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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

Hypersonic Nozzle/Afterbody Experiment: Flow Visualization and Boundary Layer Experiments

This study was conducted to experimentally characterize the flow field created by the interaction of a single-expansion-ramp-nozzle (SERN) flow with a hypersonic external stream Data were obtained from a generic nozzle/afterbody model in the 3.5-Foot Hypersonic Wind Tunnel of the NASA Ames Research Center in a cooperative experimental program involving Ames and the McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. The model design and test planning were performed in close cooperation with members of the Ames computational fluid dynamics (CFD) team for the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) program. This paper presents experimental results consisting of oil-flow and shadowgraph flow-visualization photographs, afterbody surface-pressure distributions, boundary-layer rake measurements, and Preston-tube skin-friction measurements.

Keener, Earl R.↗

Kinetics of Nucleation and Crystal Growth in Glass Forming Melts in Microgravity

This flight definition project has the specific objective of investigating the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth in high temperature inorganic oxide, glass forming melts in microgravity. It is related to one1 of our previous NASA projects that was concerned with glass formation for high temperature containerless melts in microgravity. The previous work culminated in two experiments which were conducted aboard the space shuttle in 1983 and 1985 and which consisted of melting (at 1500 C) and cooling levitated 6 to 8 mm diameter spherical samples in a Single Axis Acoustic Levitator (SAAL) furnace. Compared to other types of materials, there have been relatively few experiments, 6 to 8, conducted on inorganic glasses in space. These experiments have been concerned with mass transport (alkali diffusion), containerless melting, critical cooling rate for glass formation, chemical homogeneity, fiber pulling, and crystallization of glass forming melts. One of the most important and consistent findings in all of these experiments has been that the glasses prepared in microgravity are more resistant to crystallization (better glass former) and more chemically homogeneous than equivalent glasses made on earth (1g). The chemical composition of the melt appears relatively unimportant since the same general results have been reported for oxide, fluoride and chalcogenide melts. These results for space-processed glasses have important implications, since glasses with a higher resistance to crystallization or higher chemical homogeneity than those attainable on earth can significantly advance applications in areas such as fiber optics communications, high power laser glasses, and other photonic devices where glasses are the key functional materials. The classical theories for nucleation and crystal growth for a glass or melt do not contain any parameter that is directly dependent upon the g-value, so it is not readily apparent why glasses prepared in microgravity should be more resistant to crystallization than equivalent glasses prepared on earth. Similarly, the gravity-driven convection in a fluid melt is believed to be the primary force field that is responsible for melt homogenization on earth. Thus, it is not obvious why a glass prepared in space, where gravity-driven convection is ideally absent, would be more chemically homogeneous than a glass identically prepared on earth. The primary objective of the present research is to obtain experimental data for the nucleation rate and crystal growth rate for a well characterized silicate melt (lithium disilicate) processed entirely in space (low gravity) and compare these rates with the nucleation and crystal growth rates for a similar glass prepared identically on earth (1g).

Day, Delbert E.↗

Thermal and Fluid Modeling of the CRYogenic Orbital TEstbed (CRYOTE) Ground Test Article (GTA)

The purpose of this study was to anchor thermal and fluid system models to data acquired from a ground test article (GTA) for the CRYogenic Orbital TEstbed - CRYOTE. To accomplish this analysis, it was broken into four primary tasks. These included model development, pre-test predictions, testing support at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC} and post-test correlations. Information from MSFC facilitated the task of refining and correlating the initial models. The primary goal of the modeling/testing/correlating efforts was to characterize heat loads throughout the ground test article. Significant factors impacting the heat loads included radiative environments, multi-layer insulation (MLI) performance, tank fill levels, tank pressures, and even contact conductance coefficients. This paper demonstrates how analytical thermal/fluid networks were established, and it includes supporting rationale for specific thermal responses seen during testing.

