medium where the ambient free electrons have a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of finite temperature but the density of the medium is sufficiently low that positronium atoms decay without further collisions following their formation. A Monte Carlo calculation is performed for the positron energy loss, positronium formation through charge exchange, and positronium breakup in the weakly ionized medium. The energy distributions of decaying positronium atoms and the relative number of triplet to singlet positronium decays are evaluated for ion concentrations and densities characteristic of the solar photosphere.

Crannell, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Unique Photon Bombardment System for Space Applications

The innovative Electromagnetic Radiation Collection and Concentration System (EMRCCS) described is the foundation for the development of a multiplicity of space and terrestrial system formats. The system capability allows its use in the visual, infrared, and ultraviolet ranges of the spectrum for EM collection, concentration, source/receptor tracking, and targeting. The nonimaging modular optical system uses a physically static position aperture for EM radiation collection. Folded optics provide the concentration of the radiation and source autotracking. The collected and concentrated electromagnetic radiation is utilized in many applications, e.g., solar spectrum in thermal and associative photon bombardment applications for hazardous waste management, water purification, metal hardening, hydrogen generation, photovoltaics, etc., in both space and terrestrial segment utilization. Additionally, at the high end of the concentration capability range, i.e., 60,000+, a solar-pulsed laser system is possible.

Klein, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Moderately volatile elements

That the fractionation of moderately volatile and highly volatile elements was a major process in the early solar system is reflected in the variable concentrations of Rb and associated variations in initial Sr-isotopic ratios in chondritic meteorites. Greater knowledge of processes leading to volatile depletion would place stronger constraints on the formation conditions of solid material in the solar system. It will especially become possible to ascertain whether evaporation or incomplete condensation was the major process in establishing the elemental abundance patterns observed in primitive meteorites and planets.

Palme, H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Solar-wind interactions - Nature and composition of lunar atmosphere

The nature and composition of the lunar atmosphere are examined on the basis of solar-wind interactions, and the nature of the species in the trapped-gas layer is discussed using results of theoretical and experimental investigations. It is shown that the moon has a highly tenuous atmosphere consisting of various species derived from five sources: solar-wind interaction products, cosmic-ray interaction products, effects of meteoritic impacts, planetary degassing, and radioactive-decay products. Atmospheric concentrations are determined for those species derived from solar-wind protons, alpha particles, and oxygen ions. Carbon chemistry is briefly discussed, and difficulties encountered in attempts to determine quantitatively the concentrations of molecular oxygen, atomic oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane are noted. The calculated concentrations are shown to be in good agreement with observations by the Apollo 17 lunar-surface mass spectrometer and orbital UV spectrometer.

Mukherjee, N. R.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Advanced Rainbow Solar Photovoltaic Arrays

Photovoltaic arrays of the rainbow type, equipped with light-concentrator and spectral-beam-splitter optics, have been investigated in a continuing effort to develop lightweight, high-efficiency solar electric power sources. This investigation has contributed to a revival of the concept of the rainbow photovoltaic array, which originated in the 1950s but proved unrealistic at that time because the selection of solar photovoltaic cells was too limited. Advances in the art of photovoltaic cells since that time have rendered the concept more realistic, thereby prompting the present development effort. A rainbow photovoltaic array comprises side-by-side strings of series-connected photovoltaic cells. The cells in each string have the same bandgap, which differs from the bandgaps of the other strings. Hence, each string operates most efficiently in a unique wavelength band determined by its bandgap. To obtain maximum energy-conversion efficiency and to minimize the size and weight of the array for a given sunlight input aperture, the sunlight incident on the aperture is concentrated, then spectrally dispersed onto the photovoltaic array plane, whereon each string of cells is positioned to intercept the light in its wavelength band of most efficient operation. The number of cells in each string is chosen so that the output potentials of all the strings are the same; this makes it possible to connect the strings together in parallel to maximize the output current of the array. According to the original rainbow photovoltaic concept, the concentrated sunlight was to be split into multiple beams by use of an array of dichroic filters designed so that each beam would contain light in one of the desired wavelength bands. The concept has since been modified to provide for dispersion of the spectrum by use of adjacent prisms. A proposal for an advanced version calls for a unitary concentrator/ spectral-beam-splitter optic in the form of a parabolic curved Fresnel-like prism array with panels of photovoltaic cells on two sides (see figure). The surface supporting the solar cells can be adjusted in length or angle to accommodate the incident spectral pattern. An unoptimized prototype assembly containing ten adjacent prisms and three photovoltaic cells with different bandgaps (InGaP2, GaAs, and InGaAs) was constructed to demonstrate feasibility. The actual array will consist of a lightweight thin-film silicon layer of prisms curved into a parabolic shape. In an initial test under illumination of 1 sun at zero airmass, the energy-conversion efficiency of the assembly was found to be 20 percent. Further analysis of the data from this test led to a projected energy conversion efficiency as high as 41 percent for an array of 6 cells or strings (GaP, AlGaAs, InGaP2, GaAs, and two different InGaAs cells or strings).

