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At least 1,045 records · Page 58
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NASA NTRS1992

Radio and optical observations of 0218+357 - The smallest Einstein ring?

VLA radio observations and optical imaging and spectroscopy of the Einstein radio ring 0218+357 are presented. The ring is detected at 22.4 GHz and shows a basically similar structure at 5, 15, and 22.4 GHz. The B component has varied and was about 15 percent brighter in the 8.4 GHz data than in the data of Patnaik et al. (1992). The ring is highly polarized. A weak jetlike feature extending out roughly 2 arcsec to the southeast of component A is detected at 6 cm. The source has amorphous radio structure extending out to about 11 arcsec from the core. For an adopted redshift of 0.68, the extended radio emission is very powerful. The optical spectrum is rather red and shows no strong features. A redshift of about 0.68 is obtained. The identification is a faint compact m(r) about 20 galaxy which extends to about 4.5 arcsec (about 27 kpc). As much as 50 percent of the total light may be due to a central AGN. The observed double core and ring may be produced by an off-center radio core with extended radio structure.

O'Dea, Christopher P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Shear failure and impact resistance in graphite fiber laminates

The multispan beam (MSB) test was evaluated as a predictor of damage resistance and damage tolerance in quasi-isotropic graphite laminates. Materials studied were five commercial prepreg system using high-strain and intermediate-modulus carbon fibers, as well as an amorphous thermoplastic system. Failure loads and displacements in the MSB tests showed little rate dependence. Values of compressive strength after a standard low-velocity impact correlated fairly well with the MSB results.

Srinivasan, Krishna↗
NASA NTRS1992

Formation of model polar stratospheric cloud films

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to examine the competitive growth of films representative of polar stratospheric clouds. These experiments show that either crystalline nitric acid trihydrate (beta-NAT) or amorphous films with H2O:HNO3 ratios close to 3:1 formed at temperatures 3-7 K warmer than the ice frost point under stratospheric pressure conditions. In addition, with higher HNO3 pressure, we observed nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) formation at temperatures warmer than ice formation. However, our experiments also show that NAD surfaces converted to beta-NAT upon exposure to stratospheric water pressures. Finally, we determined that the net uptake coefficient for HNO3 on beta-NAT is close to unity, whereas the net uptake coefficient for H2O is much less.

Middlebrook, Ann M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Ultraviolet interstellar linear polarization. I - Applicability of current dust grain models

UV spectropolarimetric observations yielding data on the wavelength-dependence of interstellar polarization along eight lines of sight facilitate the evaluation of dust grain models previously used to fit the extinction and polarization in the visible and IR. These models pertain to bare silicate/graphite grains, silicate cores with organic refractory mantles, silicate cores with amorphous carbon mantles, and composite grains. The eight lines-of-sight show three different interstellar polarization dependences.

Wolff, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Control of interfaces in Al-C fibre composites

The interface of Al-C fiber composite was modified by coating a silver layer on the surface of carbon fibres prior to making composites, in an attempt to improve the wettability between molten aluminum and carbon fibers during infiltration. An electroless plating technique was adopted and perfected to provide a homogeneous silver coating on the carbon fiber surface. Al-C fiber composites were prepared using a liquid infiltration technique in a vacuum. It was found that silver coating promoted the wetting between aluminum and carbon fibers, particularly with polyacrylonitrile-base carbon fibers. However, due to rapid dissolution of silver in molten aluminum, it was believed that the improved infiltration was not due to the wetting behavior between molten aluminum and silver. The cleaning of the fiber surface and the preservation of the cleaned carbon surface with silver coating was considered to be the prime reason for the improved wettability. Interfacial reactions between aluminum and carbon fibers were observed. Amorphous carbon was found to react more with aluminum than graphitic carbon. This is believed to be because of the inertness of the graphitic basal planes.

