Engineering topics

Hedin, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Hedin, A..

4 records

NASA NTRS1993

STEP: Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle. Report on the phase A study

During Phase A, the STEP Study Team identified three types of experiments that can be accommodated on the STEP satellite within the mission constraints and whose performance is orders of magnitude better than any present or planned future experiment of the same kind on the ground. The scientific objectives of the STEP mission are to: test the Equivalence Principle to one part in 10(exp 17), six orders of magnitude better than has been achieved on the ground; search for a new interaction between quantum-mechanical spin and ordinary matter with a sensitivity of the mass-spin coupling constant g(sub p)g(sub s) = 6 x 10(exp -34) at a range of 1 mm, which represents a seven order-of-magnitude improvement over comparable ground-based measurements; and determine the constant of gravity G with a precision of one part in 10(exp 6) and to test the validity of the inverse square law with the same precision, both two orders of magnitude better than has been achieved on the ground.

Blaser, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Empirical modeling of the thermosphere: An overview

A summary is given of thermospheric density modeling history and standard atmospheres. In particular, the approaches of the Jacchia and MSIS models were compared and contrasted. It was concluded that the Jacchia models are best if drag is the primary concern. MSIS is superior for variations in composition and temperature variations and comparison with theoretical models is facilitated by the use of spherical harmonics, which also provide a simple and consistent way of obtaining simplifications. Advantages and disadvantages of both models are listed and discussed.

Hedin, A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Program for Thermospheric Calculations

MSIS83 computer program for empirical model of thermosphere based on mass-spectrometer and incoherent-scattering data. Provides description of atmospheric temperature, density, and composition at altitudes higher than 85 kilometers. Co-efficients account for yearly and daily variations, and solar activity. Variations due to magnetic storms represented by 3-hour magnetic ap indices. MSIS83 model enables more timely prediction of aeronomic densities for such specific events as rocket flights. MSIS83 written in FORTRAN 77.

Hedin, A.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Compatibility of seasonal variations in mid-latitude thermospheric models at solar maximum and low geomagnetic activity

Satellite drag data, in situ mass spectrometer data, Fabry Perot interferometer data, and incoherent scatter data were used to produce models of the concentration of atomic oxygen and molecular nitrogen in the thermosphere and of the exospheric temperature. Incoherent scatter data from two stations near 45 deg N were used. The three techniques provide similar patterns for the annual variations of the atomic oxygen concentration at 400 km, and the mean annual temperatures are within 20 K of each other for five of the six models involved. Four of the models are in good agreement concerning the annual temperature variation. There is fair agreement between incoherent scatter models and mass spectrometer models for the N2 concentrations at 400 km but disagreement between these models and the satellite drag model. It is shown that most disagreements can be resolved by changing both the vertical temperature profile and the lower-thermosphere oxygen concentration in the direction indicated by previous incoherent scatter measurements.

Alcayde, D.↗