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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 1,243 records · Page 69
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NASA NTRS1975

Depletion of the F2 region ionosphere and the protonosphere by the release of molecular hydrogen

Theoretical models have been used to investigate the effects of artificially injected H2 gas on plasma densities in the ionospheric F region and the overlying protonosphere. Owing to large reaction rates between H2 and ionospheric O(+) ions, plasma densities in both daytime and nighttime ionospheres can be greatly reduced by modest amounts of released H2 gas. One hundred kg of H2 released at 300-km altitude reduces local O(+) densities by more than three orders of magnitude and produces about a 5% depression in H(+) densities in the overlying protonosphere. These results suggest that it should be possible to conduct controlled chemical-modification experiments for investigation of many outstanding ionospheric and magnetospheric problems.

Bernhardt, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A three-dimensional dynamical-chemical model of atmospheric ozone

A three-year integration of a global three-dimensional model including dynamics and simple photochemistry is used to predict ozone. Good agreement with observation is obtained for stratospheric motion patterns, meridional circulations, ozone density as a function of height and latitude, eddy transports of ozone, surface destruction of ozone, and correlations of ozone with other variables. The annual cycle of columnar ozone in high latitudes is present, but at a smaller amplitude than observed. Vertical transport of ozone downward from the main generation level at 30 km is accomplished primarily by small-scale eddy diffusion between 20 and 30 km and again near the ground; large-scale vertical transport dominates in between. The model predicts a secondary maximum in ozone mixing ratio at 45 km somewhat equatorward of the winter polar-night zone. This feature, recently observed from satellite measurements, is thought to be caused by the temperature dependence of reaction rates in the Chapman scheme. The principal deficiency of the model is an underprediction of the spring ozone concentration in high latitudes in the lower stratosphere.

Cunnold, D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Some aspects of the ozone-depletion problem in the stratosphere

A preliminary investigation of O3 depletion by NOx in the exhaust of an SST wake is presented. Initial calculations were made using a model employing a two-step chemistry mechanism consisting of an NOx catalytic cycle and assuming total NOx and the ratio NO/NO2 to be conserved. The results indicate O3 depletion in the wake much less severe than reported in earlier investigations which used a much larger reaction rate constant. Subsequent investigation revealed, however, that even the current O3 depletion rates appear too large. Because of the apparent deficiencies in the two-step chemical model, a model is presented with a more realistic chemical mechanism without the requirement for NO conservation. Results indicate that total NOx and initial NO/NO2 ratio play an important role in determining O3 depletion. Furthermore, only in the case of rather extreme concentrations of water vapor or unrealistically large photolysis rates is there any significant conversion of NOx to HNO3.

Gupta, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1975

An auroral F-region study using in situ measurements by the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite

The ion densities observed as the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite passed through an aurora at F-region altitudes are compared to those calculated from photochemical theory using in situ measurements of atmospheric parameters (ionic and neutral composition; electron flux; neutral temperature; ion temperature) along the satellite track together with current values for reaction rates. Good agreement is obtained for the ions O2(+), NO(+), and N2(+). The atomic nitrogen densities calculated from the observed NO(+)/O2(+) ratio are found to account for about 60% of the N(+) production through electron impact on N and the resonant charge exchange of O(+)(2P) with N(4S). The N density at about 280 km, the region of the most intense electron fluxes (20 erg/sq cm/sec), is between 20 and 70 million/cu cm.

Torr, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Molecular correlations with fracture in fibers and granular-filled composites

Results are presented for an experimental electron spin resonance study of chain-scission kinetics in oriented nylon fibers and in granular-filled elastomer composites. A reaction-rate molecular model is proposed as a tool to predict failure under various loadings. The model assumes a statistical distribution in stress on the polymeric chain structure. Interfacial failure in the filled composites is examined. Failure at the interface between the filler and the matrix may be largely adhesive or cohesive, depending on the magnitude of the interactive forces. It appears that the mechanical behavior of both single-component and filled composites depends on the composite nature of the structure. The electron spin resonance technique is shown to be suitable for experimental observation of phenomena directly related to atomic occurrences.

Devries, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Post sunset behavior of the 6300 A atomic oxygen airglow emission

