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At least 127 records · Page 7

In situ measurements of thermospheric composition, temperature, and winds by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry, in which a beam of electrons ionizes a sample of atmospheric gas and then analyses the ions thus produced to determine the concentration of each species in the sample, is presently evaluated as a basis for the study of earth atmosphere and other planetary atmospheres' properties. Recent applications of in situ mass spectrometry have measured thermospheric neutral gas composition, temperatures, and winds, with a spatial resolution sufficiently high to reveal previously unsuspected atmospheric variability. It is expected that analyses of these data will lead to a more detailed understanding of the deposition processes governing the thermosphere's highly variable structure.

Spencer, N. W.↗

Simultaneous, in situ measurements of OH and HO2 in the stratosphere

Stratospheric OH and HO2 radical densities have been measured between 36 and 23 km using a balloon-borne, in situ instrument launched from Palestine, Texas on August 25, 1989. OH is detected using the laser-induced fluorescence technique (LIF) employing a Cu-vapor-laser pumped dye laser coupled with an enclosed-flow detection chamber. HO2 is detected nearly simultaneously by adding NO to the sample flow to convert ambient HO2 to OH. Observed OH and HO2 densities ranged from 8.0 + or - 2.8 x 10 to the 6th and 1.4 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the 7th molec/cu cm, respectively, at 36 km, to 1.4 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the 6th and 3.0 + or - 1.0 x 10 to the 6th at 23 km, where the uncertainty is + or - sigma. The HO2 density exhibits a maximum in the 34-30 km region of 1.7 + or - 0.6 x 10 to the 7th. The data were obtained over a solar zenith angle variation of 51 deg at 36 km to 61 deg at 23 km. O3 and H2O densitites also were measured simultaneously with separate instruments.

Stimpfle, R. M.↗

In situ measurements of non-equilibrium positron state defects during He irradiation in Si

Radiation-induced property changes in materials originate from the energy transfer from an incoming particle to the existing lattice, displacing atoms. The displaced atoms can cause the formation of extended defects including dislocation loops, voids, or precipitates. The non-equilibrium defects created during damage events determine the extent of these larger defects and are a function of dose rate, material, and temperature. However, these defects are transient and can only be probed indirectly. Herein, we present direct experimental measurements and evidence of irradiated non-equilibrium vacancy formation, where in situ positron annihilation spectroscopy was used to prove the generation of non-equilibrium defects in silicon.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The performance of a new instrument for in situ measurements of ClO in the lower stratosphere

Abundances of chlorine oxide (ClO) have been measured from 16 km to 30 km by a new balloon-borne in situ instrument developed from an optical design flown previously on the NASA ER-2 aircraft. This instrument, a prototype for one to be flown on the Perseus remotely piloted aircraft, was one-third the weight of that on the ER-2, yet retained the high precision and accuracy necessary for detailed photochemical studies of the lower stratosphere. In this paper we discuss the performance of the instrument during its first flight on March 31, 1991 over eastern New Mexico.

Toohey, D. W.↗

In-situ measurement and control of the tool-workpiece interface temperature during friction stir processing of 304/304L stainless steel

Friction stir processing of 304/304L stainless steel is an area of interest for repair of spent nuclear fuel canisters. To enable repair without canister deflection or fracture, it is necessary to define the limitations for the depth of the processing zone which will be critically dependent on the thermal history of the material. Here, this work provides the first direct measurement of the interface temperature for friction stir processing of steel. The measured temperature is in the range of 850–1050 °C which is 20–30 % higher than previously reported values. Notably, the peak temperature occurs at the pin tip which is attributed to a higher sticking fraction and subsequently higher strain rate near the tool axis of rotation. Furthermore, a clear correlation between the temperature, grain size, and hardness is established within a single weld nugget and across different processing conditions. In the future, this data may lead to improved process modelling through direct validation and allow for property optimization through direct microstructure control.

304 stainless steel↗

In situ measurement of reactive neutral constituents in the thermosphere by atomic and molecular resonance fluorescence

The Tethered Satellite System in combination with in situ atomic and molecular resonance fluorescence techniques can treat the problem of simultaneously determining the absolute density of atomic and molecular species known to control the photochemical structure of the upper atmosphere. Two familities of reactants which can be treated by these techniques are the nitrogen oxygen family and the hydrogen oxygen family.

