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			Ultrafast Dynamic Study of Pre Self Regulated Regimes in Laser Induced Breakdowns for Space Surveillance Applications New Mexico Highlands University Physical Sciences Dr. Larry Sveum Abstract: This research project studied the dynamic effects occurring during the breakdown discharge formed by incident laser pulses on the surface of a solid target that simulates the surface of a planetary body. The particular area of interest is the initiation the breakdown and direct light solid state energy transfer processes occurring prior to formation of a plasma, sustained by the so-called self-regulated regime. The major practical implication addressed by this study was the assessment of conditions for maximum energy deposition into the solid target and, therefore, enhancement of the sensitivity and detection range for laser-assisted spectorsopcoic and mass spectrometric surveillance techniques.
			Broadening New Mexico Space Communication Horizons New Mexico State University Electrical Engineering Researcher: James Le Blanc Abstract: The challenges facing aerospace and space related activities are many. Present day orbital machinery is capable of measuring, and or photographing a wide variety of phenomena for a wide a variety of uses. With these machines in place, the problem becomes "How do we transmit all of this collected data to personnel on the ground for use?" As these machines become more powerful at collecting data, this "simple" problem becomes more difficult. The problem is made worse by the continual restrictions on the amount of radio frequencies (or spectrum available to perform the download function. The coupled effects of disappearing spectrum available for use and more prolific data generating machinery has placed a great importance on the communication functioning of space-ground links. The work performed has directly lead to improvement in our nonlinear translation to higher performance data communications systems for NASA's TDRSS system with the TDRSS ground station located here in New Mexico. As an added benefit, the research results may also find "dual use"implementations in the computer industries magnetic recording area.
			Initiation of Xenopus vestibular research at NASA Ames Research New Mexico State University Biology and Microbiology Department Dr. Elba Serrano Email: eserrano@nmsu.edu http://www.nmsu.edu/~molbio/mbfaculty/serrano.html Abstract: This program initiated vestibular research at the NASA Ames Center for Gravitational Biology. The research team was headed by an assistant professor of biology at NMSU (Serrano) and will included a NASA project scientist (Ostrach) and NMSU graduate students. Ongoing research in the Serrano laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach to study the structure and function of the developing Xenopus inner ear. This project built on results obtained with previous NMSGC funds that established a line of NASA-related research in PI’s laboratory. Results established the feasibility of using Xenopus as a model system for vestibular research and provided data that to be used to test hypotheses about the effects of altered gravity on the development of the vestibular system. The PI and her graduate students conducted experiments at the Ames Center for Gravitational Biology and the collaborating NASA project scientist to travel to NMSU to participate in follow-up data analysis and proposal development. Results provided preliminary data about the effect of altered gravity on the Xenopus vestibular system. The award allowed the PI to develop major grant proposals to be submitted to the NASA FAR and Gravitational Biology programs for long-term and short-term ground and flight-based experiments examining the cellular and molecular responses of the inner ear's mechanosensory apparatus to an altered gravity environment.
			An Experimental Investigation of the Catastrophic Disruption Process New Mexico Highlands University Physics Dr. Eileen Ryan eryan@mro.nmt.edu Abstract: This research involved characterization of the collisional process for non-spherical asteroid-body analogs under various impact conditions. Data was collected on the collisional disruption of ellipsoidal targets, and the results were used to test and refine the accuracy of predictions from a two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulation code. This study examined how laboratory results obtained for two ellipsiodal target types (ice and cement/silicate to represent the strength range of asteroid materials) are affected by impact location and angle of incidence. Through emphasizing more realistic details for target design and impact conditions, a better model to interpret asteroid collisional dynamics, ring particle interactions, regolith formation, and the formation process of asteroidal satellites was developed.
			An Archaeological Survey of the First U.S. Lunar Landing Site New Mexico State University Sociology and Anthropology Dr. Beth O'Leary Email: boleary@nmsu.edu http://www.nmsu.edu/%7Eanthro/new/exp/page.php?bar=700&page=oleary.html Abstract: This program nominated the Apollo 11 Lunar Site (Tranquility Base) as a National Historic Landmark under 36 CFR Part 65 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The documents were researched in NASA's archives in Houston, TX, the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Designation as a landmark would protect the site from potential damage or destruction the future by private companies involving a Federal undertaking.
			Understanding the Primary and Secondary Stars in Interacting Binaries New Mexico State University Astronomy Dr. Thomas Harrison Email: tharrisox@nmsu.edu http://ganymede.nmsu.edu/tharriso/ Abstract: It is believed that the majority of stars in the sky are actually composed of two stars that orbit each other, called binary stars. In the case of the sun, our companion "failed star" is Jupiter, an object that would have to have been ten times more massive to have become a true star. Most binary stars are in much tighter orbits. As these stars run out of hydrogen fuel as their centers, they expand to sometimes engulf their companions. In other cases, the expansion proceeds to the point where the gravity from the more massive component (the "primary") is sufficient to tear matter from the "secondary" star. In these cases a variety of explosive behavior results, depending on the nature of the two stars that compose the binary system. Such objects are loosely termed "cataclysmic variables" (CVs), due to their violent eruptions. To completely understand these systems, requires knowledge of the components making-up these binaries. Several parallel efforts that are tending towards convergence that will lead to breakthroughs in understanding the various components of a number of different types of CVs.
