Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “H2O”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

The Photochemistry of Pyrimidine in Pure H2O Ice Subjected to Different Radiation Environments and the Formation of Uracil

Nucleobases are N-heterocycles which are the informational subunits of DNA and RNA. They include pyrimidine bases (uracil, cytosine, and thymine) and purine bases (adenine and guanine). Nucleobases have been detected in several meteorites, although no Nheterocycles have been observed in space to data. Laboratory experiments showed that the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of pyrimidine in pure H2O ice at low temperature (<=20 K) leads to the formation of pyrimidine derivatives including the nucleobase uracil and its precursor 4(3H)-pyrimidone. These results were confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. When pyrimidine is mixed with combinations of H2O, NH3, CH3OH, and CH4 ices under similar conditions, uracil and cytosine are formed. In the present work we study the formation of 4(3H)-pyrimidone and uracil from the irradiation of pyrimidine in H2O ice with high-energy UV photons (Lyman , He I, and He II lines) provided by a synchrotron source. The photo-destruction of pyrimidine in these H2O ices as well as the formation yields for 4(3H)-pyrimidone and uracil are compared with our previous results in order to study the photo-stability of pyrimidine and the production efficiency of uracil as a function of the photon energy.

Radiation↗

Verification of the H2O Linelists with Theoretically Developed Tools

Two basic rules (i.e., the pair identity and the smooth variation rules) resulting from the properties of the energy levels and wave functions of H2O states govern how the spectroscopic parameters vary with the H2O lines within the individually defined groups of lines. With these rules, for those lines involving high j states in the same groups, variations of all their spectroscopic parameters (i.e., the transition frequency, intensity, pressure broadened half-width, pressure-induced shift, and temperature exponent) can be well monitored. Thus, the rules can serve as simple and effective tools to screen the H2O spectroscopic data listed in the HITRAN database and verify the latter's accuracies. By checking violations of the rules occurring among the data within the individual groups, possible errors can be picked up and also possible missing lines in the linelist whose intensities are above the threshold can be identified. We have used these rules to check the accuracies of the spectroscopic parameters and the completeness of the linelists for several important H2O vibrational bands. Based on our results, the accuracy of the line frequencies in HITRAN 2008 is consistent. For the line intensity, we have found that there are a substantial number of lines whose intensity values are questionable. With respect to other parameters, many mistakes have been found. The above claims are consistent with a well known fact that values of these parameters in HITRAN contain larger uncertainties. Furthermore, supplements of the missing line list consisting of line assignments and positions can be developed from the screening results.

spectroscopy↗

Evolution of H2O, CO, and CO2 Production in Comet C/2009 P1 Garradd During the 2011-2012 Apparition

We present analysis of high spectral resolution NIR spectra of CO and H2O in Comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) taken during its 2011-2012 apparition with the CSHELL instrument on NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). We also present analysis of observations of atomic oxygen in Comet Garradd obtained with the ARCES echelle spectrometer mounted on the ARC 3.5-m telescope at Apache Point Observatory and the Tull Coude spectrograph on the Harlan J. Smith 2.7-m telescope at McDonald Observatory. The observations of atomic oxygen serve as a proxy for H2O and CO2. We confirm the high CO abundance in Comet Garradd and the asymmetry in the CO/H2O ratio with respect to perihelion reported by previous studies. From the oxygen observations, we infer that the CO2/H2O ratio decreased as the comet moved towards the Sun, which is expected based on current sublimation models. We also infer that the CO2/H2O ratio was higher pre-perihelion than post-perihelion. We observe evidence for the icy grain source of H2O reported by several studies pre-perihelion, and argue that this source is significantly less abundant post-perihelion. Since H2O, CO2, and CO are the primary ices in comets, they drive the activity. We use our measurements of these important volatiles in an attempt to explain the evolution of Garradd's activity over the apparition.