Anderson, J. G.↗

In-situ measurements for validation of microwave data - Problems, accuracies

This review covers the relationship between remotely sensed microwave data and data obtained in situ or from earth-based remote-sensing systems, both for validation of algorithms and as supplemental information for deriving a geophysical quantity. Parameters obtained from satellite microwave radiometers, the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer, and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager are emphasized. These include sea-surface temperature and wind speed, integrated atmospheric water vapor, cloud liquid water, and rain rate.

Katsaros, Kristina B.↗

Tunable diode laser IR spectrometer for in situ measurements of the gas phase composition and particle size distribution of Titan's atmosphere

A new instrument, the Probe Infrared Laser Spectrometer (PIRLS), is described for in situ sensing of the gas composition and particle size distribution of Titan's atmosphere on the NASA/ESA Cassini mission. For gas composition measurements, several narrow-band (0.0001/cm) tunable lead-salt diode lasers operating near 80 K at selected mid-IR wavelengths are directed over a path length defined by a small reflector extending over the edge of the probe spacecraft platform; volume mixing ratios of 10 to the -9th should be measurable for several species of interest. A cloud-particle-size spectrometer using a diode laser source at 780 nm shares the optical path and deployed reflector; a combination of imaging and light scattering techniques is used to determine sizes of haze and cloud particles and their number density as a function of altitude.

Webster, Christopher R.↗

In Situ Measurement of Atmospheric Krypton and Xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

Mars Science Laboratorys Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation has measured all of the stable isotopes of the heavy noble gases krypton and xenon in the martian atmosphere, in situ, from the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Previous knowledge of martian atmospheric krypton and xenon isotope ratios has been based upon a combination of the Viking missions krypton and xenon detections and measurements of noble gas isotope ratios in martian meteorites. However, the meteorite measurements reveal an impure mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and spallation contributions. The xenon and krypton isotopic measurements reported here include the complete set of stable isotopes, unmeasured by Viking. The new results generally agree with Mars meteorite measurements but also provide a unique opportunity to identify various non-atmospheric heavy noble gas components in the meteorites. Kr isotopic measurements define a solar-like atmospheric composition, but deviating from the solar wind pattern at 80Kr and 82Kr in a manner consistent with contributions originating from neutron capture in Br. The Xe measurements suggest an intriguing possibility that isotopes lighter than 132Xe have been enriched to varying degrees by spallation and neutron capture products degassed to the atmosphere from the regolith, and a model is constructed to explore this possibility. Such a spallation component, however, is not apparent in atmospheric Xe trapped in the glassy phases of martian meteorites.

Conrad, P. G.↗

The orbital debris detector consortium: Suppliers of instruments for in-situ measurements of small-particles in the space environment

Industry and university participants have joined together to form the IMPA:Ct consortium (In-situ Monitors of the Particulate Ambient: Circumterrestrial) which offers a broad range of flight qualified instruments for monitoring the small particle (0.1 micron to 10 cm) environment in space. Instruments are available in 12 months or less at costs ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 million dollars (US) for the total program. Detector technologies represented by these groups are: impact-induced capacitor-discharge (MOS, metal-oxide-silicon), cratering or penetration of electroactive thin film (polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)), impact-plasma detection, acoustic detection, CCD tracking of optical scatter of sunlight, and photodiode detection of optical scatter of laser light. The operational characteristics, general spacecraft interface and resource requirements (mass/power/telemetry), cost and delivery schedules, and points of contact for seven different instruments are presented.

