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At least 145 records · Page 8

Primordial stellar evolution - The protostar phase

The structure and evolution of a protostar forming from a cloud composed of pure hydrogen and helium gas are calculated. Using an accretion rate of 0.0044 solar mass/yr, the collapse of the cloud is followed numerically as a sequence of steady state accretion flows onto the hydrostatic core, which grows from an initial mass of 0.01 solar mass to 10.5 solar masses. The core is surrounded by an optically thick radiative precursor for most of its evolution. The core radius reaches 47 solar radii when the mass is 1 solar mass. For sufficiently massive cores, the deep interior contracts strongly, driving out a 'luminosity wave' which reaches the surface when the mass is 8 solar masses. This results in a large increase in core radius, the establishment of surface convection, and the disappearance of the radiative precursor. The dependence of core radius on the mass and accretion rate is analytically derived, and a new table or Rosseland mean opacities for metal-free gas is presented.

Stahler, S. W.↗

Structural monitoring of filamentary composites using embedded fiber optics

The feasibility of monitoring overall integrity of structural components made of filamentary composites, by embedding optical fibers between lamina of a composite beam, is investigated using a beam constructed of Kevlar/epoxy cloth with embedded optical fibers aligned with the longitudinal axis of the beam. Phase changes were monitored in three different optical fibers as the composite beam was subjected to pure bending, and the strain response of the fibers was compared to the strain gage readings taken at the surface, showing a strong correlation between the phase change and the applied deformation.

Cashon, John L.↗

Turbojet lift engine design for vtol transports

The pure hoverjet, utilizing separate turbojet engines for lift and cruise phases of flight, is an interesting high speed VTOL transport airplane configuration. The results of a brief analysis are presented with the intent to: (I) define the effects of some general powerplant installation and operating variables on VTOL transport performance; (2) indicate desirable turbojet lift engine design characteristics with respect to compressor pressure ratio, turbine inlet temperature, component efficiencies and thrust augmentation; and (3) examine the unique lift engine operating requirements for feasible ways of reducing engine specific weight. The figure of merit used to gauge airplane performance is airplane range.

M. J. Saari↗

Positive phase space distributions and uncertainty relations

In contrast to a widespread belief, Wigner's theorem allows the construction of true joint probabilities in phase space for distributions describing the object system as well as for distributions depending on the measurement apparatus. The fundamental role of Heisenberg's uncertainty relations in Schroedinger form (including correlations) is pointed out for these two possible interpretations of joint probability distributions. Hence, in order that a multivariate normal probability distribution in phase space may correspond to a Wigner distribution of a pure or a mixed state, it is necessary and sufficient that Heisenberg's uncertainty relation in Schroedinger form should be satisfied.

Kruger, Jan↗

A light-induced microwave oscillator

We describe a novel oscillator that converts continuous light energy into sta ble and spectrally pure microwave signals. This light-induced microwave oscillator (LIMO) consists of a pump laser and a feedback circuit, including an intensity modulator, an optical fiber delay line, a photodetector, an amplifier, and a filter. We develop a quasilinear theory and obtain expressions for the threshold condition, the amplitude, the frequency, the line width, and the spectral power density of the oscillation. We also present experimental data to compare with the theoretical results. Our findings indicate that the LIMO can generate ultrastable, spectrally pure microwave reference signals up to 75 GHz with a phase noise lower than -140 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz.

Yao, X. S.↗

In-Situ Alloying of GRCop-42 via Additive Manufacturing: Precipitate Analysis

GRCop-42, a Cu-4at% Cr-2at% Nb alloy, was designed as a high temperature, high strength, high heat flux material for rocket engine combustion chamber liners by NASA Glenn Research Center. In situ alloying of GRCop-42 (ISGRCop-42) using powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) takes elemental powders of Cu, Cr, and Nb to be introduced into the PBF environment and develop the GRCop alloy while simultaneously building an AM component. Elemental powders were milled together prior to printing in an effort to facilitate the alloying process. Success of the in situ alloying process may provide lower cost, faster lead times, alloying optimization, and more design freedom in the development of regeneratively-cooled rocket propulsion systems. Evaluation of the ISGRCop-42 was conducted using a phase extraction procedure to isolate the Cr2Nb precipitates from the pure Cu matrix. The isolated precipitates were then examined using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that ISGRCop-42 successfully and repeatedly formed Cr2Nb at a yield as high as 89% of potential Cr2Nb. Further, it was identified that the preparation of the powder was the most influential factor in alloying success, and the second most influential factor was the laser power.

