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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Electrochemical behavior of the boron anode in aqueous solutions

The electrochemical oxidation of p-type boron in 0.2 N NaNO3 solutions of pH 0.4 to 13.1 was studied by galvanostatic techniques. The capacitance of the electrode, Tafel slopes, and a limited analysis of reaction mechanisms are reported. The anodic dissolution in acid solution is a charge-transfer-limited one-electron reaction to form a monovalent species in the over-potential region of 0.25 to 0.70 V. The dissolution in basic solution is most probably a one-electron charge-transfer reaction from a monovalent to divalent species involving three hydroxyl ions. Open circuit potentials were mixed potentials, probably due to hydrogen formation at open circuit but not contributing to the electrochemical reaction at the applied overpotential. Exchange current, estimated by extrapolation of the Tafel line to the standard oxidation potential for the boron reaction, were of the order of 10 to the minus 6th power A/cm2 in acid solution and 10 to the minus 12th power A/cm2 in basic solution. The reaction order of the rate determining acidic and basic reactions was determined with regard to (H+) and (OH-). The level of illumination had no effect on the electrochemical behavior of the electrode.

Delduca, B. S.↗

Behavioral, psychiatric, and sociological problems of long-duration space missions

In an attempt to isolate behavioral, psychiatric, and sociological problems expected on long- duration space missions, a literature search was conducted at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas. Primary sources include short - term space flights, submarine tours, Antarctic expeditions, isolation-chamber tests, space-flight simulators, and hypodynamia studies. Various stressors are discussed including weightlessness and low sensory input; circadian rhythms (including sleep); confinement, isolation, and monotony; and purely psychiatric and sociological considerations. Important aspects of crew selection are also mentioned. An attempt is made to discuss these factors with regard to a prototype mission to Mars. However, it is concluded that more experimentation under actual space conditions are necessary before such a mission should be attempted.

Nick A Kanas↗

A Markov chain technique for determining the acquisition behavior of a digital tracking loop

An iterative procedure is presented for determining the acquisition behavior of discrete or digital implementations of a tracking loop. The technique is based on the theory of Markov chains and provides the cumulative probability of acquisition in the loop as a function of time in the presence of noise and a given set of initial condition probabilities. A digital second-order tracking loop to be used in the Viking command receiver for continuous tracking of the command subcarrier phase was analyzed using this technique, and the results agree closely with experimental data.

Chadwick, H. D.↗

Some studies on the behavior of W-RE thermocouple materials at high temperatures

Bare 0.25 mm diameter W-Re alloy thermoelements (W, W-3% Re, W-5% Re and W-25%) and BeO-insulated W-3% Re and W-25% Re thermoelements were examined for metallurgical, chemical and thermal emf changes after testing for periods up to 1000 hours at temperatures principally in the range 2000 to 2400 K. Environments for the tests consisted of high purity argon, hydrogen, helium or nitrogen gases. Commercially obtained bare-wire thermoelements typically exhibited a shift in their emf-temperature relationship upon initial exposure. The shift was completed by thermally aging the W-3% Re thermoelement for 1 hour and the W-25% Re thermoelement for 2 minutes at 2400 K in argon or hydrogen. Aged thermoelements experienced no appreciable drift with subsequent exposure at 2400 K in the gaseous environments. The chemically doped W3% Re thermoelement retained a small-grained structure for exposure in excess of 50 hours at 2400 K. BeO-insulated thermoelement assemblies showed varied behavior that depended upon the method of exposure. However, when the assemblies were heated in a furnace, no serious material incompatibility problems were found if the materials were given prior thermal treatments. Thermocouples, assembled from aged W-3% Re and W-25% Re thermoelements and degassed sintered BeO insulators, exhibited a drift of only 2 to 3 K during exposure in argon at 2070 K for 1029 hours.

Burns, G. W.↗

A study of the frictional and stick-slip behavior of magnetic recording tapes

Methods were developed to determine the coefficient of friction and the extent of stick-slip of magnetic recording tapes. After a preliminary phase during which experimental procedures were established and screening of candidate tapes was carried out, the frictional and stick-slip behavior of four selected tapes, using four different kinds of magnetic heads, was studied at various temperatures, under dry and humid conditions, and in various gaseous atmospheres, such as argon, helium, nitrogen and air. The effects of tape speed and outgassing on the drag properties of the tapes were also studied. A rank was assigned to each tape and magnetic head as a result of these tests. This study helped in the selection of a magnetic tape in a flight project, and will be useful in the consideration of tapes and magnetic heads for future spacecraft applications.

Kalfayan, S. H.↗