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At least 991 records · Page 55

A quadratic pulse height analyzer for space applications.

A flight-worthy pulse height analyzer that has a quadratic transfer function is described. This quadratic function permits optimum usage of the entire PHA dynamic range due to the quadratic nature of the gamma ray spectrometer's resolution vs energy. After the theoretical design discussion, the implementation of the design is examined and test results described. The analyzer is part of the University of New Hampshire gamma ray monitor for OSO-H.

Burtis, D. W.↗

Chemical features of the Luna 16 regolith sample.

The Luna 16 regolith sample differs from Apollo 11, 12 and 14 regolith and basalt samples by having smaller negative Eu and Sr anomalies and nearly chondritic Eu/Sm and Eu/Sr ratios although the overall REE, Ba, Sr and U concentrations are 25 to 45 times chondrites. Major element data, in particular FeO vs Al2O3, show that the Luna 16 regolith sample is composed of materials that follow a quantitatively different Fe/Al variation than do Apollo 11, 12, 14 and 15 samples. The small Eu and Sr anomalies and the displaced Fe/Al variation are two chemical features unique to the Luna 16 regolith sample. The Luna 16 regolith sample can contain little if any of the rock types abundant at Apollo sites, thus indicating that the unique chemical features are typical of local or nearby materials and indicate a separate petrogenetic province for major component rock types of the Luna 16 regolith.

Hubbard, N. J.↗

Effects of electrostatic rocket material deposited on solar cells.

If solar arrays on solar-electric spacecraft protrude into the exhaust hemisphere of the electric thrusters, they will receive fluxes (usually small) of both propellant and accelerator grid atoms. Unlike propellants, grid materials have low vapor pressures and will not reevaporate. An analysis is presented of degradation in the optical, thermal, and electrical performance of solar cells resulting from thin deposits of grid material (aluminum and molybdenum) on various array surfaces. The classical optical theory of thin films, heat balance equations, and a typical relationship for solar cell efficiency vs temperature are used to compute curves showing optical properties, temperature, and power output as functions of film thickness. The results compare favorably with available experimental data. It is shown that a few monolayers of metal deposition on the illuminated surface will seriously degrade cell performance. A means of estimating the arrival rate of these materials is provided.

Kemp, R. F.↗

Excitation of sodium D-line radiation in collisions of sodium atoms with internally excited H2, D2 and N2.

Excitation of D-line radiation in collisions of Na atoms with vibrationally excited N2, H2, and D2 was studied in two modulated crossed-beam experiments. In both experiments, the molecular excitation was provided by heating the molecular beam to temperatures which were assumed to give populations corresponding to the Boltzmann distribution. In the first experiment, a total rate coefficient was measured as a function of molecular beam temperature. The second experiment achieved partial separation of internal vs kinetic energy transfer effects by using a velocity-selected molecular beam. The data from both experiments were used to determine parameters for the dependence of the transfer cross section upon the kinetic energy for a given change in the vibrational quantum number. Results indicate that most of the Na excitation energy comes from internal vibrational energy, with the remainder coming from kinetic energy.

Krause, H. F.↗

Regional variations in degradation and density of Martian craters.

Martian craters visible on Mariner 6 and 7 imagery show a spectrum of topographic types from very fresh to highly degraded. A method of numerical scoring of rim, wall, and floor is proposed to yield a degradation number to classify each crater. Plots of degradation class vs density of large craters are similar for all four regions studied, whereas similar plots for small craters show marked differences between regions. The data suggest general continuity of crater formation and degradation, along with locally sporadic formation and/or degradation of the smallest craters classified. Deucalionis Regio, with an excess of fresh, small craters, experienced an episode of small crater formation (or nondegradation) most recently; Margaritifer Sinus was similarly disturbed at some more remote time. Meridiani Sinus and Hellespontus-Noachis show little or no sign of excess fresh, small craters.

Mcgill, G. E.↗

Photo-reconnaissance applications of computer processing of images.

Discussion of imaging processing techniques for enhancement and calibration of Jet Propulsion Laboratory imaging experiment pictures returned from NASA space vehicles such as Ranger, Mariner and Surveyor. Particular attention is given to data transmission, resolution vs recognition, and color aspects of digital data processing. The effectiveness of these techniques in applications to images from a wide variety of sources is noted. It is anticipated that the use of computer processing for enhancement of imagery will increase with the improvement and cost reduction of these techniques in the future.