Simon, C. G.↗

Origin of magnetite in oxidized CV chondrites: in situ measurement of oxygen isotope compositions of Allende magnetite and olivine

Magnetite in the oxidized CV chondrite Allende mainly occurs as spherical nodules in porphyritic-olivine (PO) chondrules, where it is associated with Ni-rich metal and/or sulfides. To help constrain the origin of the magnetite, we measured oxygen isotopic compositions of magnetite and coexisting olivine grains in PO chondrules of Allende by an in situ ion microprobe technique. Five magnetite nodules form a relatively tight cluster in oxygen isotopic composition with delta 18O values from -4.8 to -7.1% and delta 17O values from -2.9 to -6.3%. Seven coexisting olivine grains have oxygen isotopic compositions from -0.9 to -6.3% in delta 18O and from -4.6 to -7.9% in delta 17O. The delta 17O values of the magnetite and coexisting olivine do not overlap; they range from -0.4 to -2.6%, and from -4.0 to -5.7%, respectively. Thus, the magnetite is not in isotopic equilibrium with the olivine in PO chondrules, implying that it formed after the chondrule formation. The delta 17O of the magnetite is somewhat more negative than estimates for the ambient solar nebula gas. We infer that the magnetite formed on the parent asteroid by oxidation of metal by H2O which had previously experienced minor O isotope exchange with fine-grained silicates.

Iron/analysis/chemistry↗

Direct in situ measurements of electrical properties of solid–electrolyte interphase on lithium metal anodes

The solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) critically governs the performance of rechargeable batteries. An ideal SEI is expected to be electrically insulative to prevent persistently parasitic reactions between the electrode and the electrolyte and ionically conductive to facilitate Faradaic reactions of the electrode. However, the true nature of the electrical properties of the SEI remains hitherto unclear due to the lack of a direct characterization method. Here we use in situ bias transmission electron microscopy to directly measure the electrical properties of SEIs formed on copper and lithium substrates. We reveal that SEIs show a voltage-dependent differential conductance. A higher rate of differential conductance induces a thicker SEI with an intricate topographic feature, leading to an inferior Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability in Li||Cu and Li||LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 cells. Further, our work provides insight into the targeted design of the SEI with desired characteristics towards better battery performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

In Situ Measurements of Meteoric Ions

Metal ions found in the atmosphere above 60 km are the result of incoming meteoroid atmospheric ablation. Layers of metal ions are detected by sounding rocket in situ mass spectrometric sampling in the 80 to 130 km region, which coincides with the altitude region where meteors are observed. Enhancements of metal ion concentrations occur during meteor showers. Even outside of shower periods, the metal ion altitude profiles vary from measurement to measurement. Double layers are frequent at middle latitudes. More than 40 different meteoric atomic and molecular ions, including isotopes, have been detected. Atmospheric metal ions on average have an abundance that matches chrondritic material, the same composition as the early solar system. However there are frequently local departures from this composition due to differential ablation, species dependent chemistry and mass dependent ion transport. Metal ions react with atmospheric O2, O, O3, H2O and H2O2 to form oxygenated and hydrogenated ionic compounds. Metal atomic ions at high altitudes have long lifetimes. As a result, these ions, in the presence of Earth's magnetic field, are transported over long distances by upper atmospheric winds and ionospheric electric fields. Satellite measurements have detected metal ions as high as, approximately 1000 km and have revealed circulation of the ions on a global scale.

Grebowsky, Joseph M.↗

A Novel Telometric Metric for In-Situ Measurement of Intrauterine Pressure (IUP) in Pregnant and Parturient Rats

During labor and birth, considerable forces exerted on fetuses help instigate certain adaptive postpartum responses (viz., breathing and suckling). To make precise, reliable measures of the forces experienced by rat fetuses during parturition, we developed a novel method for measuring intrauterine pressure (IUP) in late pregnant rats. A small (1.25 x 4cm) telemetric blood pressure sensor is fitted within a fluid-filled balloon, similar in size to a full term rat fetus. The balloon is surgically implanted in the uterus on Gestational Day 19 of the rats' 22-day pregnancy. During birth, dams are able to deliver their pups and the balloon. IUP arsenals are recorded during labor (G22 or 23) and birth. Data derived from a group of implanted rats indicated that pressures on the balloon increased across the period of birth, reaching 18 mmHg during labor, 25 mmHg during pup births and 39 mmHg just prior to delivery of the balloon. These data are within the range reported for conventional IUP measurement techniques. Dams are simultaneously videotaped, enabling us to analyze behavioral expressions of labor contractions and to integrate in-situ and behavioral findings.

