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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

New Observations of Solar Plasma Variability from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

The launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in February 2010 now allows for continuous observations of the Sun on all times scales from seconds to years. The variations in the solar plasma on these time scales cause significant deviations in the Earth and space environments on similar time scales, such as affecting the densities and composition of particular atoms, molecules, and ions in the atmospheres of Earth and other planets. Presented and discussed will be examples of initial results from SDO that show how different temperature plasmas (from 50,OOOK to 20MK+), corresponding to different solar features in the solar atmosphere, evolve and change during solar eruptive events. The presentation will emphasize how the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), the first satellite in NASA's Living with a Star program, has already improved upon current observations and how it will continue provide further insights into the variable Sun and its Heliospheric influence.

Chamberlin, Phillip C.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Solar Dynamics Observatory, Studying the Sun and Its Influence on Other Bodies in the Solar System

The solar photon output, which was once thought to be constant, varies over all time scales from seconds during solar flares to years due to the solar cycle. These solar variations cause significant deviations in the Earth and space environments on similar time scales, such as affecting the atmospheric densities and composition of particular atoms, molecules, and ions in the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets. Presented and discussed will be examples of unprecedented observations from NASA's new solar observatory, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Using three specialized instruments, SDO measures the origins of solar activity from inside the Sun, though its atmosphere, then accurately measuring the Sun's radiative output in X-ray and EUV wavelengths (0.1-121 nm). Along with the visually appealing observations will be discussions of what these measurements can tell us about how the plasma motions in all layers of the Sun modifies and strengthens the weak solar dipole magnetic field to drive large energy releases in solar eruptions. Also presented will be examples of how the release of the Sun's energy, in the form of photons and high energy particles, physically influence other bodies in the solar system such as Earth, Mars, and the Moon, and how these changes drive changes in the technology that we are becoming dependent upon. The presentation will continuously emphasize how SDO, the first satellite in NASA's Living with a Star program, improving our understanding of the variable Sun and its Heliospheric influence.

Chamberlin, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Semiclassical study of the quenching of excited-state fluorine atom by hydrogen molecule - Comparison between reactive and nonreactive processes

Semiclassical calculations are carried out for the quenching of excited-state fluorine atom by collinear collisions with hydrogen molecule. The overall quenching probability is the sum of two contributions: the reactive quenching probability associated with the formation of hydrogen fluoride and the nonreactive quenching probability leading to ground-state fluorine atom and hydrogen molecule. The reactive probability is greater in the threshold region of the collision energy, whereas the nonreactive probability dominates for energies above the threshold region.

Yuan, J.-M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Gas phase collisional excitation of infrared emissions in the vicinity of the Space Shuttle

The implications of gas buildups around space vehicles are investigated in terms of induced photon emissions. Results indicate that significant effects arise from gas collisions between the relatively energetic ambient atoms and molecules and the atoms and molecules in the shuttle environment. It is suggested that such collision may transfer considerable energy to the gases in the shuttle environment, with the most likely emissions being vibrational and rotational radiation losses in the infrared due to direct collisional excitation.

Torr, Marsha R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A spectroscopic experimental and computer-assisted empirical model for the production and energetics of excited oxygen molecules formed by atom recombination on shuttle tile surfaces

A visible emission spectroscopic method was developed. The amounts of excited singlet and triplet oxygen molecules produced by recombination on the Space Shuttle Orbiter thermal protective tiles at elevated temperatures are determined. Rate constants and energetics of the extremely exothermic reaction are evaluated in terms of a chemical and mathematical model. Implications for potential contribution to Shuttle surface reentry heating fluxes are outlined.

Owan, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Wavelengths, f-Values, and Cross Sections in the UV Spectra of Astrophysical, Atoms, Ions, and Molecules

Data analysis for Fe III was completed in 2004. The new spectra give wavelengths and some energy levels for Fe III that are at least an order of magnitude more accurate than values in the literature. However, the data set is missing - because they are outside the wavelength range that we can study at Imperial College or with ancillary FT spectroscopy measurements at NIST - important transitions that would allow all energy levels to be determined with improved accuracy. We are assessing collaborations at other labs. We have made test runs with a number of cathodes (pure metals and alloys) in the Penning discharge source and selected four iron group (3d) elements, Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni, for further measurements. Cathodes of pure Cr and Co and an alloy of Ni were found to be best. Mn has not nm stably yet, and other cathode geometries or alloys may need to be assessed. Optimum Penning discharge (PD) lamp conditions (buffer gas, gas pressure, and current/voltage) were established for Co, and investigations are underway for Cr and Ni. Definitive measurements for Co await purchase of new mirrors and photomultiplier tubes that will improve signal to noise ratio. Our plan for the next year is to continue evaluating cathodes and operating conditions through March 05, and then to begin definitive measurements. The UV wavelength measurements made at Imperial College with the unique UV FT spectrometer will be complemented by visible and near IR range measurements at NIST in June and/or July. Approximately one year from now, we intend to visit Lund University to collaborate on lifetime measurements that will allow our branching ration data to be used to determine f-values.

Raymond, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

New parameter-free polarization potentials in low-energy positron collisions

The polarization potential plays a decisive role in shaping up the cross sections in low energy positron collisions with atoms and molecules. However, its inclusion without involving any adjustable parameter, is still a challenge. Various other techniques employed so far for positron collisions are summarized, and a new, nonadjustable and very simple form of the polarization potential for positron-atom (molecule) collisions below the threshold of positronium formation is discussed. This new recently proposed potential is based on the correlation energy of a single positron in a homogeneous electron gas. The correlation energy was calculated by solving the Schrodinger equation of the positron-electron system and fitted to an analytical form in various ranges of the density parameter. In the outside region, the correlation energy is joined smoothly with the correct asymptotic form. This new positron correlation polarization (PCOP) potential was tested on several atomic and molecular targets such as the Ar, CO, and CH4. The results on the total and differential cross sections on these targets are shown along with the experimental data where available.

Jain, Ashok↗
NASA NTRS1977

Rotational excitation of linear molecules by collisions with atoms - Comparison of classical and quantum methods

Exact quantum results for the rotational excitation of rigid linear molecules by collisions with atoms are compared with classical trajectory results. The systems studied are CO-He, CS-H2, OCS-H2, HCl-He, and HCl-Ar at collision energies up to 500/cm. Total cross sections and state to state rate constants are compared. The classical results are found to be in good agreement with the quantum results on the average. Differences arising from the existence of purely quantum effects are clearly evident, but consistent and predictable. Two methods of extracting state selective information from moments of the classical distribution are examined and found to be less reliable than the usual histogram method. In conjunction with previous comparisons of classical and quantum results these calculations provide a useful measure of the limitations and reliability of classical trajectories.

Chapman, S.↗