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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Does Mercury have a molten core

A feasible nonseismic observational experiment is proposed for determining the existence and extent of a conducting molten core within Mercury. This experiment would utilize the effects of a liquid core on the dynamics of Mercury's rotation; two necessary conditions for performing it are that the core must not follow the mantle's forced librations in longitude but must follow the mantle on the timescale of the 250,000-yr precession. A method is developed by assuming these conditions to be satisfied, and bounds are established on the core viscosity for which they are satisfied. It is shown that the value of the ratio of the moment of inertia of the mantle to the largest principal moment of inertia of the entire planet would indicate whether the core is most probably solid, partially fluid, or entirely fluid. Techniques are suggested for determining the unknowns required to compute the necessary ratio.

Peale, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Molten salt thermal energy storage for utility peaking loads

This paper considers the use of thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts to increase the capacity of power plants. Five existing fossil and nuclear electric utility plants were selected as representative of current technology. A review of system load diagrams indicated that TES to meet loads over 95% of peak was a reasonable goal. Alternate TES heat exchanger locations were evaluated, showing that the stored energy should be used either for feedwater heating or to generate steam for an auxiliary power cycle. Specific salts for each concept are recommended. Design layouts were prepared for one plant, and it was shown that a TES tube/shell heat exchanger system could provide about 7% peaking capability at lower cost than adding steam generation capacity. Promising alternate heat exchanger concepts were also identified.

Ferrara, A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Radiative and gas cooling of falling molten drops

The supercooling rate and solidification time for molten drops of niobium, copper, and lead are calculated. Calculations for both radiation and helium gas cooling are presented in order to estimate the influence that the presence of helium gas would have upon the cooling rate of falling drops in the Marshall Space Flight Center space processing drop tube.

Robinson, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

X-ray investigation of molten crystal hydrates H2SO4(nH2O) and HNO3(nH2O)

Integral analysis of the intensity of the electron density distribution curve in molten crystal hydrates provided by X-ray analysis, permits the following conclusions on the structure of the complex SO and NO ions, and the short-range order in the structure of the solution. The SO4 ion in the solution has a tetrahedral structure with an S to O distance equal to 1.5 A. For the NO3 in the solution, a planar triangular shape is probable, with an N to O distance equal to 1.2 A. Preferential distances between each of the oxygens of the SO ion and the nearest molecules of water proved near to the corresponding distances in solid crystal hydrates. For an (H2SO4)(H2O) solution, the average number of water molecules surrounding each oxygen atom of the SO4 (--) ion was on the order of 1.3 molecules. Hence the preferential distances between the water molecules and the oxygen atoms of the SO ion, and the preference of their mutual position, correspond to the fixed position of these same elements of the structure in the solid crystal hydrate.

Romanova, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High-temperature molten salt thermal energy storage systems

The results of comparative screening studies of candidate molten carbonate salts as phase change materials (PCM) for advanced solar thermal energy storage applications at 540 to 870 C (1004 to 1600 F) and steam Rankine electric generation at 400 to 540 C (752 to 1004 F) are presented. Alkali carbonates are attractive as latent heat storage materials because of their relatively high storage capacity and thermal conductivity, low corrosivity, moderate cost, and safe and simple handling requirements. Salts were tested in 0.1 kWhr lab scale modules and evaluated on the basis of discharge heat flux, solidification temperature range, thermal cycling stability, and compatibility with containment materials. The feasibility of using a distributed network of high conductivity material to increase the heat flux through the layer of solidified salt was evaluated. The thermal performance of an 8 kWhr thermal energy storage (TES) module containing LiKCO3 remained very stable throughout 5650 hours and 130 charge/discharge cycles at 480 to 535 C (896 to 995 F). A TES utilization concept of an electrical generation peaking subsystem composed of a multistage condensing steam turbine and a TES subsystem with a separate power conversion loop was defined. Conceptual designs for a 100 MW sub e TES peaking system providing steam at 316 C, 427 C, and 454 C (600 F, 800 F, and 850 F) at 3.79 million Pa (550 psia) were developed and evaluated. Areas requiring further investigation have also been identified.

Petri, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The interaction of molten silicon with silicon aluminum oxynitrides

Silicon aluminum oxynitride solid solutions (sialons) based on beta-Si3N4 and Si2N2O behave differently in contact with molten silicon. The Si2N2O-based sialons convert to almost pure Si3N4, apparently through a two-step decomposition and solution-precipitation reaction, whereas the beta-Si3N4 sialons are preferentially attacked at the grain boundaries. The composition of the grain-boundary phase appears to control the rate of reaction.