			Materials Characterization and Manipulation at Atomic Scale New Mexico State University Physics Dr. Jane Zhu Jane.Zhu@science.doe.gov Abstract: The long-term goal of the project was to study various nanostructures on silicon for nanoscale device applications. The objective of this research was to characterize and manipulate the atomic structures using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique to fabricate epitaxial quantum structures on silicon for nanoscale device applications and to investigate their structural and electronic properties. This research investigated the structure, kinetics and electronic properties of epitaxial silicon-based systems on an atomic scale and provided new insight into the heteroepitaxial nanostructures on a fundamental level, which is critical for the development and application of nanoscale devices using the well-established silicon processing technologies. Researchers studied the initial oxidation processes of silicon surface and how etching from this study will help the fabrication of epitaxial nanostructures on silicon. After the understanding of oxygen process on silicon, further studies on silicon atoms above the oxygen layer will be possible, as well as studies on local electronic properties.
			Experimental Investigation of Life Performance of Segmented Thermoelectric for Use with Radioisotope University of New Mexico Nuclear Engineering Dr. Mohamed El-Genk Email: mgenk@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~isnps/ Abstract: This research assembled a vacuum test stand that was used to conduct the performance and life test of the STE to be fabricated at JPL. These tests were conducted at typical operation conditions during the actual mission of 973 - 1200k hot-side temperature and 300 k cold side temperature and could continue to up to two years. During this time, sore of the STE unicouples being tested were removed for detailed measurements and characterization of the thermoelectric properties, and in turn quantify the causes of any measured degradation performance.
			Inflatable Membrane Telescope University of New Mexico Civil Engineering Dr. Arup K. Maji Email: amaji@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~amaji/ Abstract: Sending a payload to the Low Earth Orbit cost about $10,000 a pound. The cost of a space shuttle flight is about $300M. The cost increases as one tries to go further into space, which is typical for NASA’s infra-red imaging missions, to avoid the background radiation of the earth. A new class of structures could offer vastly improved resolution, and lower cost to orbit. RF antennas (radar and communication) for space based radar need to be >50m in diameter while requiring 1-2 mm RMS (root mean square) surface accuracy over the aperture (Jenkins et al. 1998). Solar concentrators require 2 mrad RMS slope error. Optical sensors will need surface accuracy in the range of 100 nm. These structures will have to be inflated and rigidized to provide structural stiffness and stability. Currently deployed membranes deviate from the ideal parabolic shape, by what is referred to as the 'W' error, caused by geometric nonlinearity (Jenkins, Marker and Wilkes, 1998). An integrated analytical and experimental program is being proposed to correct the shape of membrane reflectors using smart PVDF (polyvinylidene Fluoride) films, which expand or contract under an electric voltage. The study included the interaction between electrically (PVDF film actuation) and mechanically (suction pressure) induced strains in membrane structures. AFRL/VSSV has developed with industry collaboration a 8.6 meter diameter membrane with a 1.2 meter diameter inflatable torus that weighs a total of 8 kgs. (Figure 1). This project provided the necessary insight into the fabrication of membrane structures and associated structural systems and deployment mechanisms. The objective of this research was to provide rational design methods for high precision membrane structures. The proposed research built upon past and present collaborative efforts between AFRL (VS and DE) and NASA MSFC and LARC). The two primary tasks were the following: Experimental measurement of deformation in membrane material using laser based interferometry methods. Depending on the required sensitivity, ‘Moire Interferometry’ (0.1mm – 1 mm), or laser based ‘Electronic Speckle Interferometry’ (0.2microns – 100 microns) will be used to provide the full displacement field over the entire surface. Development of a finite element analysis scheme with an appropriate constitutive model to describe the coupled nonlinear behavior. The key questions to be answered were: Can we control the deformed shape (w and v) by independently controlling the amount of applied electrical field and mechanical load (p)? Can the other mechanical and physical properties of the material system be measured with sufficient accuracy to make precise control of the surface possible?
			Self Consuming Spacecraft University of New Mexico Civil Engineering Dr. Tang-tat Percy Ng Email: tang@unm.edu http://geolab.unm.edu/ngres.html Abstract: The main objective of this effort was to investigate the structural material behavior of Teflon reinforced with Kevlar whiskers. The following tasks were completed in this research. Task 1: Fabrication Process The fabrication procedure of test specimen will be developed, as there is no standard procedure in preparing the specimens. Different volume fraction (5, 10, 20, and 30%) of Kevlar whiskers will be introduced into the Teflon matrix. Two different fiber lengths (6.35 and 12.7 mm) and Kevlar pulp will be used as reinforcement. A total 72 specimens were fabricated. Task 2: Characterization of The Reinforced Teflon The tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of the Teflon composites (reinforced with Kevlar) will be obtained. Uniaxial tensile tests according ASTM D3039-76 (1990) will be performed. Tensile specimens are straight-sided coupons of constant cross section with adhesively bonded beveled glass/epoxy tabs. Type I uniaxial compression tests (ASTM D-3410-87) will be done on these Teflon composites. The coupons are tabbed with long tapered glass/epoxy tabs, leaving a gage section 1.27 cm long. The flexural strength of the Teflon composites will be tested using the standard three-point bending tests. In these tests, a flat specimen is simply supported. Task 3 Comparing Existing Theories The results from Task 2 were compared with existing theories in determining the best model to predict the properties of the Teflon Composites with different fiber volumes. Also the results were used to obtain the parameters in the Tsai-Wu failure criterion that will be used for designing composite structures for space applications.
			Nature of Spiral Galaxies New Mexico State University Astronomy Dr. Jon Holtzman Email: holtzx@nmsu.edu http://ganymede.nmsu.edu/holtz/ Abstract: Researchers used the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Apache Point Observatory to develop an observational study of spiral galaxies. A broad approach combining studies of the physical structure and the stellar content of spirals provides clues about the origin and evolution of these galaxies. The scientific goal of the project is to study both the structural parameters and the stellar content of spiral galaxies in an effort to understand their origin.

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for comments please contact nmsgc@nmsu.edu phone: 505-646-6414 fax: 505-646-7791 3050 Knox Street, Sugerman Space Grant Building date last modified: August 31, 2006