Integrity of sulfur concrete subjected to simulated lunar temperature cycles

In view of potential application as a construction material on the lunar surface the mechanical integrity of sulfur concrete was evaluated after being subjected to simulated temperature cycles. Here, small cubes of sulfur concrete were repeatedly cycled between room (20 °C) and liquid nitrogen (−191 °C) temperatures after which they, and non-cycled cubes, were evaluated by compression testing. The compression strength of the non-cycled samples averaged ∼35 MPa (5076 psi) before failing whereas the cycled samples fractured at about 7 MPa (1015 psi). Microscopic examination of the fracture surfaces from the cycled samples showed clear de-bonding of the sulfur from the aggregate whereas it was seen adhering in those non-cycled. Based on a simple analysis it was concluded that the large strength discrepancy between cycled and non-cycled samples is due to differences between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials constituting the concrete.     

Sulfur “concrete” for lunar applications – Sublimation concerns

Melting sulfur and mixing it with an aggregate to form “concrete” is commercially well established and constitutes a material that is particularly well-suited for use in corrosive environments. Discovery of the mineral troilite (FeS) on the moon poses the question of extracting the sulfur for use as a lunar construction material. This would be an attractive alternative to conventional concrete as it does not require water. However, the viability of sulfur concrete in a lunar environment, which is characterized by lack of an atmosphere and extreme temperatures, is not well understood. Here it is assumed that the lunar ore can be mined, refined, and the raw sulfur melded with appropriate lunar regolith to form, for example, bricks. This study evaluates pure sulfur and two sets of small sulfur concrete samples that have been prepared using JSC-1 lunar stimulant and SiO₂ powder as aggregate additions. Each set was subjected to extended periods in a vacuum environment to evaluate sublimation issues. Results from these experiments are presented and discussed within the context of the lunar environment.     

基于差分吸收光谱技术的烟道SO2浓度的测量

利用差分光谱吸收（DOAS）技术，测量大气中痕量污染气体的浓度，是当前环保行业一项热门技术。对此方法适当改进，可以用来监测工业烟道排出的SO2的浓度和排放量，研究了利用DOAS技术测量烟气的测量方法、数据处理以及减小误差的方法，实现了烟气中SO2的在线实时测量。     

Atmospheric photochemistry above possible martian hot spots

Considering the possibility of outgassing from some localized sources on Mars, we have developed a one-dimensional photochemical model that includes methane (CH₄), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Halogens were considered but were found to have no significant impact on the martian atmospheric chemistry. We find that the introduction of methane into the martian atmosphere results in the formation of mainly formaldehyde (CH₂O), methyl alcohol (CH₃OH) and ethane (C₂H₆), whereas the introduction of the sulfur species produces mainly sulfur monoxide (SO) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Depending upon the flux of the outgassed molecules from possible hot spots, some of these species and the resulting new molecules may be detectable locally, either by remote sensing (e.g., with the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer on Mars Express) or in situ measurements.     

Study of ozone and sulfur dioxide using Thailand based Brewer Spectrophotometers

Ozone (O₃) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in a vertical column of the atmosphere in Thailand were obtained from the Brewers#121 and #120. There are similarities between the O₃ patterns obtained from the two sites, which are higher in the summer and rainy season compared with winter, although the magnitude of the change in Bangkok is greater than that in Songkhla. SO₂ values showed the summer months provide the higher SO₂ values in Bangkok, in contrast to Songkhla where the summer months give lower SO₂ values.