Transparent sphere of polymethylmethacrylate with major zones and poles of cubic crystals is used to make crystallographic visualizations and to interpret Laue X ray diffraction of single cubic crystals

Bacigalupi, R. J.

Spakowski, A. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

March 1965
	 Brief 65-10065 
NASA TECH BRIEF H 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued by the Technology Utilization Division to summarize specific 
technical innovations derived from the space program. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical information, Springfield, Virginia, 22151. 
Spherical Model Provides Visual Aid for Cubic Crystal Study 
SPHERICAL PROJECTION OF A CUBIC LATTICE 
The problem: Visualizing the crystallographic 
planes of crystals in the cubic system and interpreting 
the Laue X-ray diffraction patterns of single cubic 
crystals. A simple three-dimensional model that would 
serve as a visual aid for these purposes was desired. 
The solution: An eight-inch transparent sphere of 
polymethylmethacrylate with all major zones and 
poles of a cubic crystal inscribed on its surface. A 
vernier protractor is used for making angular meas-
urements. 
How it's done: The sphere is machined from a 
laminated block of polymethylmethacrylate. Colored 
inks or paints are used to inscribe the major zones and 
spot all the poles usually associated with standard pro-
jections of the Laue patterns on the surface of the
sphere. The corresponding Miller index is marked 
alongside each spot representing a pole. The sphere is 
mounted on a felt-lined hardwood base which allows 
easy rotation to any desired orientation. Angular dis-
tances between any two pole positions are measured 
by means of a vernier protractor made to conform to 
the surface of the sphere. 
The zone lines represent the geometric relations 
of the various crystallographic planes of the cubic sys-
tem and aid in determining the orientation of all sur-
faces of a single crystal that is to be cut to a given 
shape when the orientation of one surface is known. 
The array of spots provides three-dimensional repre-
sentations of the X-ray diffraction patterns that would 
be obtained if a single cubic crystal were irradiated 
while at the center of a spherical film.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19650000064 2020-03-11T17:17:58+00:00Z
Notes: 
I. This model should find application as an aid to 
students of crystallography and in the initial in-
terpretation of fixed single-crystal X-ray diffrac-
tion patterns. 
2. OtheE transparent plastics could be used for mak-
ing the models. Large quantities could be inexpen-
sively made by molding the plastic in the form of a 
hollow sphere.
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio, 44135 
Reference: B65-10065 
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
commercial use of this invention. Inquiries about ob-
taining rights for its commercial use may be made to 
NASA, Code AGP, Washington, D.C., 20546. 
Source: A. E. Spakowski and 
R. J. Bacigalupi 
(Lewis-108) 
/ 
/ 
/ 
Brief 65-10065	 Category No. 03


Spherical model provides visual aid for cubic crystal study

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