Wills, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The kinetics of the O2/CO2 reaction in molten carbonate - Reaction orders for O2 and CO2 on NiO

The kinetics of the O2/CO2 reaction in molten carbonate is investigated using paste electrolytes and nickel sinter electrodes. A two-step approach to the determination of reaction orders is employed. First, exchange currents at various P(CO2) and P(O2) were measured using the low polarization method. Second, alpha(+) and alpha(-) values were obtained from the slope of the Allen-Hickling plot for current densities low enough so that concentration polarization within the electrode can be neglected. The reaction orders are + 1/4 in CO2 and + 5/8 in O2 in the cathodic direction, and - 3/4 in CO2 and + 1/8 in O2 in the anodic direction.

Winnick, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A once-molten, coarse-grained, Ca-rich inclusion in Allende

A compact, spheroidal Type B inclusion in Allende contains melilite laths that project radially inward from the inclusion edge which show interference growth textures. The combined textural and chemical features of this object cannot be explained by independent vapor-solid condensation of grains in space, followed by random aggregation of these grains into an inclusion. Instead, it probably formed from a once-molten droplet that crystallized in response to radiative cooling from its outer surface. The crystallization sequence in this and another similar inclusion in which oxygen isotopes have been measured is melilite-spinel-anorthite-fassaite; this sequence shows that oxygen isotopic heterogeneities in coarse-grained inclusions were formed after complete solidification of these objects by partial exchange with a less O-16-rich gas, and not during or before a melting event.

Macpherson, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Melt segregation from partially molten source regions - The importance of melt density and source region size

An investigation is conducted regarding the changes expected in the density contrast between basic melts and peridotites with increasing pressure using the limited data available on the compressibilities of silicate melts and data on the densities of mantle minerals. It is concluded that since compressibilities of silicate melts are about an order of magnitude greater than those of mantle minerals, the density contrast between basic melts and mantle minerals must diminish significantly with increasing pressure. An earlier analysis regarding the migration of liquid in partially molten source regions conducted by Walker et al. (1978) is extended, giving particular attention to the influence of the diminished density contrast between melt and residual crystals with increasing source region depth and to the influence of source region size. This analysis leads to several generalizations concerning the factors influencing the depths at which magmas will segregate from their source regions and the degrees of partial melting that can be achieved in these source regions before melt segregation occurs.

Stolper, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Conduit for Transferring Molten Silicon

Proposed three-part conduit transfers pure silicon between crucibles. Four-strip heater augments layers of insulation to prevent molten silicon from cooling and solidifying during transfer. Since melt is maintained at temperature relatively close to fusion point, to minimize quartz erosion, even relatively-minor heat losses precipitate solidification and terminate work in progress. Several crucibles may be fed through conduits from central crucible. Each would be contained in its own compartment under inert atmosphere.

Fiegl, G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A partially molten magma ocean model

Under the assumption that the outer 300-400 km of the moon was at first only partially, rather than fully molten, an explanation of the properties of the lunar crust and upper mantle is obtained according to which nuclei of anorthositic crust formed over localized bodies of magma segregated from the partial melt, and then grew peripherally until fully covering the moon. Over most of its growth period, the anorthosite crust floated on a layer of magma whose thickness was regulated by the opposing forces of (1) loss of material by fractional crystallization, and (2) addition of magma from the partial melt below. The clustering of Eu, Sr and Mg values found among pristine ferroan anorthosites are predicted by this model.

Shirley, D. N.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Experimental observation of the thermocapillary driven motion of bubbles in a molten glass under low gravity conditions

An experiment was carried out on board a Space Processing Applications Rocket with the aim of demonstrating bubble migration in molten glass due to a temperature gradient under low gravity conditions. During the flight, a sample of a sodium borate melt with a specific bubble array, contained in a platinum/fused silica cell, was subjected to a well defined temperature gradient for more than 4 minutes. Photographs taken at one second intervals during the experiment clearly show that the bubbles move toward the hot spot on the platinum heater strip. This result is consistent with the predictions of the theory of thermocapillary driven bubble motion.