Piryk, David↗

Solutions of the Taylor-Green Vortex Problem Using High-Resolution Explicit Finite Difference Methods

A computational fluid dynamics code that solves the compressible Navier-Stokes equations was applied to the Taylor-Green vortex problem to examine the code s ability to accurately simulate the vortex decay and subsequent turbulence. The code, WRLES (Wave Resolving Large-Eddy Simulation), uses explicit central-differencing to compute the spatial derivatives and explicit Low Dispersion Runge-Kutta methods for the temporal discretization. The flow was first studied and characterized using Bogey & Bailley s 13-point dispersion relation preserving (DRP) scheme. The kinetic energy dissipation rate, computed both directly and from the enstrophy field, vorticity contours, and the energy spectra are examined. Results are in excellent agreement with a reference solution obtained using a spectral method and provide insight into computations of turbulent flows. In addition the following studies were performed: a comparison of 4th-, 8th-, 12th- and DRP spatial differencing schemes, the effect of the solution filtering on the results, the effect of large-eddy simulation sub-grid scale models, and the effect of high-order discretization of the viscous terms.

DeBonis, James R.↗

NeMO-Net & Fluid Lensing: The Neural Multi-Modal Observation & Training Network for Global Coral Reef Assessment Using Fluid Lensing Augmentation of NASA EOS Data

We present preliminary results from NASA NeMO-Net, the first neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment. NeMO-Net is an open-source deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and interactive active learning training software in development which will assess the present and past dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. NeMO-Net exploits active learning and data fusion of mm-scale remotely sensed 3D images of coral reefs captured using fluid lensing with the NASA FluidCam instrument, presently the highest-resolution remote sensing benthic imaging technology capable of removing ocean wave distortion, as well as hyperspectral airborne remote sensing data from the ongoing NASA CORAL mission and lower-resolution satellite data to determine coral reef ecosystem makeup globally at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. Aquatic ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, remain quantitatively misrepresented by low-resolution remote sensing as a result of refractive distortion from ocean waves, optical attenuation, and remoteness. Machine learning classification of coral reefs using FluidCam mm-scale 3D data show that present satellite and airborne remote sensing techniques poorly characterize coral reef percent living cover, morphology type, and species breakdown at the mm, cm, and meter scales. Indeed, current global assessments of coral reef cover and morphology classification based on km-scale satellite data alone can suffer from segmentation errors greater than 40%, capable of change detection only on yearly temporal scales and decameter spatial scales, significantly hindering our understanding of patterns and processes in marine biodiversity at a time when these ecosystems are experiencing unprecedented anthropogenic pressures, ocean acidification, and sea surface temperature rise. NeMO-Net leverages our augmented machine learning algorithm that demonstrates data fusion of regional FluidCam (mm, cm-scale) airborne remote sensing with global low-resolution (m, km-scale) airborne and spaceborne imagery to reduce classification errors up to 80% over regional scales. Such technologies can substantially enhance our ability to assess coral reef ecosystems dynamics.

satellite data↗

Mixing across stable density interfaces in forced stratified turbulence

Understanding how turbulence enhances irreversible scalar mixing in density-stratified fluids is a central problem in geophysical fluid dynamics. While isotropic overturning regions are commonly the focus of mixing analyses, we here investigate whether significant mixing may arise in anisotropic statically stable regions of the flow. Focusing on a single forced direct numerical simulation of stratified turbulence, we analyse spatial correlations between the vertical density gradient $\partial \rho /\partial z$ and the dissipation rates of kinetic energy $\epsilon$ and scalar variance $\chi$ , the latter quantifying scalar mixing. The domain is characterized by relatively well-mixed density layers separated by sharp stable interfaces that are correlated with high vertical shear. While static instability is most prevalent within the mixed layers, much of the scalar mixing is localized to the intervening interfaces, a phenomenon not apparent if considering local static instability or $\epsilon$ alone. While the majority of the domain is characterized by the canonical flux coefficient $\varGamma \equiv \chi /\epsilon =0.2$ , often assumed in ocean mixing parametrizations, extreme values of $\chi$ within the statically stable interfaces, associated with elevated $\varGamma$ , strongly skew the bulk statistics. Our findings suggest that current parametrizations of turbulent mixing may be biased by undersampling, such that the most common, but not necessarily the most significant, mixing events are overweighted. Having focused here on a single simulation of stratified turbulence, it is hoped that our results motivate a broader investigation into the role played by stable density interfaces in mixing, across a wider range of parameters and forcing schemes representative of ocean turbulence.