Warrier, S. G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Shock-induced transformations in the system NaAlSiO4-SiO2 - A new interpretation

New internally consistent interpretations of the phases represented by the high pressure phase shock wave data for an albite-rich rock, jadeite, and nepheline in the system NaAlSiO4-SiO2, are obtained using the results of static high pressure investigations, and the recent discovery of the hollandite phase in a shocked meteorite. We conclude that nepheline transforms directly to the calcium ferrite structure, whereas albite transforms possibly to the hollandite structure. Shock Hugoniots for the other plagioclase and alkali feldspars also indicate that these transform to hollandite structures. The pressure-volume data at high pressure could alternatively represent the compression of an amorphous phase. Moreover, the shock Hugoniot data are expected to reflect the properties of the melt above shock stresses of 60-80 GPa. The third order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state parameters are given for the calcium ferrite type NaAlSiO4 and for albite-rich, orthoclase-rich, and anorthite-rich hollandites.

Sekine, Toshimori↗
NASA NTRS1992

High-flux source of low-energy neutral beams using reflection of ions from metals

Reflection of low-energy ions from surfaces can be applied as a method of producing high-flux beams of low-energy neutral particles, and is an important effect in several areas of plasma technology, such as in the edge region of fusion devices. We have developed a beam source based on acceleration and reflection of ions from a magnetically confined coaxial RF plasma source. The beam provides a large enough flux to allow the energy distribution of the reflected neutrals to be measured despite the inefficiency of detection, by means of an electrostatic cylindrical mirror analyzer coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Energy distributions have been measured for oxygen, nitrogen, and inert gas ions incident with from 15 to 70 eV reflected from amorphous metal surfaces of several compositions. For ions of lighter atomic mass than the reflecting metal, reflected beams have peaked energy distributions; beams with the peak at 4-32 eV have been measured. The energy and mass dependences of the energy distributions as well as measurements of absolute flux, and angular distribution and divergence are reported. Applications of the neutral beams produced are described.

Cuthbertson, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Deposition temperature dependence of the deep defect density for a-Si:H films grown by electron cyclotron resonance microwave plasma

The dependence on deposition temperature of the mobility gap density of states has been determined for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films grown by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma CVD. A minimum in the integrated deep defect density of 1 x 10 exp 16/cu cm was found to occur at a temperature of approximately 250 C, while an Urbach slope minimum of 52 meV was observed at 175 C under our deposition conditions. Based on these measurements the ECR-grown films were found to be of excellent device quality and comparable to a-Si:H films grown by RF plasma-enhanced CVD.

Essick, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The formation of cyanopolyyne molecules in IRC + 10216

Molecule formation in the outer envelope of the carbon-rich star IRC + 10216 is investigated, with special emphasis on the chemistry of the cyanopolyynes HC(i)N (i = 3, 5, 7). Basic elements of the photochemical model of Glassgold et al. (1986) are revised. A dust model suitable to IRC + 10216 is used for which the extinction properties in the far-UV are those of 500 A amorphous carbon particles. A new chemical route to the formation of large cyanopolyynes is proposed, based on reactions of the radicals C3N and C5N with acetylene, and shown to be efficient. Our results agree qualitatively with observations of the spatial distributions of HCN, CN, HC3N, and C3N, but the calculated column densities of the higher-order cyanopolyynes appear to be too small. The amount of the allenic radical HC2N produced by molecular ion reactions with atomic N agrees with recent observations.

Cherchneff, Isabelle↗
NASA NTRS1993

Fourier transform infrared studies of the interaction of HCl with model polar stratospheric cloud films

Heterogeneous reactions involving hydrochloric acid adsorbed on the surfaces of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are postulated to contribute to polar ozone loss. Using FTIR spectroscopy to probe the condensed phase, we have examined the interaction of HCl with ice and nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) films representative of types II and I PSCs, respectively. For HCl pressures in the range of 10 exp -7 to 10 exp -5 Torr, our FTIR studies show that a small amount of crystalline HCl-6H2O formed on or in ice at 155 K. However, for higher HCl pressures, we observed that the entire film of ice rapidly converted into an amorphous 4:1 H2O:HCl mixture. From HCl-uptake experiments with P(HCl) = 8 x 10 exp -7 Torr, we estimate roughly that the diffusion coefficient of HCl in ice is around 2 x 10 exp -12 sq cm/s at 158 K. For higher temperatures more closely approximating those found in the stratosphere, we were unable to detect bulk HCl uptake by ice. Indirect evidence suggests that HCl adsorption onto the surface of model PSC films inhibited the evaporation of both ice and NAT by 3-5 K.