Comets↗

IRTF/CSHELL Mapping of Atmospheric HDO, H2O and D/H on Mars During Northern Summer

Mapping the D/H isotopic ratio across Mars provides unique insights into the evolution and climatology of its atmosphere, and may help to identify the sources and sinks of atmospheric water vapor on the planet. We present new spatially-resolved measurements of atmospheric H2O, HDO and D/H on Mars during its northern summer at Ls = 126°, on March 21, 2016. High-resolution spectra were acquired at ν/Δν~40,000 using CSHELL, the Cryogenic Near-IR Facility Spectrograph at the 3 m NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on top of Maunakea, Hawaii. We targeted the 2ν2 spectral band of H2O around 2990 cm−1 (3.3 μm), and its deuterated form HDO at its ν1 fundamental band around 2720 cm−1 (3.7 μm). The water vapor and HDO show increased mixing ratios in the northern hemisphere, reaching peak values of 400 ppmv for H2O, 170 ppbv–450 ppbv for HDO, as compared to the southern hemisphere where depleted values of < 20 ppmv for H2O and < 10 ppbv for HDO were observed. The resulting D/H measurements indicate an enrichment over the terrestrial value, exhibiting a strong variation with latitude, longitude and local times. We report a strong dependence of D/H on local time, with high HDO abundances towards local noon. We observed higher D/H enrichment above basins (Utopia), lower enrichment above high-altitude Mons (Elysium Mons), and low D/H variations over “flat” regions on the planet.

Khayat, Alain S. J.↗

The abundances of F, Cl, and H2O in eucrites: Implications for the origin of volatile depletion in the asteroid 4 Vesta

We conducted a petrologic study of apatite within eight unbrecciated, non-cumulate eucrites and two monomict, non-cumulate eucrites. These data were combined with previously published data to quantify the abundances of F, Cl, and H2O in the bulk silicate portion of asteroid 4 Vesta (BSV). Using a combination of apatite-based melt hygrometry/chlorometry and appropriately paired volatile/refractory element ratios, we determined that BSV has 3.0–7.2 ppm F, 0.39–1.8 ppm Cl, and 3.6–22 ppm H2O. The abundances of F and H2O are depleted in BSV relative to CI chondrites to a similar degree as F and H2O in the bulk silicate portion of the Moon. This degree of volatile depletion in BSV is similar to what has been determined previously for many moderately volatile elements in 4 Vesta (e.g., Na, K, Zn, Rb, Cs, and Pb). In contrast, Cl is depleted in 4 Vesta by a greater degree than what is recorded in samples from Earth or the Moon. Based on the Cl-isotopic compositions of eucrites and the bulk rock Cl/F ratios determined in this study, the eucrites likely formed through serial magmatism of a mantle with heterogeneous δ37Cl and Cl/F, not as extracts from a partially crystallized global magma ocean. Furthermore, the volatile depletion and Cl-isotopic heterogeneity recorded in eucrites is likely inherited, at least in part, from the precursor materials that accreted to form 4 Vesta and is unlikely to have resulted solely from degassing of a global magma ocean, magmatic degassing of eucrite melts, and/or volatile loss during thermal metamorphism. Although our results can be reconciled with the past presence of wide-scale melting on 4 Vesta (i.e., a partial magma ocean), any future models for eucrite petrogenesis involving a global magma ocean would need to account for the preservation of a heterogeneous eucrite source with respect to Cl/F ratios and Cl isotopes.