Couchman, Miles M. P. (ORCID:0000000246676829)↗

Risk Assessment of Catastrophic Leak Of R-452b From Package Unit into A Residential Space

With the effort to find alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP), challenges have arisen due to the flammability risk for many of the alternatives. One of the new alternatives is R-452B, which is recommended as a replacement for R410A. R-452B is classified as a mildly flammable refrigerant (A2L) by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34. This paper summarizes a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation study of a leak incident of R-452B from a 3-ton packaged unit which serves a 167 m 2 residence. The R-452B leak is assumed to be downstream of the evaporator coil. The simulated residence has four rooms and a hallway. The packaged unit distributes the conditioned air through a supply duct system delivering the air through registers. The dispersion of R-452B is characterized for two scenarios: one with underfloor supply air ducts and another with ceiling supply air ducts. The mass flow rate of R-452B exiting the duct outlets is quantified and the refrigerant volume fraction is monitored inside the residential space.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Compatibility of LaFe13−x−yMnxSiyH1.6 and Eutectic Liquid GaInSn Alloy

The heat transfer rate of magnetocaloric regenerators is a topic of extensive research and the cyclability of these regenerators is critical to the operation of systems with a high coefficient of performance (e.g., potentially >22, significantly higher than typical vapor compression cooling technologies). To enable a high operating frequency that will result in a high specific cooling power, the heat transfer fluid should have high thermal conductivity and lower specific heat, i.e., higher thermal diffusivity. Eutectic metal alloys possess these qualities, such as gallium–indium–tin (Galinstan), whose thermal diffusivity has been found to be approximately an order of magnitude higher than water. For this study, the effects of eutectic liquid Galinstan exposure on the phase stability of LaFe13−x−yMnxSiyH1.6 magnetocaloric powders in an active magnetic regenerator device were investigated. The powders were characterized before and after exposure to Galinstan using X-ray diffraction, in which the phases were determined using the Rietveld refinement technique and X-ray fluorescence. It was found that after Galinstan exposure, hydrogen containing phases were present in the powder, suggesting that the hydrogen was lost from the magnetocaloric phase. The magnetocaloric phase degradation indicates that the powder was incompatible with the Galinstan metal in an environment with moisture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reassessment of Electromagnetic Core-Mantle Coupling and Its Implications to the Earth's Decadal Polar Motion

The observed Earth's polar motion on decadal time scales has long been conjectured to be excited by the exchange of equatorial angular momentum between the solid mantle and the fluid outer core, via the mechanism of electromagnetic (EM) core-mantle coupling. However, past estimations of the EM coupling torque from surface geomagnetic observations is too weak to account for the observed decadal polar motion. Our recent estimations from numerical geodynamo simulations have shown the opposite. In this paper, we re-examine in detail the EM coupling mechanism and the properties of the magnetic field in the electrically conducting lower mantle (characterized by a thin D″-layer at the base of the mantle). Our simulations find that the toroidal field in the D″-layer from the induction and convection of the toroidal field in the outer core could be potentially much stronger than that from the advection of the poloidal field in the outer core. The former, however, cannot be inferred from geomagnetic observations at the Earth's surface, and is missing in previous EM torque estimated from geomagnetic observations. Our deduction suggests further that this field could make the actual EM coupling torque sufficiently strong, at approximately 5 × 10(exp 19) Nm, to excite, and hence explain, the decadal polar motion to magnitude of approximately 10 mas.

Kuang, Weijia↗

Comparative study of machine learning techniques for post-combustion carbon capture systems

