259 research outputs found
Hardware for digitally controlled scanned probe microscopes
The design and implementation of a flexible and modular digital control and data acquisition system for scanned probe microscopes (SPMs) is presented. The measured performance of the system shows it to be capable of 14-bit data acquisition at a 100-kHz rate and a full 18-bit output resolution resulting in less than 0.02-Å rms position noise while maintaining a scan range in excess of 1 µm in both the X and Y dimensions. This level of performance achieves the goal of making the noise of the microscope control system an insignificant factor for most experiments. The adaptation of the system to various types of SPM experiments is discussed. Advances in audio electronics and digital signal processors have made the construction of such high performance systems possible at low cost
Electrostatic Active Radiation Shielding -- Revisited
For the success of NASA\u27s new vision for space exploration to Moon, Mars and beyond, exposures from the hazards of severe space radiation in deep space long duration missions is \u27\u27a must solve\u27\u27 problem The payload penalty demands a very stringent requirement on the design of the spacecrafts for human deep space missions. Langley has developed state-of-the-art radiation protection and shielding technology for space missions. The exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) to enable routine access to space require protection from the hazards of the accumulated exposures of space radiation, galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPE), and minimizing the production of secondary radiation is a great advantage. There is a need to look to new horizons for newer technologies. The present investigation revisits electrostatic active radiation shielding and explores the feasibility of using the electrostatic shielding in concert with the innovative materials shielding and protection technologies. The full space radiation environment has been used for the investigation. The goal is to repel enough positive charge ions so that they miss the spacecraft without attracting thermal electrons. Conclusions are drawn, should the electrostatic shielding be successful, for the future directions of space radiation protection
Annular Air Leaks in a Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank
Large liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks are vital infrastructure for NASA, the DOD, and industrial users. Over time, air may leak into the evacuated, perlite filled annular region of these tanks. Once inside, the extremely low temperatures will cause most of the air to freeze. If a significant mass of air is allowed to accumulate, severe damage can result from nominal draining operations. Collection of liquid air on the outer shell may chill it below its ductility range, resulting in fracture. Testing and analysis to quantify the thermal conductivity of perlite that has nitrogen frozen into its interstitial spaces and to determine the void fraction of frozen nitrogen within a perlite-frozen nitrogen mixture is presented. General equations to evaluate methods for removing frozen air, while avoiding fracture, are developed. A hypothetical leak is imposed on an existing tank and a full analysis of that leak is detailed. This analysis includes a thermal model of the tank and a time-to-failure calculation. Approaches to safely remove the frozen air are analyzed, leading to the conclusion that the optimal approach is to allow the frozen air to melt and use a water stream to prevent the outer shell from chilling
Characterizing the Performance of Liquid Oxygen in a Magnetic Fluid Management System
The strong paramagnetic susceptibility of liquid oxygen (LOX) has established it as a good candidate for a cryogenic magnetic fluid system. While these properties have been defined for several decades, the continuing advancement and requirements of space technology will soon find a suitable application for a magnetic fluid system which can operate reliably and efficiently. Testing has begun on the dynamics of LOX when applied to electrically-induced steady and varying magnetic fields within a solenoid. The performance of LOX as a working fluid was characterized by its operability and sustainable pressure before breakdown. This paper presents numerical and experimental data on the performance characteristics of LOX in a magnetic fluid management system
Arfid: A Reconfigurable Fabric of Input Devices for the Internet of Things
Abstract Low-cost, easily deployable, reconfigurable, movable input devices can enable adaptive workflows in commercial, industrial, and home environments. A key limitation of previous reconfigurable control systems is their high cost or maintenance burden (e.g., battery changes or wiring setup). Our poster presents Arfid, a "fabric" for reconfigurable input devices that connects low-cost, battery-free inputs to arbitrarily specified functions in their surroundings via a buildingwide network of RFID readers. Users can reassign controllers' functions using a simple web interface
The Safe Removal of Frozen Air from the Annulus of an LH2 Storage Tank
Large Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks are vital infrastructure for NASA. Eventually, air may leak into the evacuated and perlite filled annular region of these tanks. Although the vacuum level is monitored in this region, the extremely cold temperature causes all but the helium and neon constituents of air to freeze. A small, often unnoticeable pressure rise is the result. As the leak persists, the quantity of frozen air increases, as does the thermal conductivity of the insulation system. Consequently, a notable increase in commodity boil-off is often the first indicator of an air leak. Severe damage can result from normal draining of the tank. The warming air will sublimate which will cause a pressure rise in the annulus. When the pressure increases above the triple point, the frozen air will begin to melt and migrate downward. Collection of liquid air on the carbon steel outer shell may chill it below its ductility range, resulting in fracture. In order to avoid a structural failure, as described above, a method for the safe removal of frozen air is needed. A thermal model of the storage tank has been created using SINDA/FLUINT modeling software. Experimental work is progressing in an attempt to characterize the thermal conductivity of a perlite/frozen nitrogen mixture. A statistical mechanics model is being developed in parallel for comparison to experimental work. The thermal model will be updated using the experimental/statistical mechanical data, and used to simulate potential removal scenarios. This paper will address methodologies and analysis techniques for evaluation of two proposed air removal methods
Scanning tunneling microscopy of DNA: Atom-resolved imaging, general observations and possible contrast mechanism
We have shown that it is possible to image DNA with atomic resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), [R. J. Driscoll, M. G. Youngquist, and J. D. Baldeschwieler, Nature 346, 294 (1990)]. Here we describe that data together with our general observations on STM of DNA in ultrahigh vacuum. We also suggest a possible contrast mechanism for DNA imaging by STM based on wave function orthogonality requirements between a molecule and its substrate. Topographic images are presented which resolve atomic features in addition to the double helical structure and nucleotide pairs of the DNA molecule. Comparisons of experimental STM profiles and modeled contours of the van der Waals surface of A-DNA show excellent correlation. Successive scans show that the imaging is nondestructive and reproducible. For this study, double-stranded DNA was deposited on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite without coating, shadowing, or chemical modification
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