Francis M. Mccubbin↗

VESIcal: An Open-source Thermodynamic Model Engine for Mixed Volatile (H2O-CO2) Solubility in Silicate Melts

Modeling the solubility of volatiles in silicate melts is fundamental to the interpretation of volcanic systems and has implications for magma dynamics, eruption style, and material transport between the mantle, crust, and atmosphere. Recent advancements in computational capabilities and access to computing tools has outpaced the functionality and extensibility of previously available modeling platforms. Here we present VESIcal (Volatile Equilibria and Saturation Index calculator), the first comprehensive modeling tool for H2O, CO2, and mixed (H2O-CO2) solubility in silicate melts that: a) allows users access to seven popular models, with easy inter-comparison between models; b) provides universal functionality for all models (e.g., functions for calculating saturation pressures, degassing paths, etc.); c) can process large datasets (1,000’s of samples) automatically; d) can output computed data into an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file for post-modeling analysis; e) integrates plotting capabilities directly within the tool; and f) provides all of this within the framework of a python library, making the tool extensible by the user and allowing any of the model functions to be incorporated into any other code capable of calling python.Here we will provide a demonstration of VESIcal and its capabilities with applications to various volcanic processes affected by volatiles. VESIcal represents the first tool capable of directly comparing multiple solubility models and equations of state. We find that commonly used models predict surprisingly different volatile solubilities, particularly for pure CO2 or mixed CO2-H2O fluids. Even for melt compositions that are well represented in the calibration datasets of multiple models (e.g., MORBs), calculated solubilities for pure CO2 and pure H2O can deviate from one another by factors of >2 leading to 2x deviations in calculated saturation pressures (e.g., 5 to 10 kbar). The solubility of CO2 predicted by different rhyolitic models also differs substantially, overwhelming other sources of uncertainty such as analytical errors on measurements of volatile contents or uncertainties in crustal density profiles. This highlights the importance of model choice when drawing geological conclusions based on volatiles in magmas.

Kayla Iacovino↗

The CO2-Broadened H2O Continuum in the 100-1500 cm(sup -1) Region: Measurements, Predictions and Empirical Model

Transmission spectra of H2O+CO2 mixtures have been recorded, at 296, 325 and 366 K, for various pressures and mixture compositions using two experimental setups. Their analysis enables to retrieve values of the “continuum” absorption by the CO2-broadened H2O line wings between 100 and 1500 cm(exp -1). The results are in good agreement with those, around 1300 cm(exp -1), of the single previous experimental study available. Comparisons are also made with direct predictions based on line-shape correction factors X calculated, almost thirty years ago, using a quasistatic approach and an input H2O-CO2 intermolecular potential. They show that this model quite nicely predicts, with slightly overestimated values, the continuum over a spectral range where it varies by more than three orders of magnitude. An empirical correction is proposed, based on the experimental data, which should be useful for radiative transfer and climate studies in CO2 rich planetary atmospheres.

CO2↗

Seaborgite, LiNa6K2(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O), the First Uranyl Mineral Containing Lithium

Abstract Seaborgite (IMA2019-087), LiNa6K2(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O), is a new mineral species from the Blue Lizard mine, Red Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, U.S.A. It is a secondary phase found on gypsum in association with copiapite, ferrinatrite, ivsite, metavoltine, and römerite. Seaborgite occurs in sprays of light-yellow, long flattened prisms or blades, up to about 0.2 mm in length. Crystals are elongated on [100], flattened on {010}, and exhibit the forms {100}, {010}, {001}, and {101}. The mineral is transparent with vitreous luster and very pale-yellow streak. It exhibits bright lime-green fluorescence under a 405 nm laser. The Mohs hardness is ~2½. The mineral has brittle tenacity, curved or conchoidal fracture, and one good cleavage on {100}. The measured density is 2.97(2) g/cm3. The mineral is immediately soluble in H2O at room temperature. The mineral is optically biaxial (–), α = 1.505(2), β = 1.522(2), γ = 1.536(2) (white light); 2Vmeas = 85(1)°; moderate r < ν dispersion; orientation X ^ a ≈ 10°; pleochroic X colorless, Y and Z light green-yellow; X < Y ≈ Z. EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analyses of seaborgite undermeasured its Li, K, and Na. The empirical formula using Li, Na, and K based on the structure refinement is Li1.00Na5.81K2.19(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O). Seaborgite is triclinic, P1, a = 5.4511(4), b = 14.4870(12), c = 15.8735(15) Å, α = 76.295(5), β = 81.439(6), γ = 85.511(6)°, V = 1203.07(18) Å3, and Z = 2. The structure (R1 = 0.0377 for 1935 I = 2σI) contains [(UO2)2(SO4)8]4– uranyl-sulfate clusters that are linked into a band by bridging LiO4 tetrahedra. The bands are linked through peripheral SO4 tetrahedra forming a thick heteropolyhedral layer. Channels within the layers contain a K site, while an additional K site, six Na sites, and an SO3OH group occupy the space between the heteropolyhedral layers.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

