Engineering topics

Hartmann, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Hartmann, L..

At least 55 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet emission of the Vela supernova remnant and the Cygnus Loop

Ultraviolet emission spectra of several filaments in the Vela supernova remnant and the Cygnus Loop are compared with theoretical models of radiative shocks. Shock velocities range from 85 to 130 km/s. Little or no grain depletion is apparent. Several of the observed filaments deviate from the steady-flow models in the sense that much of the photoionization-recombination zone is absent. It is shown that resonance line scattering within the emitting region can account for the weakness of the C II 1335 and C IV 1550 lines. Evaporation fronts, which are basic to the McKee and Ostriker picture of supernova remnant evolution, do not contribute significantly to the observed emission. Some discrepancies in UV emission predicted by different sets of shock models are traced to differing atomic rates used in the calculations. A fluorescent emission line of H2 may be observable in some supernova remnants.

Raymond, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

On the relationship between coronae and mass loss in late-type stars

High-dispersion spectra taken with the IUE are used to examine the temperature stratification of the wind of the hybrid atmosphere star Alpha TrA (K4 II). C IV emission is shown to have a line width of 150-200 km/s, with Si III and C III exhibiting 100 km/s widths. It is suggested that the line widths reflect wind expansion, with C IV formed in an extended region flowing near the wind terminal velocity of 85 km/s. It is shown that the observed line widths can be accounted for by the stellar wind theory of Hartmann and MacGregor, in which the schematic dissipation of Alfven waves drives the outflow in addition to heating the wind. The observations of the warm expanding corona in Alpha TrA suggest a continuous progression between the high temperature low-mass-flux solar wind and the winds of luminous cool stars.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Coordinated X-ray, ultraviolet and optical observations of AM Herculis, U Geminorum, and SS Cygni

Simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous optical, UV and X-ray observations of the accreting degenerate dwarf stars AM Herculis, U Geminorum and SS Cygni are reported. The observations were obtained in March 1979, by instruments on board the Einstein Observatory and the IUE satellite, and optical properties were monitored on the ground. AM Her was found to be in a high state at the time of the observations, while SS Cyg and U Gem appeared to be in the optical low state. The presence of a strong UV excess is found in SS Cyg, U Gem and AM Her, which most likely originates from the boundary of the accretion disk in U Gem. The observed excess, with a blackbody component greater than 10 eV, is noted to be inconsistent with standard accretion disk and column models. It is suggested that nuclear burning at the surface of the white dwarf may be responsible for the excess UV flux in the three systems, with differences in spectral distributions resulting from different levels of magnetic field intensity and accretion rate.

Fabbiano, G.↗

NASA NTRS1981

IUE-Ultraviolet and optical chromospheric studies of late-type giants in the Hyades Cluster

Ultraviolet and optical observations of four bright, late-type giants in the Hyades cluster detected with IUE are presented in order to study chromospheric and coronal activity in stars of the same age. Two of the giants, 77 Tau and gamma Tau, clearly exhibit emission in the high temperature ions such as N V, C IV, and Si IV at levels several times larger than the upper limits for the other two giants, delta Tau and epsilon Tau. Comparison of the Mg II h and k fluxes and the Ca II K emission strengths shows that 77 Tau and gamma Tau have larger chromospheric radiative losses than delta Tau, epsilon Tau, and beta Gem, a field giant which also displays low upper limits to emission from high temperature ions. Coronal X-ray emission indicates that the surface flux in X-rays is an order of magnitude brighter in 77 Tau than in delta Tau. The results indicate that a parameter other than age, temperature, gravity or metallicity determines the amount of chromospheric and coronal emission in late-type giants.

Baliunas, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Observations of cataclysmic variables with IUE

Observations are reported of the cataclysmic variables AN UMa, 2AO311-227, VV Pup, DQ Her, and GK Per. Continuum emission was detected in the short wavelength region in DQ Her. This object exhibits a quasi-blackbody spectrum at short wavelengths, such blackbody components are a common property of the variables AM Her, SS Cyg, and U Gem, suggesting an underlying similarity in the activity of these diverse systems. Flat continuum components at longer wavelengths in general are not compatible with standard disk models. The emission line ratios in AE Aqr are anomalous in that C IV is absent to a very low level relative to N V.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Coordinated IUE, Einstein and optical observations of accreting degenerate dwarfs

Three binary systems believed to be composed of a white dwarf and a late type star, AM Her, SS Cyg, and U Gem were observed simultaneously in the IV X-ray and optical wavelengths. The system AM Her was in its customary high state at the time of the observations, while SS Cyg and U Gem were in a low state. In all three cases, a significant UV black body component with KT approximately greater than 10 eV was found. The flux in this component is in excess of the amount predicted by current scenarios of gravitational energy release.