Koehler, Birgit G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Brush seal low surface speed hard-rub characteristics

The bristles of a 38.1-mm (1.5-in.) diameter brush seal were flexed by a tapered, 40-tooth rotor operating at 2600 rpm that provided sharp leading-edge impact of the bristles with hard rubbing of the rotor lands. Three separate tests were run with the same brush accumulating over 1.3 x 10(exp 9) flexure cycles while deteriorating 0.2 mm (0.008 in.) radially. In each, the test bristle incursion depth varied from 0.130 to 0.025 mm (0.005 to 0.001 in.) or less (start to stop), and in the third test the rotor was set 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) eccentric. Runout varied from 0.025 to 0.076 mm (0.001 to 0.003 in.) radially. The bristles wore but did not pull out, fracture, or fragment. Bristle and rotor wear debris were deposited as very fine, nearly amorphous, highly porous materials at the rotor groove leading edges and within the rotor grooves. The land leading edges showed irregular wear and the beginning of a convergent groove that exhibited sharp, detailed wear at the land trailing edges. Surface grooving, burnishing, 'whipping,' and hot spots and streaks were found. With a smooth-plug rotor, post-test leakage increased 30 percent over pretest leakage.

Hendricks, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Spectroscopic studies of model polar stratospheric cloud films

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to study nitric-acid/ice films representative of type I polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). These studies reveal that in addition to amorphous nitric acid/ice mixtures, there are three stable stoichiometric hydrates of nitric acid: nitric-acid monohydrate (NAM), dihydrate (NAD), and trihydrate (NAT). We also observe two distinct crystalline forms of the trihydrate, which we denote alpha- and beta-NAT. These two forms appear to differ in their concentration of crystalline defects, but not in their chemical composition. In addition to probing the composition of type I PSCs, we have also used FTIR spectroscopy to study the interaction of HCl with model PSC films. In this work we find that for HCl pressures in the range 10 exp -5 to 10 exp -7 Torr, HCl is taken up by ice at 155 K to form a thin layer of HCl.6H2O. At 193 K, the uptake of HCl by ice was consistent with less than or equal to monolayer coverage. Uptake of HCl by alpha and beta-NAT at 175 K was also consistent with less than or equal to monolayer coverage.

Tolbert, Margaret A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Calorimetric studies of the ammonia-water system with application to the outer solar system

A series of heating experiments was performed on the condensed ammonia-water system using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The water-rich samples were cooled quickly to below 130 K, then heated at a variety of rates. Rather than a single peritectic melt at 176 K, expected for the equilibrium system of water ice and ammonia dihydrate, four enthalpic transitions were repeatedly seen in the temperature range 150-176 K. These transitions are generally consistent with the earlier calorimetric results of Van Kasteren (1973), who interpreted the lowest temperature exotherm as crystallization of an amorphous ammonia-water compound formed during cooling. We propose that both sets of experiments are seeing the crystallization of ammonia monohydrate, which is metastable relative to the dihydrate, followed by partial remelting and crystallization of dihydrate upon further heating. The apparent stability of the monohydrate in the dihydrate equilibrium field implies a potentially complex behavior of ammonia-water ices in satellites. Possible self-heating of the mixture by several tens of degrees up to the 170 K eutectic could make mobilization of ammonia-water liquids in icy satellite interiors energetically easier than previously thought.