The reaction of O(1 D) with H2O and the reaction of OH with C3H6

The N2O was photolyzed at 2139 A to produce O(1 D) atoms in the presence of H2O and CO. The O(1 D) atoms react with H2O to produce HO radicals, as measured by CO2 production from the reaction of OH with CO. The relative rate constant for O(1 D) removal by H2O compared to that by N2O is 2.1. In the presence of C3H6, the OH can be removed by reaction with either CO or C3H6.

Simonaitis, R.↗

H2SO4-HNO3-H2O ternary system in the stratosphere

Estimation of the equilibrium vapor pressure over the ternary system H2SO4-HNO3-H2O to study the possibility of stratospheric aerosol formation involving HNO3. It is shown that the vapor pressures for the ternary system H2SO4-HNO3-H2O with weight composition around 70-80% H2SO4, 10-20% HNO3, 10-20% H2O at -50 C are below the order of 10 to the minus 8th mm Hg. It is concluded that there exists more than sufficient nitric acid and water vapor in the stratosphere to participate in ternary system aerosol formation at -50 C. Therefore, HNO3 should be present in stratospheric aerosols, provided that H2SO4 is also present.

Kiang, C. S.↗

H2O(+) ions in comets: Comet Kohoutek (1973f) and comet Bradfield (1974b)

The image tube Cassegrain slit spectra of comet Kohoutek and Bradfield calibrated and reduced to relative intensities are discussed. Monochromatic changes in the surface brightness for various neutral and ionized molecules are determined. The intensities of C2 and CN decreased approximately four times faster than the intensity change for the H2O(+) features. It is shown that the excitation mechanism for the observed H2O(+) bands is by fluorescent scattering of the incident solar radiation. The effects of solar activity on the photoionization rate of H2O in a comet are discussed. Observations of another bright comet at the time of maximum solar activity are needed to determine changes in band intensities of comet tail ions due to solar activity.

Wehinger, P.↗

Line strengths of H2O and N2O in the 1900-kayser region

Laboratory measurements of the line strengths of H2O and N2O in the 1900-kayser spectral region are reported which were made with moderate resolution using a modification of a Michelson interferometer. The N2O analysis includes measurements of the line strengths of the P and R branches and the integrated strength of the Q branch of the nu-1 + nu-2(1) band as well as the integrated strengths of the Q branches of the nu-1 + nu-2(2) - nu-2 and nu-1 + nu-2(0) - nu-2(1) bands. The H2O data cover the region from 1830 to 1980 kaysers; they include line-strength measurements of 61 lines of the nu-2 band, 10 lines of the nu-2 band of H2(O-18), two lines of the nu-2 band of H2(O-17), and three lines of the 'hot' band transition 2 nu-2 - nu-2. The estimated uncertainties in the measured line strengths range from 7% to 20% for H2O, 10% to 25% for H2(O-18) and H2(O-17), and 4% to 8% for N2O.