Fabbiano, B.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Observations and theory of mass loss in late-type stars

The presented review is mainly concerned with the ubiquitous mass loss which occurs during most of a star's existence as a cool giant or supergiant. Observations of mass loss are considered, taking into account wind components and kinematics, and the temperature structure of cool winds. Theories of mass loss are examined, giving attention to radiation pressure on dust, radiation pressure in Lyman alpha, and magnetic wave-driven winds. It is pointed out that the study of mass loss from late-type stars appears to be entering a promising new phase. In this phase, the behavior of cool giants and supergiants is considered from a solar perspective, a perspective which contains important implications concerning the nature of solar activity.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Momentum and energy deposition in late-type stellar atmospheres and winds

The present study calculates the response of the outer atmospheres of cool low-gravity stars to the passage of the mechanical energy fluxes of solar magnitude in the form of acoustic waves and Alfven waves. It is shown that Alfven waves are efficient in generating outflow, and can account for the order of magnitude of observed mass loss in late-type luminous stars. However, unless these magnetic waves undergo some dissipation within several stellar radii of the surface, the predicted terminal velocities of the resulting stellar winds are far too high. Alfven wave dissipation should give rise to extended warm chromospheres in low-gravity late-type stars, a prediction which can be observationally tested.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Ultraviolet observations of the Cygnus Loop

The analysis of IUE observations of a filament on the western edge of the Cygnus Loop yields a shock velocity of about 130 km/sec, significantly higher than the velocity estimated from the optical spectrum. This velocity together with the high forbidden O III/H-beta ratio reported by Miller (1974) indicates that much of the hydrogen recombination region predicted by steady flow shock models is absent. This situation may occur because this part of the supernova remnant is in the shell-formation phase that accompanies the transition from the adiabatic to the snowplow phase or because the observed filament is a recently shocked cloud.

Raymond, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Simultaneous ultraviolet, optical, and X-ray observations of the X-ray source Vela X-1 /HD 77581/

UV spectra (obtained by the IUE) of HD 77581, associated with the binary X-ray source Vela X-1, show a spectrum typical of an early B-type supergiant. However, the P Cygni profiles of strong resonance lines show substantial variations with orbital phase. These variations can be ascribed to the changing ionization state in the stellar wind caused by the X-ray emitting companion. X-ray and spectroscopic and photometric optical observations, simultaneous with the IUE observations, indicate behavior consistent with previous epochs.

Dupree, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Hybrid atmospheres and winds in supergiant stars

Ultraviolet spectra showing evidence for hybrid chromospheres and winds are found in the supergiant Alpha Aqr (G2 Ib) and Beta Aqr (G0 Ib). Characteristics of both solar-type transition regions and the cool chromospheric regions typical of later supergiants such as Lambda Vel (K5 Ib) are present. This suggests a gradual transition between activity and winds analogous to solar conditions and the cool, massive winds of luminous late-type stars.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Stellar winds and coronae in cool stars

Recent observational and theoretical results are reviewed that pertain to the presence and characteristics of stellar coronae and winds in late-type stars. It is found that stars - principally dwarfs exist with 'hot' coronae similar to the sun with thermally driven winds. For stars, at the lowest effective temperatures, and gravities characteristic of supergiant and giant stars, high temperature (approximately 100,000 deg K) atmospheres are absent (or if present are substantially weaker than in the dwarf stars), and massive winds are present. There also exist 'hybrid' examples - luminous stars possessing both a 'hot' corona and a supersonic stellar wind. Constraints for theoretical models are discussed.