In Situ alloying↗

The phase diagram of hydrogen with other elements, and applications to Jovian planet interiors

The physical properties of pure hydrogen are studied under conditions appropriate to the interiors of Jupiter and Saturn (pressure of about 10 Mbar, T of about 80,000 K), and of Uranus and Neptune (pressure of about 0.5 Mbar, T of about 5000 K). Metallization of hydrogen takes place in Jupiter and Saturn but not in Uranus and Neptune. Hydrogen will be in a strongly interacting liquid phase in the deep interiors of all of the Jovian planets. Consideration is given to cases of hydrogen mixed with cosmically abundant impurities such as helium, oxygen, and carbon. Observational results for abundances in Jovian planet atmospheres and their possible relation to processes in the deep interior and to flow measurements are discussed.

Hubbard, W. B.↗

The design of an Fe-12Mn-O.2Ti alloy steel for low temperature use

An investigation was made to improve the low temperature mechanical properties of Fe-8 approximately 12% Mn-O 2Ti alloy steels. A two-phase(alpha + gamma) tempering in combination with cold working or hot working was identified as an effective treatment. A potential application as a Ni-free cryogenic steel was shown for this alloy. It was also shown that an Fe-8Mn steel could be grain-refined by a purely thermal treatment because of its dislocated martensitic structure and absence of epsilon phase. A significant reduction of the ductile-brittle transition temperature was obtained in this alloy. The nature and origin of brittle fracture in Fe-Mn alloys were also investigated. Two embrittling regions were found in a cooling curve of an Fe-12Mn-O 2Ti steel which was shown to be responsible for intergranular fracture. Auger electron spectroscopy identified no segregation during solution-annealing treatment. Avoiding the embrittling zones by controlled cooling led to a high cryogenic toughness in a solution-annealed condition.

Hwang, S. K.↗

Analysis of Phase Separation in Czochralski Grown Single Crystal Ilmenite

Ilmenite (FeTiOs) is a wide bandgap semiconductor with an energy gap of 2.58 eV. Ilmenite has properties suited for radiation tolerant applications, as well as a variety of other electronic applications. Single crystal ilmenite has been grown from the melt using the Czochralski method. Growth conditions have a profound effect on the microstructure of the samples. Here we present data from a variety of analytical techniques which indicate that some grown crystals exhibit distinct phase separation during growth. This phase separation is apparent for both post-growth annealed and unannealed samples. Under optical microscopy, there appear two distinct areas forming a matrix with an array of dots on order of 5 pm diameter. While appearing bright in the optical micrograph, atomic force microscope (AFM) shows the dots to be shallow pits on the surface. Magnetic force microscope (MFM) shows the dots to be magnetic. Phase identification via electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) indicates two major phases in the unannealed samples and four in the annealed samples, where the dots appear to be almost pure iron. This is consistent with micrographs taken with a scanning probe microscope used in the magnetic force mode. Samples that do not exhibit the phase separation have little or no discernible magnetic structure detectable by the MFM.

