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At least 1,225 records · Page 68

Positronium-hydrogen elastic scattering

Elastic scattering of positronium atoms by hydrogen atoms below the excitation threshold at 5.1 eV is investigated with the investigation limited to the spin-zero (singlet) state of the two electrons. Nonresonant S-wave phase shifts have been obtained from normalizable trial functions by extracting the center-of-mass wave function and examining its spatial behavior. An effective-range expansion is fitted to the phase shifts and the previously obtained positronium-hydride bound-state energy to yield a scattering length approximately equal to 5.3 Bohr radii as compared with Fraser's (1961) corrected exchange result of 7.28 Bohr radii. The stabilization method suggests that a resonance occurs at a scattering energy of 4.5 eV, about 0.6 eV below the excitation threshold. Using the complex-rotation method, evidence is obtained which confirms the existence of the resonance, and its width is estimated to be about 0.06 eV.

Drachman, R. J.↗

Advanced thermionic energy conversion

Basic analytical and experimental exploration was conducted on several types of advanced thermionic energy converters, and preliminary analysis was performed on systems utilizing advanced converter performance. The Pt--Nb cylindrical diode which exhibited a suppressed arc drop, as described in the preceding report, was reassembled and the existence of the postulated hydrid mode of operation was tentatively confirmed. Initial data obtained on ignited and unignited triode operation in the demountable cesium vapor system essentially confirmed the design principles developed in earlier work, with a few exceptions. Three specific advanced converter concepts were selected as candidates for concentrated basic study and for practical evaluation in fixed-configuration converters. Test vehicles and test stands for these converters and a unique controlled-atmosphere station for converter assembly and processing were designed, and procurement was initiated.

Britt, E. J.↗

Cryogenic recovery

Because of the low boiling temperature of cryogenic propellants to be used on the Space Shuttle, loss of cryogens from boiloff could become very costly. This paper describes how this shuttle problem is being solved at Kennedy Space Center. Cryogenic losses are categorized relative to the particular cryogenic involved, the Space Shuttle servicing operation causing boiloff and the magnitude of the loss. The techniques under consideration are discussed in detail. These techniques include reclaiming the boiloff by reliquefaction, upgrading the reclaimed boiloff by purification, and interim boiloff storage in metal hydride prior to reprocessing. One of the reliquefaction processes discussed in detail utilizes the cooling effect of venting some of the liquid hydrogen boiloff to provide a simple hydrogen reliquefaction unit. Possible future applications of these cryogenics recovery techniques to industry and transportation systems using liquid hydrogen for energy storage and fuel are also discussed.

Howard, F. S.↗

A film-rupture model of hydrogen-induced, slow crack growth in acicular alpha-beta titanium

A study has been conducted of the terrace-like fracture morphology of gaseous hydrogen-induced crack growth in acicular alpha-beta titanium alloys in terms of specimen configuration, magnitude of applied stress intensity, test temperature, and hydrogen pressure. Although the overall appearance of the terrace structure remained essentially unchanged, a distinguishable variation is found in the size of the individual terrace steps, and step size is found to be inversely dependent upon the rate of hydrogen-induced slow crack growth. This inverse relationship is independent of all the variables investigated. These observations are quantitatively discussed in terms of the formation and growth of a thin hydride film along the alpha-beta boundaries and a qualitative model for hydrogen-induced slow crack growth is presented, based on the film-rupture model of stress corrosion cracking.

Nelson, H. G.↗

Interstellar molecules

Progress in the discovery and study of interstellar molecules is summarized. The 36 molecular species thus far identified in interstellar space are listed in several groups which include simple hydrides, oxides, and sulfides, various derivatives of ammonia, molecules involving linear carbon chains, cyanides, and molecules related in structure to formaldehyde, alcohols, or ethers. Several free radicals are described, the discovery of molecules in external galaxies is discussed, and possible mechanisms for molecular formation are noted. Methods for examining relative isotopic abundances by measuring molecules in interstellar clouds are outlined, mechanisms for the excitation of interstellar molecules are reviewed, and values are presented for the C-12/C-13 abundance ratio in a number of interstellar clouds. The detection of interstellar masers is discussed along with pumping mechanisms and masing transitions in H2CO, CH, OH, and SiO. The nature of dense interstellar clouds is examined in terms of several simple and complex cloud models, with emphasis on multiple condensation models.