Mardesich, Nick↗
NASA NTRS1977

Solar photovoltaic power stations

The subsystems of a solar photovoltaic central power system are identified and the cost of major components are estimated. The central power system, which would have a peak power capability in the range of 50 to 1000 MW, utilizes two types of subsystems - a power conditioner and a solar array. Despite differences in costs of inverters, the overall cost of the total power conditioning subsystem is about the same for all approaches considered. A combination of two inverters operating from balanced dc buses as a pair of 6-pulse groups is recommended. A number of different solar cell modules and tracking array structures were analyzed. It is concluded that when solar cell costs are high (greater than $500/kW), high concentration modules are more cost effective than those with low concentration. Vertical-axis tracking is the most effective of the studied tracking modes. For less expensive solar cells (less than $400/kW), fixed tilt collector/reflector modules are more cost effective than those which track.

Chowaniec, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Interplanetary dust between 1 and 5 AU

Analyses of data from the Meteoroid Detection Experiment (MDE) and the Imaging Photopolarimeter (IPP) aboard Pioneer 10 and 11 have led to contradictory conclusions. While the MDE indicates a significant particle environment in the outer solar system (out to at least 5 AU), the IPP sees no zodiacal light (therefore implying no small particles) past 3.3 AU. These two results are reconciled by noting that the spectral index p (relating particle radius and particle concentration) is not a constant in the solar system but changes from less than 2 near 1 AU to more than 2.5 at 5 AU for particles in the range of 10 microns.

Stanley, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Trends in Concentrator, Receiver, and Storage Development for Terrestrial Applications

The experience gained and the technical trends of the DOE-sponsored terrestrial solar thermal power systems project are summarized with respect to concentrator and receiver/storage development. Relevance of this experience to space power applications, and the perceived critical barriers of this technology, are discussed. It is concluded that, despite different objectives, the terrestrial program provides a strong basis of expertise valuable to space power applications development.

Roschke, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Thermal N+ in the Inner Magnetosphere

There has been much interest in O+ in the magnetosphere since it was first reported by Shelley et al. [1971]. However, relatively little has been done with N+ even though it is the second most abundant ion in the ionosphere at the F2 peak. What observations there are show that there is a large range in the magnitude of the ratio of the N+ density to the O+ density, that N+ is a significant ion in the ionosphere, and that the concentration of this ion vanes with season, time of day, solar cycle, latitude, and geomagnetic conditions. Most observational studies have not been used with a large database, nor have they been of a statistical nature. We use the DE1 RIMS observations to survey where N+ is found, in what concentrations relative to O+, and how this concentration varies with changes in the solar input, season, and time of day. We also gauge our understanding of N+ in the ionosphere and plasmasphere by comparing model (FLIP) results with the observations.

Craven, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Development of lithium diffused radiation resistant solar cells, part 2

The work performed to investigate the effect of various process parameters on the performance of lithium doped P/N solar cells is described. Effort was concentrated in four main areas: (1) the starting material, (2) the boron diffusion, (3) the lithium diffusion, and (4) the contact system. Investigation of starting material primarily involved comparison of crucible grown silicon (high oxygen content) and Lopex silicon (low oxygen content). In addition, the effect of varying growing parameters of crucible grown silicon on lithium cell output was also examined. The objective of the boron diffusion studies was to obtain a diffusion process which produced high efficiency cells with minimal silicon stressing and could be scaled up to process 100 or more cells per diffusion. Contact studies included investigating sintering of the TiAg contacts and evaluation of the contact integrity.

Payne, P. R.↗