Wilkins, R.↗

An interface tracking method applied to morphological evolution during phase change

The focus of this work is the numerical simulation of interface motion during solidification of pure materials. First, the applicability of the oft-used quasi-stationary approximation for interface motion is assessed. It is seen that such an approximation results in poor accuracy for nontrivial Stefan numbers. Solution of the full set of equations including grid movement terms yields close agreement with analytical results. Next, a generic interface tracking procedure is designed, which overcomes restrictions of single-valuedness of the interface imposed by commonly used mapping methods. This method incorporates with ease interface phenomena involving curvature, which assume importance at the smaller scales of a deformed interface. The method is then applied to study the development of a morphologically unstable phase interface. The issue of appropriate scaling has been addressed. The Gibbs-Thomson effect for curved interfaces has been included. The evolution of the interface, with the competing mechanisms of undercooling and surface tension is found to culminate in tip-splitting, cusp formation and persistent cellular development.

Shyy, W.↗

Experimental and finite element investigation of the buckling characteristics of a beaded skin panel for a hypersonic aircraft

As part of NASA's continuing research into hypersonics and 85 square foot hypersonic wing test section of a proposed hypersonic research airplane was laboratory tested. The project reported on in this paper has carried the hypersonic wing test structure project one step further by testing a single beaded panel to failure. The primary interest was focused upon the buckling characteristics of the panel under pure compression with boundary conditions similar to those found in a wing mounted condition. Three primary phases of analysis are included in the report. These phases include: experimental testing of the beaded panel to failure; finite element structural analysis of the beaded panel with the computer program NASTRAN; a summary of the semiclassical buckling equations for the beaded panel under purely compressive loads. Comparisons between each of the analysis methods are also included.

Siegel, W. H.↗

Characterizations of four specimens processed as a part of the M553 sphere forming experiment performed during the Skylab 1 and 2 flight

Four specimens identified as SL-1.3, SL-1.8, SL-1.9 and SL-2.5 were submitted for metallurgical characterization. These specimens had been processed in the M512 Facility as a part of the M553 Sphere Forming Experiment performed during the Skylab 1/2 flight. Three of these specimens, SL-1.3, SL-1.8, and SL-2.5 were designed to be melted completely by the electron beam and detach themselves from their support posts and resolidify while floating free in the near zero gravity and vacuum environment of space. Specimens SL-1.3 and SL-1.8 were completely melted, but it is believed they did not leave their posts before solidifying. Specimen SL-2.5 was only partially melted. Specimen SL-1.9 was to be completely melted and retained on a large sting which was accomplished as planned. The nominal composition of the four specimens was: (1) SL-1.3 - Ni 12% Sn; (2) SL-1.8 - Ni 30% Cu; (3) SL-1.9 - Pure Ni; and (4) SL-2.5 - Pure Ni. These four specimens have been examined according to the Phase B Characterization Plan. The results are discussed and compared with similar characterization analyses run on ground base specimens.

Hubbard, J. L.↗

Colorimetry and magnitudes of asteroids

In the present paper, 1500 UBV observations are analyzed by a new rather general multiple scattering theory which provided clear insight into previously poorly-recognized optical nature of asteroid surfaces. Thus, phase curves are shown to consist of a surface-texture controlled component, due to singly scattered light, and a component due to multiple scattering. Phase curve shapes can be characterized by a single parameter, the multiple scattering factor, Q. As Q increases, the relative importance of the opposition effect diminishes. Asteroid surfaces are particulate and strikingly similar to texture, being moderately porous and moderately rough on a scale greater than the wavelength of light. In concequence, Q (and also the phase coefficient) correlate well with geometric albedo, and there exists a purely photometric means of determining albedos and diameters.

Bowell, E.↗

"Reagentless" flow injection determination of ammonia and urea using membrane separation and solid phase basification

Flow injection analysis instrumentation and methodology for the determination of ammonia and ammonium ions in an aqueous solution are described. Using in-line solid phase basification beds containing crystalline media. the speciation of ammoniacal nitrogen is shifted toward the un-ionized form. which diffuses in the gas phase across a hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membrane into a pure-water-containing analytical stream. The two streams flow in a countercurrent configuration on opposite sides of the membrane. The neutral pH of the analytical stream promotes the formation of ammonium cations, which are detected using specific conductance. The methodology provides a lower limit of detection of 10 microgram/L and a dynamic concentration range spanning three orders of magnitude using a 315-microliters sample injection volume. Using immobilized urease to enzymatically promote the hydrolysis of urea to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide, the technique has been extended to the determination of urea.