Smith, H. D.↗
NASA NTRS1983

High-temperature molten salt thermal energy storage systems for solar applications

Experimental results of compatibility screening studies of 100 salt/containment/thermal conductivity enhancement (TCE) combinations for the high temperature solar thermal application range of 704 deg to 871 C (1300 to 1600 F) are presented. Nine candidate containment/HX alloy materials and two TCE materials were tested with six candidate solar thermal alkali and alkaline earth carbonate storage salts (both reagent and technical grade of each). Compatibility tests were conducted with salt encapsulated in approx. 6.0 inch x 1 inch welded containers of test material from 300 to 3000 hours. Compatibility evaluations were end application oriented, considering the potential 30 year lifetime requirement of solar thermal power plant components. Analyses were based on depth and nature of salt side corrosion of materials, containment alloy thermal aging effects, weld integrity in salt environment, air side containment oxidation, and chemical and physical analyses of the salt. A need for more reliable, and in some cases first time determined thermophysical and transport property data was also identified for molten carbonates in the 704 to 871 C temperature range. In particular, accurate melting point (mp) measurements were performed for Li2CO3 and Na2CO3 while melting point, heat of fusion, and specific heat determinations were conducted on 81.3 weight percent Na2CO3-18.7 weight percent K2CO3 and 52.2 weight percent BaCO3-47.8 weight percent Na2CO3 to support future TES system design and ultimate scale up of solar thermal energy storage (TES) subsystems.

Petri, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mechanism of corrosion of Ni base superalloys by molten Na2MoO4 at elevated temperatures

The corrosion of nickel base superalloy, U-700, by molten Na2MoO4 was studied in the temperature range of 750 deg to 950 deg C. After an induction period, the rate of corrosion is linear and catastrophic corrosion is observed. It is shown that the induction period is associated with the attainment of a minimum MoO3 activity in the melt, which corresponds to the equilibrium MoO3 activity for the reaction, 2MoO3(l) + Mo = 3MoO2(s). A mechanism is proposed to describe the catastrophic nature of corrosion, which involves transport of Ni++ through the melt resulting in formulation of NiO at the melt gas interface and basic fluxing of Cr2O3. The effect of the amount of Na2MoO4 on the corrosion kinetics was also studied. It is found that evaporation and the thermodynamic calculations for the Na2MoO4 - MoO3 system the activity of MoO3 is reduced considerably when dissolved in Na2MoO4, which causes a sharp decrease in the rate of evaporation of MoO3 from a Na2MoO4 - MoO3 melt.

Misra, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Was the early Earth completely molten?

The nature of the interior of the primitive Earth was examined. The question is posted: was the Earth a cold solid or was it a hot liquid, much like a lava lakes seen in today's volcanic cauldrons. The various energy sources available to heat the primitive Earth to see if they are sufficient to cause melting were analyzed. The two largest contributors to the Earth's early heat appear to be the heat due to accretion and the heat of core formation. The Earth formed by the accretion of particles ranging in size from millimeters to hundreds of kilometers and each impact into the protoearth provided more energy to heat the body. It is found that early in the Earth's history, the sinking of iron to the center of the Earth to form the core released a substantial amount of energy; enough to heat the entire Earth an average 2000 deg C. Mechanisms for the removal of such a large amount of heat appear inadequate to prevent substantial melting, and it is assumed that the Earth was completely molten, i.e., a magma ocean at one time early in its history.

Turcotte, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Undercooling of molten silicon

Droplets of uncoated molten Si(0.4-0.8 mm diameter) have been undercooled 250 C. Ge droplets of similar size have been undercooled 280 C in a B2O3 flux. The observed nucleation onset temperatures of both Si and Ge droplets are at or below the predicted amorphous phase melting temperatures T(al). The solidified structures were polycrystalline. The nucleation frequency I, calculated from the Si data (20,000/cu cm s at 240 + or - 20 C undercooling), should be an upper limit of the homogeneous nucleation frequency of the crystal phase, since it has not been established that nucleation was homogeneous in these experiments. However, this limiting I for Si indicates that homogeneous nucleation of crystal would not become appreciable in laser pulsing experiments until the liquid Si is undercooled to well below T(al).

Devaud, G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Vibrations Would Induce Flow In Molten Silicon

Flow patterns and velocities controlled to improve cystals. According to proposal, intense sound used to induce flow in molten silicon to increase quality of crystals grown in shallow-melt Czochralski process.

Barmatz, M. B.↗