Townes, C. H.↗

New metal atom laser transitions in As, Bi, Ga, Ge, Hg, In, Pb, Sb, and Tl

A double discharge technique was used in the investigation. An initial discharge established between parallel arrays of tungsten pin electrodes was followed, after a variable time delay, by a high voltage (180 kV), short duration (50 nsec) secondary discharge between two aluminum main electrodes. Metal compounds, including metal alkyls, hydrides, and halides, were used to obtain the required metal atom concentrations. Twenty-four new laser transitions involving 9 different metal atoms were observed. The observed relations are shown in a number of partial energy-level diagrams.

Chou, M. S.↗

Inverse isotope effect and the x dependence of the superconducting transition temperature in PdHx and PdDx

First-principles electron-band-structure calculations and measured phonon properties are employed in a calculation of the concentration dependence of the superconducting transition temperatures for PdHx and PdDx, including the inverse isotope effect. Excellent agreement with the experimental results is obtained. Our model also gives a qualitative understanding of the enhanced transition temperatures in the palladium-noble-metal hydrides.

Klein, B. M.↗

ERDA's Chemical Energy Storage Program

The Chemical Energy Storage Program is described with emphasis on hydrogen storage. Storage techniques considered include pressurized hydrogen gas storage, cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, storage in hydride compounds, and aromatic-alicyclic hydrogen storage. Some uses of energy storage are suggested. Information on hydrogen production and hydrogen use is also presented. Applications of hydrogen energy systems include storage of hydrogen for utilities load leveling, industrial marketing of hydrogen both as a chemical and as a fuel, natural gas supplementation, vehicular applications, and direct substitution for natural gas.

Swisher, J. H.↗

Infrared laboratory studies of synthetic planetary atmospheres

Topics covered include: the broadening of individual lines in the CO fundamental by various gases; total band absorptance as a function of absorber thickness and total effect pressure at various temperatures for bands of CO and N2O; nitric acid vapor content in the region of the ozone layer; optical properties of solid NH3; HSO4 concentration in Venus clouds; Burch's law of multiplicative transmittance for mixing absorbing gases when their lines are broadened by helium and hydrogen; ling strength and self-broadening parameters in the v3 fundamental of CO2 and N2O; optical constants of liquid ammonia, liquid methane, saturated hydrocarbons, ammonium hydride and ammonium salts.

Williams, D.↗

Lamination residual strains and stresses in hybrid laminates

An investigation is conducted of the effects of hybridization on the magnitude of lamination residual stresses. Eight-ply graphite/Kevlar 49/epoxy and graphite/S-glass/epoxy laminates were studied. The same matrix resin was selected for all basic materials to ensure compatibility and uniform curing of the various plies. The specimens, with inserted strain gages and thermocouples, were subjected to curing and postcuring cycles in an autoclave. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to a thermal cycle from room temperature to 444 K and down to room temperature. It was found that hydridizing reduces apparently residual strains and stresses in the graphite plies. However, these strains were not affected much by the type and degree of hybridization.

Daniel, I. M.↗

Radiation protection design considerations for man in geosynchronous orbits

A description is presented of preliminary studies which have been carried out to identify design requirements and mission constraints imposed by the geosynchronous radiation environment. The radiation species of dominant impact are the trapped electrons and solar flare particles. The criterion used in the conducted shielding design analysis has been to limit the skin dose to 100 rems for 3 months. The analysis included the optimization of an electron/bremsstrahlung shield for residence within the vehicle, the minimization of the dose received in extravehicular activity, and the calculation of special shield requirements for solar flares. An investigation was conducted of the potential benefits accruing from a three-layered composite shield with part of the aluminum layer replaced with a lower atomic number material. The materials considered were polyethylene, carbon, beryllium, and lithium hydride.

Rossi, M. L.↗

Upper limits to trace constituents in Jupiter's atmosphere from an analysis of its 5 micrometer spectrum

A high-resolution spectrum of Jupiter at 5 micrometers recorded at the Kuiper Airborne Observatory is used to determine upper limits to the column density of 19 molecules. The upper limits to the mixing ratios of SiH4, H2S, HCN, and simple hydrocarbons are discussed with respect to current models of Jupiter's atmosphere. These upper limits are compared to expectations based upon the solar abundance of the elements. This analysis permits upper limit measurements (SiH4), or actual detections (GeH4) of molecules with mixing ratios with hydrogen as low as 10 to the minus 9th power. In future observations at 5 micrometers the sensitivity of remote spectroscopic analyses should permit the study of constituents with mixing ratios as low as 10 to the minus 10th power, which would include the hydrides of such elements as Sn and As as well as numerous organic molecules.