NASA Center JSC↗

LISA and LISA Pathfinder: Gravitational Wave Observation in Space

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a planned NASA-ESA gravitational wave observatory in the frequency range of 0.1 mHz--100 mHz. This observation band is inaccessible to ground-based detectors due to fluctuations in the Earth gravitational field. Gravitational wave sources for LISA include galactic binaries, mergers of supermassive black-hole binaries, extreme-mass-ratio inspirals, and cosmology backgrounds and bursts. LISA is a constellation of three spacecraft separated by 5 million km in an equilateral triangle, whose center follows the Earth in a heliocentric orbit with an orbital phase offset of 20 degrees. Challenging technology is required to ensure pure geodetic trajectories of the six onboard test masses, whose distance fluctuations will be measured by interspacecraft laser interferometers with picometer accuracy. LISA Pathfinder is an ESA-launched technology demonstration mission of key LISA subsystems such as spacecraft control with micronewton thrusters, test mass drag-free control, and precision laser interferometry between free-flying test masses. Ground testing of hardware of the Gravitational Reference Sensor and Optical Metrology subsystems of LISA Pathfinder is currently ongoing. A detailed description of the two missions and an overview of current investigations conducted by the community will be discussed. The current status in development and implementation of LISA Pathfinder pre-flight systems and latest results of the ongoing ground testing efforts will also be presented.

Guzman, Felipe↗

Laser Interferometry for Gravitational Wave Observation: LISA and LISA Pathfinder

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a planned NASA-ESA gravitational wave observatory in the frequency range of 0.1mHz-100mHz. This observation band is inaccessible to ground-based detectors due to the large ground motions of the Earth. Gravitational wave sources for LISA include galactic binaries, mergers of supermasive black-hole binaries, extreme-mass-ratio inspirals, and possibly from as yet unimagined sources. LISA is a constellation of three spacecraft separated by 5 million km in an equilateral triangle, whose center follows the Earth in a heliocentric orbit with an orbital phase offset oF 20 degrees. Challenging technology is required to ensure pure geodetic trajectories of the six onboard test masses, whose distance fluctuations will be measured by interspacecraft laser interferometers with picometer accuracy. LISA Pathfinder is an ESA-launched technology demonstration mission of key LISA subsystems such us spacecraft control with micro-newton thrusters, test mass drag-free control, and precision laser interferometry between free-flying test masses. Ground testing of flight hardware of the Gravitational Reference Sensor and Optical Metrology subsystems of LISA Pathfinder is currently ongoing. An introduction to laser interferometric gravitational wave detection, ground-based observatories, and a detailed description of the two missions together with an overview of current investigations conducted by the community will bc discussed. The current status in development and implementation of LISA Pathfinder pre-flight systems and latest results of the ongoing ground testing efforts will also be presented

Guzman, Felipe↗

Reactions of silicon-based ceramics in mixed oxidation chlorination environments

The reaction of silicon-based ceramics with 2 percent Cl2/Ar and 1 percent Cl2/1 percent to 20 percent O2/Ar at 950 C was studied with thermogravimetric analysis and high-pressure mass spectrometry. Pure Si, SiO2, several types of SiC, and Si3N4 were examined. The primary corrosion products were SiCl4(g) and SiO2(s) with smaller amounts of volatile silicon oxychlorides. The reactions appear to occur by chlorine penetration of the SiO2 layer, and gas-phase diffusion of the silicon chlorides away from the sample appears to be rate limiting. Pure SiO2 shows very little reaction with Cl2, SiC with excess Si is more reactive than the other materials with Cl2, whereas SiC with excess carbon is more reactive than the other materials with Cl2/O2. Si3N4 shows very little reaction with Cl2. These differences are explained on the basis of thermodynamic and microstructural factors.

Marra, John E.↗