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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 145 records · Page 8

Electron Radiation-Induced Nickel Nanoparticle Formation in KCl-ZnCl 2 Eutectic Molten Salt Using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Understanding the speciation and local structure of metal solutes in molten salts is essential for predicting thermal properties and the redox and corrosion potentials of molten salts for next-generation nuclear reactors and concentrated solar power plant applications. Here, we employ X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements to investigate the effects of electron irradiation on 0.1 wt % NiCl 2 dissolved in molten eutectic KCl-ZnCl 2 salt. Radiation-driven reduction of Ni 2+ leading to nucleation and growth of Ni nanoparticles is studied as a function of electron dose (3–15 MGy) and temperature. Quantitative X-ray absorption near edge structure and linear combination fitting are utilized to investigate the extent of reduction as a function of the electron dose and temperature. A multiple-scattering (MS) approach is used for extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis to deduce the size of the Ni nanoparticles formed and to understand the effect of the dose on the local structure of the nanoparticles. EPR studies on solidified NiCl 2 dissolved in molten eutectic KCl-ZnCl 2 salt show the formation of magnetic Ni nanoparticles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-resolution planar electron beam induced current in bulk diodes using high-energy electrons

Understanding the impact of high-energy electron radiation on device characteristics remains critical for the expanding use of semiconductor electronics in space-borne applications and other radiation harsh environments. Here in this paper, we report on in situ measurements of high-energy electron radiation effects on the hole diffusion length in low threading dislocation density homoepitaxial bulk n-GaN Schottky diodes using electron beam induced current (EBIC) in high-voltage scanning electron microscopy mode. Despite the large interaction volume in this system, quantitative EBIC imaging is possible due to the sustained collimation of the incident electron beam. This approach enables direct measurement of electron radiation effects without having to thin the specimen. Using a combination of experimental EBIC measurements and Monte Carlo simulations of electron trajectories, we determine a hole diffusion length of 264 ± 11 nm for n-GaN. Irradiation with 200 kV electron beam with an accumulated dose of 24 × 10 16 electrons cm -2 led to an approximate 35% decrease in the minority carrier diffusion length.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Space radiation effects on dimensional stability of composites

The long-term space environment at GEO, consisting of high doses (less than 10 to the 9th rads) of electron radiation and large cyclic (-157 C to +121 C) temperature changes, can significantly affect the dimensional stability of polymer matrix composites. Radiation alters the chemical structure of epoxies by both chain scission and cross-linking. In this paper, an attempt is made to summarize and examine the effects of electron radiation damage on dimensional stability of composites. Microcracking measurements were made for standard 177 C cure Gr/Ep, rubber toughened Gr/Ep, Gr/Polymide, and GR/Thermoplastic composites. Results show that radiation damage can significantly change matrix-dependent mechanical and physical properties of composites, with data explaining how these changes can affect their dimensional stability.

Tenney, Darrel R.↗

Effect of High Energy Radiation on Mechanical Properties of Graphite Fiber Reinforced Composites

The flexural strength and average modulus of graphite fiber reinforced composites were tested before and after exposure to 0.5 Mev electron radiation and 1.33 Mev gamma radiation by using a three point bending test (ASTM D-790). The irradiation was conducted on vacuum treated samples. Graphite fiber/epoxy (T300/5208), graphite fiber/polyimide (C6000/PMR 15) and graphite fiber/polysulfone (C6000/P1700) composites after being irradiated with 0.5 Mev electron radiation in vacuum up to 5000 Mrad, show increases in stress and modulus of approximately 12% compared with the controls. Graphite fiber/epoxy (T300/5208 and AS/3501-6), after being irradiated with 1.33 Mev gamma radiation up to 360 Mrads, show increases in stress and modulus of approximately 6% at 167 Mrad compared with the controls. Results suggest that the graphite fiber composites studied should withstand the high energy radiation in a space environment for a considerable time, e.g., over 30 years.

Naranong, N.↗

Long-term radiation effects on GaAs solar cell characteristics

This report investigates preliminary design considerations which should be considered for a space experiment involving Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. The electron radiation effects on GaAs solar cells were conducted in a laboratory environment, and a statistical analysis of the data is presented. In order to augment the limited laboratory data, a theoretical investigation of the effect of radiation on GaAs solar cells is also developed. The results of this study are empirical prediction equations which can be used to estimate the actual damage of electrical characteristics in a space environment. The experimental and theoretical studies also indicate how GaAs solar cell parameters should be designed in order to withstand the effects of electron radiation damage.