Computational analysis of countercurrent flows in packed absorption columns, often used in solvent-based post-combustion carbon capture systems (CCSs), is challenging. Typically, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches are used to simulate the interactions between a solvent, gas, and column's packing geometry while accounting for the thermodynamics, kinetics, heat, and mass transfer effects of the absorption process. These simulations can then be used explain a column's hydrodynamic characteristics and evaluate its CO 2 -capture efficiency. However, these approaches are computationally expensive, making it difficult to evaluate numerous designs and operating conditions to improve efficiency at industrial scales. In this work, we comprehensively explore the application of statistical ML methods, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and graph neural networks (GNNs) to aid and accelerate the scale-up and design optimization of solvent-based post-combustion CCSs. We apply these methods to CFD datasets of countercurrent flows in absorption columns with structured packings characterized by several geometric parameters. We train models to use these parameters, inlet velocity conditions, and other model-specific representations of the column to estimate key determinants of CO 2 -capture efficiency without having to simulate additional CFD datasets. We also evaluate the impact of different input types on the accuracy and generalizability of each model. We discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach to further elucidate the role of CNNs, GNNs, and other machine learning approaches for CO 2 -capture property prediction and design optimization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Translating nanoparticle dosimetry from conventional in vitro systems to occupational inhalation exposures

As encouraged by Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century, researchers increasingly apply high-throughput in vitro approaches to identify and characterize nanoparticle hazards, including conventional aqueous cell culture systems to assess respiratory hazards. Translating nanoparticle dose from conventional toxicity testing systems to relevant human exposures remains a major challenge for assessing occupational risk of nanoparticle exposures. Here, we explored existing computational tools and data available to translate nanoparticle dose metrics from cellular test systems to inhalation exposures of silver nanoparticles in humans. We used the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) Model to predict deposition of humans exposed to 20 and 110 nm silver nanoparticles at 0.9 µg/m3 over an 8 hr period, the proposed a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). MPPD predicts 1.88 and 0.98 µg of silver deposited in an 8 hr period for 20 and 110 nm nanoparticles, respectively, with 20 nm particles displaying nearly 11-fold higher total surface area deposited. Peak nanoparticle concentrations occurred more proximal in the pulmonary tract compared to mass deposition patterns (generation 5 vs. generations 20-21, respectively) due to regional differences in lung lining fluid volumes. Assuming 0.4% nanoparticle dissolution by mass as previously measured, we predict peak concentrations of silver ions in cells of 0.24 and 0.17 µg/mL for 20 and 110 nm particles, respectively. Both predicted concentrations are below the measured toxic threshold of 1.7 µg/mL of silver ions in cells from in vitro assessments. Assuming 4% dissolution by mass, we predict 10-fold higher silver concentrations in tissues, peaking at 2.4 and 1.7 µg/mL, for 20 and 110 nm nanoparticles respectively, exceeding the observed in vitro toxic threshold and highlighting the importance and sensitivity of dissolution rates. Overall, this approach offers a framework for extrapolating nanotoxicity results from in vitro cell culture systems to human exposures. Aligning appropriate dose metrics from in vitro and in vivo hazard characterizations and human pulmonary doses from occupational exposures are critical components for successful nanoparticle risk assessment and worker protection and provide guidance for designing future in vitro studies aimed at relevant human exposures.

Smith, Jordan N.↗

Investigation of Stress Field and Fracture Development During Shale Maturation Using Analog Rock Systems

The emergence of hydrocarbons within shale as a major recoverable resource has sparked interest in fluid transport through these tight mudstones. Recent studies suggest the importance to recovery of microfracture networks that connect localized zones with large organic content to the inorganic matrix. This paper presents a joint modeling and experimental study to examine the onset, formation, and evolution of microfracture networks as shale matures. Both the stress field and fractures are simulated and imaged. A novel laboratory-scale, phase-field fracture propagation model was developed to characterize the material failure mechanisms that play a significant role during the shale maturation process. The numerical model developed consists of coupled solid deformation, pore pressure, and fracture propagation mechanisms. Benchmark tests were conducted to validate model accuracy. Laboratory-grade gelatins with varying Young’s modulus were used as scaled-rock analogs in two dimensional Hele-Shaw cell apparatus. Yeast within the gelatin generates gas in a fashion analogous to hydrocarbon formation as shale matures. These setups allow study and visualization of host rock elastic-brittle fracture and fracture network propagation mechanisms. The experimental setup was fitted to utilize photoelasticity principles coupled with birefringence properties of gelatin to explore visually the stress field of the gelatin as the fracture network developed. Stress optics image analysis and Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) principles for crack propagation were used to monitor fracture growth for each gelatin type. Observed and simulated responses suggest gas diffusion within and deformation of the gelatin matrix as predominant mechanisms for energy dissipation depending on gelatin strength. LEFM, an experimental estimation of principal stress development with fracture growth, at different stages was determined for each gelatin rheology. Here, the interplay of gas diffusion and material deformation determines the resulting frequency and pattern of fractures. Results correlate with Young’s modulus. Experimental and computed stress fields reveal that fractures resulting from internal gas generation are similar to, but not identical to, type 1 opening mode.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Why ionizing radiation enhances surface wettability