Treffers, R. R.↗

Hydrogen-fueled postal vehicle performance evaluation

Fuel consumption, range, and emissions data were obtained while operating a hydrogen-fueled postal delivery vehicle over a defined Postal Service Driving Cycle and the 1975 Urban Driving Cycle. The vehicle's fuel consumption was 0.366 pounds of hydrogen per mile over the postal driving cycle and 0.22 pounds of hydrogen per mile over the urban driving cycle. These data correspond to 6.2 and 10.6 mpg equivalent gasoline mileage for the two driving cycles, respectively. The vehicle's range was 24.2 miles while being operated on the postal driving cycle. Vehicle emissions were measured over the urban driving cycle. HC and CO emissions were quite low, as would be expected. The oxides of nitrogen were found to be 4.86 gm/mi, a value which is well above the current Federal and California standards. Vehicle limitations discussed include excessive engine flashbacks, inadequate acceleration capability the engine air/fuel ratio, the water injection systems, and the cab temperature. Other concerns are safety considerations, iron-titanium hydride observed in the fuel system, evidence of water in the engine rocker cover, and the vehicle maintenance required during the evaluation.

Hall, R. A.↗

Computational test of the infinite order sudden approximation for excitation of linear rigid rotors by collisions with atoms

The infinite order sudden approximation for excitation of linear rigid rotors by collisions with atom is tested by comparing integral state-to-state cross sections with accurate close coupling and coupled states results. The systems studied are HCl-Ar, HCl-He, CO-He, HCN-He, CS-H2 and OCS-H2. With the exception of diatomic hydrides (e.g., HCl) which have atypically large rotational constants the method is found to be very accurate to remarkably low collision energies. This approximation should generally be extremely useful for thermal energy collisions.

Green, S.↗

Gas absorption/desorption temperature-differential engine

Continuously operating compressor system converts 90 percent of gas-turbine plant energy to electricity. Conventional plants work in batch mode, operating at 40 percent efficiency. Compressor uses metal hydride matrix on outside of rotating drum to generate working gas, hydrogen. Rolling valve seals allow continuous work. During operation, gas is absorbed, releasing heat, and desorbed with heat gain. System conserves nuclear and fossil fuels, reducing powerplant capital and operating costs.

Miller, C. G.↗

Curable liquid hydrocarbon prepolymers containing hydroxyl groups and process for producing same

Production of hydroxyl containing curable liquid hydrocarbon prepolymers by ozonizing a high molecular weight saturated hydrocarbon polymer such as polyisobutylene or ethylene propylene rubber is discussed. The ozonized material is reduced using reducing agents, preferably diisobutyl aluminum hydride, to form the hydroxyl containing liquid prepolymers having a substantially lower molecular weight than the parent polymer. The resulting curable liquid hydroxyl containing prepolymers can be poured into a mold and readily cured, with reactants such as toluene diisocyanate, to produce highly stable elastomers having a variety of uses such as binders for solid propellants.

Rhein, R. A.↗

Prepolymer dianhydrides

A process for preparing dianhydrides that are miscible with hydroxyl prepolymers at moderate temperatures and can cure hydroxyl prepolymers to elastomers at moderate temperatures is disclosed. The dianhydrides are prepared by solution reaction of a prepolymer diol with excess hydride followed by removal of unreacted dianhydride. The prepolymer dianhydrides are miscible with hydroxyl substituted hydrocarbon prepolymers and cure the prepolymers to polyester-linked elastomers.

Rhein, R. A.↗

Infrared absorption of sulfur bearing compounds

The sulfur bearing molecules of most interest in studies of planetary atmospheres are the simple, stable hydrides and oxides, H2S, H2SO4, SO2, and SO3, and the carbon containing species OCS and CO2. For interpreting spectroscopic observations, the properties that must be known are: transition frequencies, transition intensities, transition assignments in terms of quantum number assignments and lower state energy levels, and pressure broadening constants (including their temperature dependence).

Maki, A.↗