Heinbockel, J. H.↗

A NASA First in Nano-Technology: Nanoscale Vacuum Tube for Radiation Immune Electronics

Vacuum provides the fastest electron speed, better than any semiconductor. Nevertheless vacuum tubes were bulky, fragile and consumed much power. Now nanotechnology has enabled fabrication of vacuum tubes at nanoscale in silicon chips. The speed, immunity to radiation and high temperature operation are expected to revolutionize space electronics.

Ingrid Desilestre↗

Space radiation effects on the thermo-mechanical behavior of graphite-epoxy composites

This investigation of composite material properties utilized T300/934 graphite-epoxy that was subjected to 1.0 MeV electron radiation for a total dose of 1.0 x 10 to the 10th rads at a rate of 5.0 x 10 to the 7th rads/hour, simulating a worst-case exposure equivalent to 30 years in space. Mechanical testing was performed on 4-ply unidirectional laminates over the temperature range of -250 F (116 K) to +250 F (394 K). In-plane elastic tensile and shear properties as well as strength were obtained. The results show that electron radiation degrades the epoxy matrix and produces products that volatilize at the temperatures considered. These degradation products plasticize the epoxy at elevated temperatures and embrittle it at low temperatures, thereby altering the mechanical properties of the composite.

Milkovich, Scott M.↗

Mechanisms of degradation of graphite composites in a simulated space environment

Attention is given to degradation mechanisms for graphite/polysulfone and graphite/epoxy laminates exposed to ultraviolet and high-energy electron radiation in vacuum up to 960 equivalent sun hours and to 10 to the 9th rads, respectively. The materials showed good electron radiation stability as indicated by the low G values for gas formation and no evidence of mechanical property changes. Quantum yields for gas formation indicate poor stability to ultraviolet radiation. Mechanical property measurements did not show significant changes up to 960 ESH, with the possible exception of P1700/C6000. The main products of irradiation were identified as hydrogen and methane, along with high levels of CO and CO2.

Giori, C.↗

Investigation of degradation mechanisms in composite matrices

Degradation mechanisms were investigated for graphite/polysulfone and graphite/epoxy laminates exposed to ultraviolet and high-energy electron radiations in vacuum up to 960 equivalent sun hours and 10 to the ninth power rads respectively. Based on GC and combined GC/MS analysis of volatile by-products evolved during irradiation, several free radical mechanisms of composite degradation were identified. The radiation resistance of different matrices was compared in terms of G values and quantum yields for gas formation. All the composite materials evaluated show high electron radiation stability and relatively low ultraviolet stability as indicated by low G values and high quantum for gas formation. Mechanical property measurements of irradiated samples did not reveal significant changes, with the possible exception of UV exposed polysulfone laminates. Hydrogen and methane were identified as the main by-products of irradiation, along with unexpectedly high levels of CO and CO2.

Giori, C.↗

Absorption of infrared radiation by electrons in the field of a neutral hydrogen atom

An analytical expression for the absorption coefficient is developed from a relationship between the cross-section for inverse bremsstrahlung absorption and the cross-section for electron-atom momentum transfer; it is accurate for those photon frequencies v and temperatures such that hv/kT is small. The determination of the absorption of infrared radiation by free-free transitions of the negative hydrogen ion has been extended to higher temperatures. A simple analytical expression for the absorption coefficient has been derived.

Stallcop, J. R.↗

Method and apparatus for self-calibration and phasing of array antenna

A technique for self-calibrating and phasing a lens-feed array antenna, while normal operation is stopped, utilizes reflected energy of a continuous and coherent wave broadcast by a transmitter through a central feed while a phase controller advances the phase angles of reciprocal phase shifters in radiation electronics of the array elements at different rates to provide a distinct frequency modulation of electromagnetic wave energy returned by reflection in one mode and leakage in another mode from the radiation electronics of each array element. The composite return signal received by a synchronous receiver goes through a Fourier transform processing system and produces a response function for each antenna element. Compensation of the phase angles for the antenna elements required to conform the antenna response to a precomputed array pattern is derived from the reciprocal square root of the response functions for the antenna elements which, for a rectangular array of NXM elements, is a response function T(n,m). A third mode of calibration uses an external pilot tone from a separate antenna element. Respective responses are thus obtained from the three modes of calibration.

Wu, C.↗