Baer, Lisa A.↗

Extinction coefficients from lidar observations in ice clouds compared to in-situ measurements from the Cloud Integrating Nephelometer during CRYSTAL-FACE

This paper presents a comparison of volume extinction coefficients in tropical ice clouds retrieved from two instruments : the 532-nm Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL), and the in-situ probe Cloud Integrating Nephelometer (CIN). Both instruments were mounted on airborne platforms during the CRYSTAL-FACE campaign and took measurements in ice clouds up to 17km. Coincident observations from three cloud cases are compared : one synoptically-generated cirrus cloud of low optical depth, and two ice clouds located on top of convective systems. Emphasis is put on the vertical variability of the extinction coefficient. Results show small differences on small spatial scales (approx. 100m) in retrievals from both instruments. Lidar retrievals also show higher extinction coefficients in the synoptic cirrus case, while the opposite tendency is observed in convective cloud systems. These differences are generally variations around the average profile given by the CPL though, and general trends on larger spatial scales are usually well reproduced. A good agreement exists between the two instruments, with an average difference of less than 16% on optical depth retrievals.

Noel, Vincent↗

A new technique for in situ measurement of the composition of neutral gas in interplanetary space

Neutral atoms in interplanetary space play an important role in many processes relevant to the formation and evolution of the Solar System. An experimental approach is proposed for in situ atom detection based on the conversion of neutral atoms to negative ions at a specially prepared sensitive surface. Negative ions are subsequently analyzed and detected in an essentially noise-free mode. The use of the technique for in situ study of the composition of neutral interstellar atoms is considered. It is shown that interstellar H, D, and O atoms and possibly H2 molecules can be measured by the proposed technique. The experiment can be performed from a high-apogee Earth-orbiting satellite or from a deep space probe. Possible applications of the technique are discussed.

Gruntman, Michael A.↗

Comparison of Land Skin Temperature from a Land Model, Remote Sensing, and In-situ Measurement

Land skin temperature (Ts) is an important parameter in the energy exchange between the land surface and atmosphere. Here hourly Ts from the Community Land Model Version 4.0, MODIS satellite observations, and in-situ observations in 2003 were compared. Compared with the in-situ observations over four semi-arid stations, both MODIS and modeled Ts show negative biases, but MODIS shows an overall better performance. Global distribution of differences between MODIS and modeled Ts shows diurnal, seasonal, and spatial variations. Over sparsely vegetated areas, the model Ts is generally lower than the MODIS observed Ts during the daytime, while the situation is opposite at nighttime. The revision of roughness length for heat and the constraint of minimum friction velocity from Zeng et al. [2012] bring the modeled Ts closer to MODIS during the day, and have little effect on Ts at night. Five factors contributing to the Ts differences between the model and MODIS are identified, including the difficulty in properly accounting for cloud cover information at the appropriate temporal and spatial resolutions, and uncertainties in surface energy balance computation, atmospheric forcing data, surface emissivity, and MODIS Ts data. These findings have implications for the cross-evaluation of modeled and remotely sensed Ts, as well as the data assimilation of Ts observations into Earth system models.

Modeling↗

Near Infrared In-situ Measurements for the Detection of Keyhole Porosity in Autogenous Ti-6AL-4V Welds

Certification of additive manufactured metal parts requires nondestructive evaluation (NDE) to ensure build quality. NDE can be performed during the build process or post build. For large parts with complex geometries, post build NDE can be challenging. In-situ NDE potentially provides a way to perform the inspection layer by layer. This work explores the use of a high speed near infrared (NIR) camera that is focused in-line with a laser to obtain high spatial and temporal resolution thermal imagery of the melt pool and associated cooling areas. The thermal data is obtained during a laser melting process using Ti-6AL-4V plate and of particular interest is the detection of keyhole porosity. Keyhole porosity can result from non-optimal build conditions, such as excessive laser power at a given laser scanning speed, that creates an entrapped bubble. The NIR measured melt pool and cooling areas are processed to detect keyhole porosity. The results are compared to X-ray CT results for validation.

additive manufacturing↗