Toth, R. A.↗

Mars - Remote spectral identification of H2O frost and mineral hydrate

A reflectance spectrum (0.62-2.6 microns) of Mars (integral disk) is obtained using a newly developed IR spectrometer at the 2.25 m telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Details of the instrument, observations, and data reduction are presented. Several distinct absorption features are evident that were apparently caused by H2O, but the positions and intensities of the features are quite unusual. In summary, the regolith is probably not as desiccated and dehydrated as the full disk reflectance spectrum and Viking soil analyses would suggest. The surface materials become desiccated and dehydrated as a result of solar UV effects and because of the relative adsorption and desorption rates during the strong diurnal cycling. There may be significant amounts of H2O at depth, and in the Solis Lacus region the H2O reservoir may extend to within a few centimeters of the surface. The Solis Lacus region may therefore be an important target for future Mars landing or sample return mission.

Huguenin, R. L.↗

Measurement of H2O and other trace gases in the stratosphere using a high resolution far-infrared spectrometer at 28 km

Data analysis results from the 1983 BIC 1 and 2 balloon flights are presented, with emphasis on H2O2, OH, HCL, O3, O2, and H2O. A 2 sigma limit on H2O2 abundance was set, as a function of altitude. This is comparable to or less than the theoretically predicted winter abundances from the 2-D models of Dupont, with a large enough summer maximum to facilitate concentration profile measurements. There is a definite drop in OH concentration from day to night following two model profiles. There was general agreement between HF measurements. The dominant role of the far wings of H2O lines in low altitude spectra was recognized. The strength of these wings exceeds that of many molecular line cores, including O3 and O2, especially near the long wavelength end of the spectra (100 cm (-1)). Newly measured positions for O3 and H2O were obtained.

Traub, W. A.↗

H2O heating in molecular clouds - Line transfer and thermal balance in a warm dusty medium

An investigation is undertaken into the possibility of the heating of molecular gas through collisions with radiatively pumped H2O, in the context of the overall thermal balance of optically thick molecular clouds with embedded sources. In order to solve the line transfer equation, which includes warm dust grains, an extended method of escape probability approximation is developed in which the equilibrium gas temperature arises from the balance of heating by cosmic ray ionization of H2, and by collisions with warm dust grains and radiatively pumped H2O molecules against cooling by collisions with CO and C I. The equilibrium gas temperature for a given dust temperature strongly depends on the efficiency of the cooling species, and is therefore most sensitive to the cloud optical depth. It is less dependent, in decreasing order, on H2O abundance, gas density, and velocity dispersion.

Takahashi, T.↗

Rheologies of H2O ices Ih, II, and III at high pressures - A progress report

Ordinary hexagonal ice (ice Ih) represents the stable crystalline form of H2O on the earth's surface. It is known that ice exists elsewhere in the solar system. Thus, several of the moons of Saturn and Jupiter are composed predominately of H2O and their surface temperatures are about 75 and 100 K. The pressures in the interior of some of the larger of the moons may be as high as 3 GPa. The involved pressures and temperatures extend far beyond the conditions over which the rheological laws for ice Ih can be confidently extrapolated. It is, therefore, necessary to obtain information regarding the rheologies of H2O ices in pressure and temperature ranges which had not yet been previously considered. Since 1981, over 100 triaxial compression tests have been conducted over a wide range of temperatures (77 to 258 K) and pressures (0.1 to 350 MPa). The present paper provides a progress report of these experiments.

Kirby, S. H.↗

Optical spectrophotometry of Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner and emission profiles of H2O+

Two-dimensional CCD spectrograms were obtained of Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner (1984e) on five occasions between July and October 1985. Spatial emission profiles of H2O+ were extracted at 6198 angstroms (the strongest ionic line in the visible spectrum). This emission line traces the extent of the ion, or plasma, tail. The spectrographic slit was placed approximately along the trajectory of the ICE spacecraft on September 11, 1985; the resulting H2O+ profile has a full-width-half-maximum of about 5700 km, about three times that of the plasma density profile measured by ICE, and has a full-width-zero-intensity of about 30,000 km, very similar to the ICE values. H2O production rates for the comet are derived and compared with those of Comet P/Halley (1982i).

Strauss, M. A.↗