NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Thermal and Evolved Gas Analysis of Hydromagnesite and Nesquehonite: Implications for Remote Thermal Analysis on MarsVolatile-bearing minerals (e.g., Fe-oxyhydroxides, phyllosilicates, carbonates, and sulfates) may be important phases on the surface of Mars. In order to characterize these potential phases the Thermal Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA), which was onboard the Mars Polar Lander, was to have performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and evolved-gas analysis of soil samples collected from the surface. The sample chamber in TEGA operates at about 100 mbar (approximately 76 torr) with a N2, carrier gas flow of 0.4 seem. Essentially, no information exists on the effects of reduced pressure on the thermal properties of volatile-bearing minerals. In support of TEGA, we have constructed a laboratory analog for TEGA from commercial instrumentation. We connected together a commercial differential scanning calorimeter, a quadruple mass spectrometer, a vacuum pump, digital pressure gauge, electronic mass flow meter, gas "K" bottles, gas dryers, and high and low pressure regulators using a collection of shut off and needle valves. Our arrangement allows us to vary and control the pressure and carrier gas flow rate inside the calorimeter oven chamber.
Document ID
20000111089
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Lauer, H. V., Jr.
(Lockheed Martin Space Mission Systems and Services Houston, TX United States)
Ming, D. W.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Golden, D. C.
(Hernandez Engineering, Inc. Houston, TX United States)
Lin, I.-C.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Boynton, W. V.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science
Location: Houston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 13, 2000
End Date: March 17, 2000
Sponsors: Lunar and Planetary Inst.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 898-10-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available