Radiation-Induced Surface Activation is an inherent phenomenon where surfaces that are exposed to gamma irradiation are observed to undergo an increase in wettability. This increase in wettability as a result of the ionizing radiation exposure has so far been demonstrated to have a pronounced impact on Leidenfrost temperature and two-phase fluid dynamics. Test results from previous experiments have shown that incorporation of this effect on heat transfer equipment design may increase the thermal-hydraulic margin leading to higher thermal efficiency. However, the mechanism behind the increased wettability is not clearly understood. In the present work, three different materials (Zircaloy-4, 316 stainless steel, and copper) were exposed at two different dose rates with use of two different gamma irradiation facilities. A detailed surface characterization on the post-irradiated samples is carried out to understand the changes in surface chemistry, wettability and surface morphology. It is observed from the experiments that the increase in wettability upon irradiation depended on the total dose and not on the dose rate. Moreover, localized oxidation and porosity induced by radiolysis was seen to be the predominant mechanism behind increased wettability which leads to improved Leidenfrost temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simulations of Multi-Mode Combustion Regimes Realizable In a Gasoline Direct Injection Engine

Lean and dilute gasoline compression ignition (GCI) operation in spark ignition (SI) engines are an attractive strategy to attain high fuel efficiency and low NOx levels. However, this combustion mode is often limited to low-load engine conditions due to the challenges associated with autoignition controllability. In order to overcome this constrain, multi-mode (MM) operating strategies, consisting of advanced compression ignition (ACI) at low load and conventional SI at high load, have been proposed. In this three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics study, the concept of multi-mode combustion using two RON98 gasoline fuel blends (Co-Optima Alkylate and E30) in a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine were explored. To this end, a new reduced mechanism for simulating the kinetics of E30 fuel blend is introduced in this study. To cover the varying engine load demands for multi-mode engines, primary combustion dynamics observed in ACI and SI combustion modes was characterized and validated against experimental measurements. In order to implement part-load conditions, a strategy of mode transition between SI and ACI combustion (i.e., mixed-mode combustion) was then explored numerically by creating a virtual test condition. The results obtained from the mixed-mode simulations highlight an important feature that deflagrative flame propagation regime coexists with ignition-assisted end-gas autoignition. This study also identifies a role of turbulent flow property adjacent to premixed flame front in characterizing the mixed-mode combustion. The employed hybrid combustion model was verified to perform simulations aiming at suitable range of multi-mode engine operations.

Kim, Sayop↗

Propagation of Cryogenic Thermal Fractures from Unconfined PMMA Boreholes

In cryogenic fracturing, a rock surface exposed to cryogenic fluids undergoes a large thermal gradient, and the resultant local tensile stress overcomes rock strength and initiates fractures. This study investigates the development of cracks generated from the cryogenic treatment of a borehole under no external confining stress on specimens. The experiments were performed on transparent PMMA specimens to observe fracture proliferation around boreholes. Liquid nitrogen was flowed through the boreholes to cool the borehole surface. The results show that initial fracture growth is characterized by abrupt starts and stops, and as the fracture propagates outward, the growth appears more continuous. In an early stage, horizontal/radial fractures and vertical fractures are the defining patterns. Horizontal fractures tend to be separated by a specific exclusion distance (i.e., spacing between cracks). While distinct horizontal/vertical fractures and exclusion distance manifest themselves at an early stage, fractures resulting from fracture interactions and curvatures can develop into complex shapes at later stages. Cryogenic thermal loading induces distinctively curved fractures. The tendency of curvature may prevent greater penetration. An increase in the borehole pressure during liquid nitrogen flow, however, can lessen fracture tortuosity and facilitate radial propagation. A high flow pressure and rate are also advantageous in that they accelerate cooling and fracture propagation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Why ionizing radiation enhances surface wettability

