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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 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Carrier surface generation and recombination effects in photoconduction of HgI2 single crystals

Dc photoconductivity characteristics of HgI2 single crystals have been measured in the range of 1.75-2.75 eV, using CuI as a transparent electrical contact. Hole and electron photocurrents could be separately measured by applying different voltage polarities to the illuminated electrode. It is shown that charge carrier generation near the surface is highly extrinsic, as displayed by differences in the hole and electron photogeneration spectra. Analysis of the photoconductivity versus voltage characteristics indicates that the hole and electron bulk trapping times satisfy greater than 70 and 3 microsec, respectively. The hole and electron surface recombination velocities were 1.0 x 10 to the 4th cm/s and 8 x 10 to the 5th cm/s, respectively.

Burshtein, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Dual-pilot tone calibration technique

Pilot-based calibration techniques are used to reduce the effects of multipath fading in mobile satellite receivers. One of the more recent of these techniques, namely the tone calibration technique (TCT), suggests transmitting double sideband modulation with the pilot tone located at the center of its spectrum where the amplitude and phase characteristics of the channel are most stable. To 'make room' for the pilot in the presence of the Doppler shift, the equivalent low-pass data sidebands must be shaped so as to have zero response in the neighborhood of dc. Other techniques such as transparent tone-in-band (TTIB) similarly 'notch out' a hole in the center of the data spectrum for location of the pilot. An alternate possibility which is at the same time much more bandwidth efficient than TCT is a dual-pilot tone calibration technique (DPTCT) that symmetrically locates a pair of pilots outside the data spectrum near the band edges of the channel. The operation and performance of DPTCT are analyzed, and its effectiveness is compared to that of the single tone TCT technique.

Simon, Marvin K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Computer-generated imagery for 4-D meteorological data

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center is developing animated stereo display terminals for use with McIDAS (Man-computer Interactive Data Access System). This paper describes image-generation techniques which have been developed to take maximum advantage of these terminals, integrating large quantities of four-dimensional meteorological data from balloon and satellite soundings, satellite images, Doppler and volumetric radar, and conventional surface observations. The images have been designed to use perspective, shading, hidden-surface removal, and transparency to augment the animation and stereo-display geometry. They create an illusion of a moving three-dimensional model of the atmosphere. This paper describes the design of these images and a number of rules of thumb for generating four-dimensional meteorological displays.

Hibbard, William L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simulated space environment effects on the optical properties of poly(arylene ethers)

Results are reported from a study of the stability of poly(arylene ethers) formed in a reaction of 1,3 -bis(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzene and various bisphenols after experiencing long-term exposure to space conditions. Transparent poly(arylene ethers) films were subjected to separate electron and UV bombardments, as were polysulfone and Kapton films for comparisons. The order of exposure to the two types of radiation was reversed for two sample populations. The optical properties and glass transition temperatures of the samples were determined after irradiation. The poly(arylene ethers) films exhibited good resistance to the electron radiation but suffered severe degradation in the UV environment. The loss of optical transmissivity was proportional to the UV radiation dose.

Sykes, George F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A review of research and development on the microwave-plasma electrothermal rocket

The microwave-plasma electrothermal rocket (MWPETR) shows promise for spacecraft propulsion and maneuvering, without some of the drawbacks of competitive electric propulsion systems. In the MWPETR, the electric power is first converted to microwave-frequency radiation. In a specially-designed microwave cavity system, the electromagnetic energy of the radiation is transferred to the electrons in a plasma sustained in the working fluid. The resulting high-energy electrons transfer their energy to the atoms and molecules of the working fluid by collisions. The working fluid, thus heated, expands through a nozzle to generate thrust. In the MWPETR, no electrodes are in contact with the working fluid, the energy is transferred into the working fluid by nonthermal mechanisms, and the main requirement for the materials of construction is that the walls of the plasma chamber be insulating and transparent to microwave radiation at operating conditions. In this survey of work on the MWPETR, several experimental configurations are described and compared. Diagnostic methods used in the study are described and compared, including titration, spectroscopy, calorimetry, electric field measurements, gas-dynamic methods, and thrust measurements. Measured and estimated performance efficiencies are reported. Results of computer modeling of the plasma and of the gas flowing from the plasma are summarized.

Hawley, Martin C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

20 kHz Space Station power system

The Space Station represents the next major U.S. commitment in space. The efficient delivery of power to multiple user loads is key to that success. In 1969, NASA Lewis Research Center began a series of studies with component and circuit developments that led to the high frequency bi-directional, four quadrant resonant driven converter. Additional studies and subsequent developments into the early 1980's have shown how the high frequency ac power system could provide overall advantages to many aerospace power systems. Because of its wide versatility, it also has outstanding advantages for the Space Station Program and its wide range of users. High frequency ac power provides higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved safety. The 20 kHz power system has exceptional flexibility, is inherently user friendly, and is compatible with all types of energy sources - photovoltaic, solar dynamic, rotating machines or nuclear Lewis distribution system testbed. The testbed demonstrates flexibility, versatility, and transparency to user technology as well as high efficiency, low mass, and reduced volume.

Hansen, Irving G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dendritic growth of undercooled nickel-tin. I, II

A comparison is made between high speed cinematography and optical temperature measurements of the solidification of an undercooled Ni-25 wt pct Sn alloy. The first part of this study notes that solidification during the recalescence period at all undercoolings studied occurred in the form of a dendritelike front moving across the sample surface, and that the growth velocities observed agree with calculation results for the dendrite growth model of Lipton et al. (1986); it is concluded that the coarse structure observed comprises an array of much finer, solute-controlled dendrites. In the second part, attention is given to the solidification of levitated metal samples within a transparent glass medium for the cases of two undercooled Ni-Sn alloys, one of which is eutectic and another hypoeutectic. The data obtained suggest a solidification model involving dendrites of very fine structure growing into the melt at temperatures near the bulk undercooling temperature.