Yarger, Jeffery↗
NASA NTRS1993

Thermal processing of omicron-terphenyl - A Raman study

Raman spectra from omicron-terphenyl sealed in glass capillary tubes were acquired over temperatures ranging from 233 to 343 K. Over this temperature range, omicron-terphenyl can exist in the solid-crystalline, molten, supercooled-liquid, and amorphous-glassy states. Representative structure-sensitive spectra are presented along with a qualitative description. The lattice spectral feature occurring at a Raman shift of 123/cm displays abrupt changes in profile and intensity as melting and glass transition occur. The intensity ratio of the C-C stretching 996/cm line and C-H stretching line at 1008/cm displays a change related to the transformation of the ordered-crystalline phase to the disordered-liquid or glassy state. At a Raman shift of 1162/cm the solid-crystalline state shows a splitting due to the effect of the crystal field. The possibility of using these structure-sensitive Raman characteristics for in situ diagnostics during materials processing is discussed.

Biswas, A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Infrared spectra of transition objects and the composition and evolution of carbon dust

We obtained IR (5-23 microns) spectra of five carbon-rich objects in transition from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to the planetary nebula stage of evolution. These spectra show a variety of IR emission features due to circumstellar materials. In particular, all sources show the 6.2 and '7.7' micron bands, commonly observed in PNs and ascribed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs). Some transition nebulae also show a strong 6-9 micron plateau characteristic for larger PAH clusters (about 400 C-atoms). A new broad feature at about 8.8 microns is present in some sources. This feature is distinctly different from the 8.6-micron PAH feature. This 8.8-micron feature may be present in the spectra of C-rich giants as well, but is not evident in PN spectra. We suggest that large amorphous carbon grains are responsible for the 8.8-micron feature. The transition objects show large spectral variations from source to source. This contrasts with C-rich PNs, which all show very similar IR spectra dominated by PAHs. These spectral variations between transition objects of similar effective temperatures cannot be due to excitation variations but imply compositional variations of the dust. Moreover, this result suggests that circumstellar dust evolves during the transition phase from red giant to PN, perhaps as a result of grain-grain collisions and shattering in the fast winds.

Buss, R. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Making Diamondlike Films More Transparent

Diamondlike carbon films highly transparent to visible light made by dual-ion-beam deposition process. Hard, resistant to scratching, and hermetic. Used as protective coatings on eyeglasses, magnetic recording heads, computer hard disks, and windows in bar-code scanners. Amorphous diamondlike carbon films preferable to polycrystalline diamond films in these and other applications. Smooth and adherent and deposited at room temperature.

Mirtich, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Polyamideimides Containing Carbonyl And Ether Linkages

Polyamideimides of new class contain carbonyl and ether connecting groups. New polyamideimides more easily processable, stronger in tension, and more resistant to solvents (including water) than conventional polyamideimides. Improvements in mechanical and chemical properties attributable to semicrystallinity introduced into otherwise amorphous polymers by incorporation of carbonyl and ether linkages.

Hergenrother, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Low temperature synthesis of monolithic transparent Ta2O5 gels from hydrolysis of metal alkoxide

Tantalum oxide gels in the form of transparent monoliths and powder were prepared from hydrolysis of tantalum pentaethoxide under controlled conditions using different mole ratios of Ta(OC2H5)5:C2H50H:H20:HCl. Alcohol acts as the mutual solvent and HCl as the deflocculating agent. For a fixed alkoxide:water:HCl ratio, time of gel formation increased with the alcohol to alkoxide mole ratio. Thermal evolution of the physical and structural changes in the gel was monitored by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. On heating to approximately 400 C, the amorphous gel crystallized into the low temperature orthorhombic phase Beta-Ta2O5, which transformed into the high temperature tetragonal phase Alpha-Ta2O5 when further heated to approximately 1450 C. The volume fraction of the crystalline phase increased with the firing temperature. The Alpha-Ta205 converted back into the low temperature phase, Beta-Ta2O5, on slow cooling through the transformation temperature of 1360 C indicating a slow but reversible transformation.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