A theoretical model of the 6300 A OI airglow emission was developed based on the assumptions that both the charged and neutral portions of the Earth's upper atmosphere are in steady state conditions of diffusive equilibrium. Intensities of 6300 A OI emission line were calculated using electron density true height profiles from a standard C-4 ionosonde and exospheric temperatures derived from Fabry-Perot interferometer measurements of the Doppler broadened 6300 A emission line shape as inputs to the model. Reaction rate coefficient values, production mechanism efficiencies, solar radiation fluxes, absorption cross sections, and models of the neutral atmosphere were varied parametrically to establish a set of acceptable inputs which will consistently predict 6300 A emission intensities that closely agree with intensities observed during the post-sunset twilight period by an airglow observatory consisting of a Fabry-Perot interferometer and a turret photometer. Emission intensities that can only result from the dissociative recombination of molecular oxygen ions were observed during the latter portion of the observational period. Theoretical calculations indicate that contamination of the 6300 A OI emission should be on the order of or less than 3 percent; however, these results are very sensitive to the wavelengths of the individual lines and their intensities relative to the 6300 A OI intensity. This combination of a model atmosphere, production mechanism efficiencies, and quenching coefficient values was used when the dissociative photoexcitation and direct impact excitation processes were contributing to the intensity to establish best estimates of solar radiation fluxes in the Schumann--Runge continuum and associated absorption cross sections. Results show that the Jacchia 1971 model of the upper atmosphere combined with the Ackerman recommended solar radiation fluxes and associated absorption cross sections produces theoretically calculated intensities that more closely agree with the observed intensities than all the other combinations.

Smith, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electron energy distributions in uranium helium mixtures

The high energy portion of the electron energy distribution for mixtures of uranium and helium at 1 atm, 5000 K, and a neutron flux of 2x10 to the 12th power/sq cm-sec have been calculated. The addition of He improves the heat transport characteristics of the plasma and has the feature that the He energy levels lie in the high energy portion of the electron distribution, potentially allowing non maxwellian excitation. It is concluded, however, that the resulting reaction rates are marginal relative to achieving inversion in He.

Makowski, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Computations in turbulent flows and off-design performance predictions for airframe-integrated scramjets

The research activity focused on two main tasks: (1) the further development of the SCRAM program and, in particular, the addition of a procedure for modeling the mechanism of the internal adjustment process of the flow, in response to the imposed thermal load across the combustor and (2) the development of a numerical code for the computation of the variation of concentrations throughout a turbulent field, where finite-rate reactions occur. The code also includes an estimation of the effect of the phenomenon called 'unmixedness'.

Goglia, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Helium emission from model flare layers

The emission of visible and UV He I and He II line radiation from a plane-parallel model flare layer characterized by electron temperatures of 10,000 to 50,000 K and electron densities of 10 to the 10th power to 10 to the 15th power per cu cm is analyzed by solving the statistical-equilibrium equations for a 30-level He I-II-III system, using parametric representations of the line and continuum radiation fields. The atomic model was chosen to provide accurate solutions for the first two resonance lines of He I and He II as well as for the D3 and 10,830-A lines of He I. Reaction rates are discussed, and sample solutions to the steady-state population equations are given for a generally optically thin gas assumed to be irradiated over 2pi sr by a blackbody spectrum at 6000 K. Specific results are examined for ionization equilibrium, level populations, approximate optical depths of a 1000-km-thick flare layer, line intensities, and upper-level population rates.

Kulander, J. I.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The molecular composition of dense interstellar clouds

Presented in this paper is an ab initio chemical model for dense interstellar clouds that incorporates 598 grain surface reactions, with small grains providing the reaction area. Gas-phase molecules are depleted through collisions with grains. The abundances of 372 chemical species are calculated as a function of time and are found to be of sufficient magnitude to explain most observations. Peak abundances are achieved on time scales of the order of 100,000 to 1 million years, depending on cloud density and kinetic temperature. The reaction rates for ion-molecule chemistry are approximately the same, indicating that surface and gas-phase chemistry may be coupled in certain regions. The composition of grain mantles is shown to be a function of grain radius. In certain grain-size ranges, large molecules containing two or more heavy atoms are more predominant than lighter 'ices' - H2O, NH3, and CH4. It is possible that absorption due to these large molecules in the mantle may contribute to the observed 3-micron band in astronomical spectra.

Allen, M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Tropospheric ozone - Coupling transport and photochemistry

The budget of tropospheric ozone is re-examined in the light of lower observed nitrogen oxide densities and revised reaction rates. To estimate the relative importance of transport and photochemistry, model calculations are presented which determine one-dimensional vertical ozone profiles at midlatitudes for equinoctial conditions. These calculations imply that both photochemistry and transport are important in controlling the abundance of tropospheric ozone. It is estimated that photochemical processes produce about 0.6 times 10 to the eleventh and destroy about 1.4 times 10 to the eleventh tropospheric ozone molecules per sq cm per sec, while mixing processes transport about 1.4 times 10 to the eleventh ozone molecules per sq cm per sec from the stratosphere into the troposphere and ground level fluxes destroy about 0.6 times 10 to the eleventh ozone molecules per sq cm per sec. The sensitivity of our model calculations to transport parameters, key rate coefficients, and nitrogen oxide densities are discussed.

