Project Title:

Novel Oxygen Atom Source for Material Degradation Studies

04.14-9030
Novel Oxygen Atom Source for Material Degradation Studies
Physical Sciences Inc.
P.O. Box 3100, Research Park
Andover
MA
01810
Caledonia
George
NAS7-963
Amount:   
JPL
NAS7-938

Abstract:

   NASA requires a ground-based test facility to study material degradationresulting from impact of energetic oxygen atoms exhibiting velocities appropriate
to low earth orbit.  Physical Sciences Inc. has demonstrated the ability to produce
a high flux pulse of oxygen atoms, with a characteristic velocity of 8 km/s, using
a laser breakdown technique.  We propose in the Phase II effort to build an O-atom
material erosion facility utilizing this technique for the O-atom source.  This facility
would have the capability of irradiating material specimens of area of up to 200
cm2 with an average high velocity O-atom of 5 x 1016 atm/cm2-s.  Facility diagnostics
would include real time mass removal evaluation, mass spectrometry and target effluent
radiative signatures.  This facility would provide the ability to provide material
aging simulations of interest to Space Shuttle and Space Station over relatively
short periods of time (1/2 day to 1 week).