Wu, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Resonant flow in a row of small transverse cavities submerged in a turbulent boundary layer

The viscosity-dominated dynamic flow in a row of small transverse square cavities lying submerged in a turbulent boundary layer is considered. Experiments show that the cavity flow can be excited by free-stream disturbances in a narrow frequency band which is independent of the flow speed. The turbulent boundary layer in which the cavities are submerged remains transparent to the disturbances. The cavity flow resonates when the depths of the cavity and the Stokes layer match.

Bandyopadhyay, Promode R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Gas particle radiator

The performance of a new space radiator concept, the gas particle radiator (GPR), is studied. The GPR uses a gas containing submicron particles as the radiating medium contained between the radiator's emitting surface and a transparent window. For a modest volume fraction of submicron particles and gas thickness, it is found that the emissivity is determined by the window transmittance. The window must have a high transmittance in the infrared and be structurally strong enough to contain the gas-particle mixture. When the GPR is compared to a proposed titanium wall, potassium heat pipe radiator, with both radiators operating at a power level of 1.01 MW at 775 K, it is found that the GPR mass is 31 percent lower than that of the heat pipe radiator.

Chubb, Donald L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Automotive Stirling engine system component review

The design and testing of the power and combustion control system for the basic Stirling engine, Mod II, are examined. The power control system is concerned with transparent operation, and the Mod II uses engine working gas pressure variation to control the power output of the engine. The main components of the power control system, the power control valve, the pump-down system, and the hydrogen stable system, are described. The combustion control system consists of a combustion air supply system and an air/fuel ratio control system, and the system is to maintain constant heater head temperature, and to maximize combustion efficiency and to minimize exhaust emissions.

Hindes, Chip↗
NASA NTRS1987

Performance of moire deflectometry with deferred electronic heterodyne readout

The effects of diffraction and nonlinear photographic emulsion characteristics on the performance of deferred electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry are theoretically and experimentally investigated. The intensity transmission distribution of the transparency, the moire image, the heterodyne readout, and the spatial and angular resolution are analytically discussed. The deferred electronic heterodyne technique is evaluated by measuring small fringe shifts caused by a weak phase object. It is found that this technique can be applied for accurate and sensitive readout of moire fringes of unsteady phase objects. The theoretical study shows that the accuracy and sensitivity of the system are weakly affected by diffraction and nonlinear photographic emulsion characteristics. Nonlinear recording does not affect the spatial resolution of the system.

Stricker, Josef↗
NASA NTRS1988

Test Apparatus For Oversize Ball-Bearing Models

See-through machine enables direct observation and indirect measurements at moderate speeds. Model of ball bearing, six times larger than real bearing, rotated in test machine. Transparency of walls and simulated lubricant reveal flow patterns and allow visible-light and infrared photographs to be made.

Wagner, William R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mold For Casting Radius-Inspection Specimens

Thin replicas viewed on comparator without sectioning. New mold machined from piece of transparent poly(methyl methacrylate). Fits around base of post. Two slots machined into inner surface form channels for casting inspection sections. Bottom of mold fits flush against surface around bottom of post. When surface slanted, mold automatically aligns in proper orientation. Time required to inspect elliptical radii located at bottoms of series of small posts reduced from 18 hours to 3 hours.

Ball, Robert N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Airborne tracking sunphotometer apparatus and system

An airborne tracking Sun photometer apparatus has a rotatable dome. An azimuth drive motor is connected to rotate the dome. The dome has an equatorial slot. A cylindrical housing is pivotally mounted inside the dome at the equatorial slot. A photometer is mounted in the housing to move in the equatorial slot as the housing pivots. The photometer has an end facing from the slot with an optical flat transparent window. An elevation drive motor is connected to pivot the cylindrical housing. The rotatable dome is mounted in the bulkhead of an aircraft to extend from the interior of the aircraft. A Sun sensor causes the photometer to track the Sun automatically. Alternatively, the photometer may be oriented manually or by computer.

Matsumoto, Yutaka↗
NASA NTRS1987

Cellular solidification in a monotectic system

Succinonitrile-glycerol, SN-G, transparent organic monotectic alloy is studied with particular attention to cellular growth. The phase diagram is determined, near the monotectic composition, with greater accuracy than previous studies. A solidification interface stability diagram is determined for planar growth. The planar-to-cellular transition is compared to predictions from the Burton, Primm, Schlichter theory. A new technique to determine the solute segregation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is developed. Proposed models that involve the cellular interface for alignment of monotectic second-phase spheres or rods are compared with observations.

Kaukler, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Spectral contents readout of birefringent sensors

The objective of the research performed was to establish the feasibility of using spectral contents analysis to measure accurately, strains and retardation in birefringent sensors, and more generally, on transparent materials.

Redner, Alex S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Benefits of 20 kHz PMAD in a nuclear space station

Compared to existing systems, high frequency ac power provides higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved safety benefits. The 20 kHz power system has exceptional flexibility, is inherently user friendly, and is compatible with all types of energy sources; photovoltaic, solar dynamic, rotating machines and nuclear. A 25 kW, 20 kHz ac power distribution system testbed was recently (1986) developed. The testbed possesses maximum flexibility, versatility, and transparency to user technology while maintaining high efficiency, low mass, and reduced volume. Several aspects of the 20 kHz power management and distribution (PMAD) system that have particular benefits for a nuclear power Space Station are discussed.

Sundberg, Gale R.↗