Dupree, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of binary systems

Four typical binary systems that illustrate some of the major problems in the study of binary stars are discussed. Consideration is given to (1) high-luminosity X-ray sources typified by Cyg X-1 (HDE 226868) and Vela XR-1 (HD 77581), (2) low-luminosity X-ray sources (HZ Her), (3) late-type systems of W UMa and RS CVn type, and (4) cool supergiants with a hot companion (VV Cephei).

Dupree, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1979

High-pressure transition regions in stellar model chromospheres

The implications of recent ultraviolet observations of stellar transition-region lines for calculations of the Ca II and Mg II resonance lines are investigated. It is found that the adoption of high transition-region pressures for stars with active chromospheres, such as Lambda And and Alpha Aur, can be consistent with observed Ca II fluxes, contrary to the results obtained by Kelch et al. (1978) for Alpha Aur. Furthermore, the adoption of the high-pressure models removes a long-standing difficulty in the line profile calculations, since the deep central absorption present in earlier calculations is less pronounced or absent, in closer agreement with observations. The apparent contradiction between these models and the recent density diagnostic of Doschek et al. (1978) is also discussed.

Baliunas, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Chromospheres of the active dwarf binaries EQ Pegasi and Xi Bootis

Ultraviolet spectroscopic measurements of the M dwarf binary EQ Peg and the G8 V star Xi Boo A have been made with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite. High-temperature emission lines (N V, C IV, Si IV) are present with similar strengths in both stars. The surface fluxes of chromospheric and transition-region lines are enhanced relative to those of normal main-sequence stars and are comparable to those observed in solar active regions. If inhomogeneities are present, the surface fluxes may be markedly higher than the derived values. It is likely that the emission observed from EQ Peg was not the result of major flare activity; however, the quiescent radiative losses observed in the ultraviolet are comparable to the time-averaged optical flare losses. The similarity of the line emissions of active dwarfs of diverse spectral types suggests that the character of the transition region is independent of the stellar effective temperature.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Radiative amplification of sound waves in the winds of O and B stars

The velocity perturbation associated with an outwardly propagating sound wave in a radiation-driven stellar wind gives rise to a periodic Doppler shifting of absorption lines formed in the flow. A linearized theory applicable to optically thin waves is used to show that the resulting fluctuation in the absorption-line force can cause the wave amplitude to grow. Detailed calculations of the acceleration due to a large number of lines indicate that significant amplification can occur throughout the high-velocity portion of winds in which the dominant force-producing lines have appreciable optical depths. In the particular case of the wind of Zeta Pup (O4f), it is found that the e-folding distance for wave growth is considerably shorter than the scale lengths over which the physical properties of the flow vary. A qualitative estimate of the rate at which mechanical energy due to nonlinear waves can be dissipated suggests that this mechanism may be important in heating the supersonic portion of winds of early-type stars.

Macgregor, K. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Stellar luminosity stability - Luminosity variations and light curve period changes in BY Draconis stars

The implications for convection in late type stars arising from the observations of BY Draconis type variability are examined. The possibility that the total luminosity of such a star is not constant is emphasized, and further observational tests to better define the variability are suggested. An alternative to standard spot models is explored in which the 'missing' flux from 'dark' spots is temporally redistributed; this model makes definite predictions about the correlation of mean light and color, and about the quiescent (i.e., unspotted) magnitudes of BY Draconis stars. The time scales of the long-period variability of these stars appear to require secular changes in convective energy transport. Consideration is given to the evidence for period changes in the optical light curves, and it is concluded that the reality of such changes is far less certain than previously claimed.

Hartmann, L.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Ultraviolet spectroscopic measurements of globular clusters

Ultraviolet spectra of six globular clusters (M15, M92, NGC 1851, NGC 6624, 47 Tuc, and NGC 6752) have been taken with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite in order to investigate the surface brightness distributions in the central regions. The ultraviolet emission indicates composite stellar spectra. Short-wavelength emission (1200-1900 A) arises from blue horizontal-branch stars; long-wavelength emission (2100-3000 A) is characteristic of late-type horizontal-branch and giant stars. The surface brightness distribution is more compact at short wavelengths than at long wavelengths, suggesting a segregation of horizontal-branch stars. A dense core appears to be present in X-ray-emitting clusters and absent in those clusters without X-ray sources. The X-ray source in NGC 6624 may have been detected at short wavelengths (1300-1900 A).

Dupree, A. K.↗