Chameides, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An experimental study of phosphate reduction and phosphorus-bearing lunar metal particles

Results are reported for two sets of experiments conducted to investigate the distribution and origin of phosphorus in lunar metal particles. The first set measured the equilibrium oxygen fugacity as a function of temperature for synthesized Fe-Ni and Fe-Ni-P alloys; the second set imposed various oxygen pressures so that the P distribution among the coexisting phases could be observed. The conditions of temperature, oxygen fugacity, and time necessary to produce P contents similar to those found in lunar metal particles are determined. The results show that: (1) the P distribution in lunar-type metal is controlled by oxygen fugacity, temperature, and bulk composition; (2) the P distribution is limited by the reaction rate at the metal surface and by the amount of phosphate in contact with the metal; (3) the nucleation and growth rate of phosphate controls the rate of P loss during oxidation; and (4) an oxygen fugacity of 10 to the -20th power atm at 950 C is required to saturate iron with P. It is concluded that a reducing species such as carbon may establish a local equilibrium and prevent oxygen communication with the surrounding rock.

Friel, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Prediction of in-depth oxidation distribution of reinforced carbon-carbon materials for Space Shuttle leading edges

A method was developed for predicting oxidation distribution through the thickness of reinforced carbon-carbon material in an earth atmospheric entry environment. A mathematical model was developed which describes oxygen diffusion and reaction rates within material pores. Pertinent rate constants were derived, and material mass loss was computed for a range of temperatures and pressures. Results indicate that both temperature and pressure have an important effect on mass loss distribution. Analytical results were quite consistent with results of ground oxidation tests.

Medford, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1964

Review of Problems in Application of Supersonic Combustion

The problem of air-breathing engines capable of flying at very high Mach numbers is described briefly. Possible performance of supersonic combustion ramjets is outlined briefly and the supersonic combustion process is described. Two mechanisms of combustion are outlined: one is supersonic combustion controlled by convection process, and the second is controlled by diffusion. The parameters related to the combustion process are discussed in detail. Data and analyses of reaction rates and mixing phenomena are represented; the flame mechanism is discussed, and experimental results are presented.

Antonio Ferri↗
NASA NTRS1977

ASTP science demonstration data analysis

Analyses of the Apollo-Soyuz science demonstrations on chemical foams and liquid spreading are presented. The chemical foams demonstation showed that aqueous foams and gas/liquid dispersions are more stable in low-g than on the ground. Unique chemical reactions in low-g foams and gas/liquid dispersions are therefore possible. Further ground tests on the formaldehyde clock reaction led to the rather surprising conclusions that surfaces can exert a nucleation effect and that long-range surface influences on chemical reaction rates are apparently operative.

Grodzka, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Study of the effects of gaseous environments on sulfidation attack of superalloys

Studies were conducted to examine the effect of the gaseous corrodents NaCl, HCl, and NaOH on the high temperature oxidation and Na2SO4-induced corrosion behavior of the alumina former NiAl, the chromia former Ni-25 wt.% Cr, elemental Cr, and the superalloy B-1900. Experiments were conducted at 900 and 1050 C in air in the presence and absence of the gaseous corrodents. Effects involving both reaction rates and microstructural changes in oxide morphology were observed due to the presence of these corrodents at levels anticipated to be present in operating industrial and marine gas turbines. The effect of gaseous NaCl, HCl, and possibly NaOH on NiAl in simple oxidation was to remove aluminum from below the protective alumina layer and to simultaneously weaken the adherence of the protective alumina oxide scale to the substrate. The aluminum removed from below the oxide scale was redeposited on its surface as alpha-Al2O3 whiskers. With respect to the chromia formers, gaseous NaCl and HCl promoted breakaway oxidation kinetics and changes in the microstructures of the oxide scales.

Smeggil, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The model of the composition of the Martian atmosphere

Global mean distributions of Martian atmospheric components concentrations from the planet's surface up to an altitude of 250 km are calculated. Improved data on the turbulent mixing coefficient, as a function of altitude, on temperature distribution and on chemical and photochemical reaction rates are used. The model data agree well with available measurements of some components concentrations. Variations of composition due to long-period variations of temperature, moisture and turbulent mixing are investigated. The relative significance of different catalytic cycles and the important role of excited atoms 0 (d-1) are revealed.

Izakov, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

An assessment of the effect of supersonic aircraft operations on the stratospheric ozone content

An assessment of the potential effect on stratospheric ozone of an advanced supersonic transport operations is presented. This assessment, which was undertaken because of NASA's desire for an up-to-date evaluation to guide programs for the development of supersonic technology and improved aircraft engine designs, uses the most recent chemical reaction rate data. From the results of the present assessment it would appear that realistic fleet sizes should not cause concern with regard to the depletion of the total ozone overburden. For example, the NOx emission of one type designed to cruise at 20 km altitude will cause the ozone overburden to increase by 0.03% to 0.12%, depending upon which vertical transport is used. These ozone changes can be compared with the predictions of a 1.74% ozone decrease (for 100 Large SST's flying at 20 km) made in 1974 by the FAA's Climatic Impact Assessment Program.

Poppoff, I. G.↗