Billingsley, F. C.↗

Mariner 9 and the exploration of Mars.

Review of the progress of Mariner series spacecraft with details on the Mariner 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 missions and equipment. The systems of Mariner 9 are discussed in great detail. Mariner 9 photographs of Mars, Phobos, Diemos, Martian peaks, Nix Olympica, Martian equatorial region, and some other Martian surface details are included. Diagrams of Mariner 9 daily operating profile, of Mariner 9 TV coverage vs time in orbit, and of Mariner 9 in superior conjunction on Sept. 7, 1972 are also given. It is hoped that Martian landing missions as planned in 1975 by the Viking project will be more productive than Mariner 9 in answering the question of whether life did, or does, exist on that planet.

Parks, R. J.↗

EPR investigation of Ti2+ in SrCl2 single crystals.

The observation of 'double quantum' transitions which made it possible to determine the charge state of Ti as 2+ is reported. The EPR spectrum observed at 1.2 K is presented in a graph. The first derivative of the absorption is shown vs the magnetic field. The hyperfine patterns for the Ti-47 and Ti-49 isotopes are identified. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters for Ti(2+) in various cubic hosts are listed.

Herrington, J. R.↗

Cross sections for production of the CO(A 1 Pi)-(X 1 Sigma) fourth positive band system and O(3 S) by photodissociation of CO2

The CO(A 1 Pi) cross sections reported here, along with previously determined electron impact results, establish the basis for calculating CO fourth positive system volume emission rates in the Martian dayglow. Calculated volume emission rates in turn determine relative distribution of photon vs. electron impact as mechanisms for producing CO(A 1 Pi) in the Mars atmosphere. The smallness of the O(1304) cross section confirms previous indirect evidence that photodissociative excitation of CO2 is not an important source of O(3 S) in the upper atmosphere of Mars.

Gentieu, E. P.↗

Planetary missions handbook, first edition

A consistent source of payload performance data for missions to the outer planets is provided. The payload data for both flybys and orbiters is presented graphically as a function of flight time for various launch years, launch vehicles, and orbit sizes. All the relevant parameters have been combined to produce useful data on a single graph to make advanced mission planning much easier. The limitation of this mode of presentation is that only a reasonable number of payload vs. flight time curves can be drawn. Thus it is necessary to select parameters carefully to reflect frequently used values.

Source record↗

Development and pilot line production of lithium doped silicon solar cells

The work performed over the period of September 1971 to August 1972 to develop production processes for fabrication of lithium doped P/N cells is described. The BCl3 diffusion without 02 was selected as the optimum diffusion process for fabrication of lithium doped cells. An 8-2-7 (warm up - deposition - drive-in time in minutes) diffusion schedule at 1055 C was used for the first two lots (300 cells each) delivered to JPL. Cell efficiencies ranged from 11.0 to 13.7% based on an AMO of 135.3 mW/sq cm. These high efficiencies were obtained using from 10 to 40 cells per boron diffusion; increasing the quantity beyond 40 resulted in lower outputs. At this point, the emphasis was placed on investigation of a BCl3 with 02 diffusion. Through evaluation of the effects of diffusion time and temperature, gas flow rates, and desposition plus drive-in vs. continuous deposition and no drive-in cycles, diffusion parameters were determined which produced short circuit currents of 136 + or - 4 mA for ten cells spaced along 12 in. of the diffusion boat. The quantity was increased to 60, 100, and 150 cell diffusions with no more variation in cell short circuit current than observed with 10 cells.

Payne, P. A.↗

An analysis of the Venus measurements

Plots of the Mariner 5 and Venera 4, 5, and 6 pressure vs temperature show that the Venera profiles are essentially congruent with the Mariner 5 day and night profiles, but are displaced 28 percent higher in pressure. Data suggest a variability in the atmospheric water vapor content in the region from 30 to 50 km. The Venera 7 measurements are interpreted as evidence for updrafts, down-drafts, horizontal wind layers, and nonaqueous precipitation. The previously observed band of retrograde winds which circle the equator with an average speed of 110 m/s is found to extend downward to the one atmosphere level at the equatorial morning terminator. The possibility of a low altitude equator-to-pole circulation with warm gas rising at the poles is inferred. Venera 7 temperature data used with radar topography and microwaves interferometer measurements suggest that the variation of surface temperature with altitude in a band about the equator is less than 5 K/km. The available data are used to calculate a model of the structure of the Venus atmosphere for the first 75 km above the equatorial region.