Radiation-Induced Surface Activation is an inherent phenomenon where surfaces that are exposed to gamma irradiation are observed to undergo an increase in wettability. This increase in wettability as a result of the ionizing radiation exposure has so far been demonstrated to have a pronounced impact on Leidenfrost temperature and two-phase fluid dynamics. Test results from previous experiments have shown that incorporation of this effect on heat transfer equipment design may increase the thermal-hydraulic margin leading to higher thermal efficiency. However, the mechanism behind the increased wettability is not clearly understood. In the present work, three different materials (Zircaloy-4, 316 stainless steel, and copper) were exposed at two different dose rates with use of two different gamma irradiation facilities. A detailed surface characterization on the post-irradiated samples is carried out to understand the changes in surface chemistry, wettability and surface morphology. It is observed from the experiments that the increase in wettability upon irradiation depended on the total dose and not on the dose rate. Moreover, localized oxidation and porosity induced by radiolysis was seen to be the predominant mechanism behind increased wettability which leads to improved Leidenfrost temperature.

Seshadria, Arunkumar↗

NASA GRC Stirling Technology Development Overview

The Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin (LM), Stirling Technology Company, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) are developing a high-efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for potential NASA Space Science missions. The SRG is being developed for multimission use, including providing spacecraft onboard electric power for NASA deep space missions and power for unmanned Mars rovers. NASA GRC is conducting an in- house supporting technology project to assist in developing the Stirling convertor for space qualification and mission implementation. Preparations are underway for a thermalhacuum system demonstration and unattended operation during endurance testing of the 55-We Technology Demonstration Convertors. Heater head life assessment efforts continue, including verification of the heater head brazing and heat treatment schedules and evaluation of any potential regenerator oxidation. Long-term magnet aging tests are continuing to characterize any possible aging in the strength or demagnetization resistance of the permanent magnets used in the linear alternator. Testing of the magnet/lamination epoxy bond for performance and lifetime characteristics is now underway. These efforts are expected to provide key inputs as the system integrator, LM, begins system development of the SRG. GRC is also developing advanced technology for Stirling convertors. Cleveland State University (CSU) is progressing toward a multi-dimensional Stirling computational fluid dynamics code, capable of modeling complete convertors. Validation efforts at both CSU and the University of Minnesota are complementing the code development. New efforts have been started this year on a lightweight convertor, advanced controllers, high-temperature materials, and an end-to-end system dynamics model. Performance and mass improvement goals have been established for second- and third-generation Stirling radioisotope power systems.

Thieme, Lanny G.↗

Crystal Growth of Ternary Compound Semiconductors in Low Gravity Environment

A low gravity material experiment will be performed in the Material Science Research Rack (MSRR) on International Space Station (ISS). There are two sections of the flight experiment: (I) crystal growth of ZnSe and related ternary compounds, such as ZnSeS and ZnSeTe, by physical vapor transport (PVT) and (II) melt growth of CdZnTe by directional solidification. The main objective of the project is to determine the relative contributions of gravity-driven fluid flows to the compositional distribution, incorporation of impurities and defects, and deviation from stoichiometry observed in the grown crystals as results of buoyancy-driven convection and growth interface fluctuations caused by irregular fluid-flows on Earth. The investigation consists of extensive ground-based experimental and theoretical research efforts and concurrent flight experimentation. This talk will focus on the ground-based studies on the PVT crystal growth of ZnSe and related ternary compounds. The objectives of the ground-based studies are (1) obtain the experimental data and conduct the analyses required to define the optimum growth parameters for the flight experiments, (2) perfect various characterization techniques to establish the standard procedure for material characterization, (3) quantitatively establish the characteristics of the crystals grown on Earth as a basis for subsequent comparative evaluations of the crystals grown in a low-gravity environment and (4) develop theoretical and analytical methods required for such evaluations. ZnSe and related ternary compounds have been grown by vapor transport technique with real time in-situ non-invasive monitoring techniques. The grown crystals have been characterized extensively by various techniques to correlate the grown crystal properties with the growth conditions.

Su, Ching-Hua↗