Ainsworth, J. E.↗

Noninvasive measurement of central venous pressure

A technique for the noninvasive measurement of CVP in man was developed. The method involves monitoring venous velocity at a point in the periphery with a transcutaneous Doppler ultrasonic velocity meter while the patient performs a forced expiratory maneuver. The idea is the CVP is related to the value of pressure measured at the mouth which just stops the flow in the vein. Two improvements were made over the original procedure. First, the site of venous velocity measurement was shifted from a vein at the antecubital fossa (elbow) to the right external jugular vein in the neck. This allows for sensing more readily events occurring in the central veins. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, a procedure for obtaining a curve of relative mean venous velocity vs mouth pressure was developed.

Webster, J. G.↗

Effective use of ERTS multisensor data in the Great Plains

The author has identified the following significant results. It appears that identification of corn and soybeans as separate classes may not be feasible for the part of the growing season around August 15. It is hoped that at other points in the growing season separation of corn from soybeans will be possible. Visual examination of September 5 imagery indicates that later in the growing season, it is possible. The resolution of the 1:300,000 scale enlargement remained sharp enough to distinguish features important for making soil association maps. The land use pattern (range vs cultivated) was sharp as were the stream bottoms, stream valley sides, and stock ponds. The resolution of the 1:1,000,000 scale enlargement was less sharp on detail but it appears that some features could be quantitatively analyzed. Among these are the hydrologic features present such as stock ponds and the streams. It would appear that the total area of stock pond water on a frame could be measured, and, after ground truth established their average depth, the volume of water stored could be calculated and be monitored.

Myers, V. I.↗

Study of impact cratering in lunar-like materials

Electrostatically accelerated microparticles are used to perform simulated micrometeoroid impact cratering experiments in oligoclase. Impact craters were obtained using iron, lanthanum hexaboride, and silicon as the projectile materials. Each particle material was impacted at normal incidence and at 30 and 60 deg oblique angles. Tabular data for all impacts are presented and central crater pit diameter normalized to particle diameter and the total spall diameter normalized to particle diameter are plotted vs impact velocity for nine particle/angle combinations and three crystal orientations. Impact crater characteristics are photodocumented as a function of impact velocity for the nine particle/angle combinations and three crystal orientations in oligoclase and at fixed impact velocity for six other minerals.

Roy, N. L.↗

Investigation of the detection and monitoring of forest insect infestations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California

The author has identified the following significant results. The detection of insect infestations through the use of ERTS-1 imagery alone is very promising. In the field of features other than insect infestation, it is possible to detect: timber vs. non-timber; timber density in broad categories; lakes, major stream courses, rock outcrops and domes; riparian vegetation, cultivated fields, pasture land, and glaciers.

Hall, R. C.↗

Satellite measurements of the charge composition of solar cosmic rays in the 6 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 26 interval

The charge composition of solar cosmic rays were measured during two flares occurring in April and September 1971. The results were derived from a solid state dE/dx vs E telescope which was part of the cosmic ray experiment on the IMP 6 spacecraft. The data suggest that the helium to medium ratio may be varying from one flare to the next. The abundance ratios (normalized to oxygen) are compared with measurements of other investigators and significant disagreements are found. In particular, the data do not exhibit any systematic enhancement of heavy nuclei with respect to the spectroscopic abundances such as previously reported. Finally, the results are compared with the spectroscopically determined coronal and photospheric values, and again several important differences between the two sets of data are found.

Teegarden, B. J.↗

Transition splices and cost comparison

The development and testing of two designs of transition splices are reported. The design goal was to produce splice terminations that are electrically insulated to withstand the environmental conditions of commercial aircraft and are capable of being repaired and reworked on installed cables with the use of hand tools. In addition, a cost study comparison of FCC vs. RCC is reported. The comparison was made on a basis of 10 aircraft with each vehicle using approximately 100,000 feet of wiring and 2,000 connectors. The results are tabulated for seven different wiring configurations.

Remedios, M. D.↗