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At least 199 records · Page 11

Kinematics of a large-scale intraplate extending lithosphere: The Basin-Range

Upper lithospheric structure of the Cordilleran Basin Range (B-R) is characterised by an E-W symmetry of velocity layering. The crust is 25 km thick on its eastern active margin, thickening to 30 km within the central portion and thinning to approx. 25 km on the west. Pn velocities of 7.8 to 7.9 km/s characterize the upper mantle low velocity cushion, 7.4 km/s to 7.5 km/s, occurs at a depth of approx. 25 km in the eastern B-R and underlies the area of active extension. An upper-crustal low-velocity zone in the eastern B-R shows a marked P-wave velocity inversion of 7% at depths of 7 to 10 km also in the area of greatest extension. The seismic velocity models for this region of intraplate extension suggest major differences from that of a normal, thermally underformed continental lithosphere. Interpretations of seismic reflection data demonstrate the presence of extensive low-angle reflections in the upper-crust of the eastern B-R at depths from near-surface to 7 to 10 km. These reflections have been interpreted to represent low-angle normal fault detachments or reactivated thrusts. Seismic profiles across steeply-dipping normal faults in unconsolidated sediments show reflections from both planar to downward flatening (listric) faults that in most cases do not penetrate the low-angle detachments. These faults are interpreted as late Cenozoic and cataclastic mylonitic zones of shear displacement.

Smith, R. B.↗

Non-linear identification of a squeeze-film damper

Described is an experimental study to identify the damping laws associated with a squeeze-film vibration damper. This is achieved by using a non-linear filtering algorithm to process displacement responses of the damper ring to synchronous excitation and thus to estimate the parameters in an nth-power velocity model. The experimental facility is described in detail and a representative selection of results is included. The identified models are validated through the prediction of damper-ring orbits and comparison with observed responses.

Stanway, Roger↗

Hot planets around cool stars – two short-period mini-Neptunes transiting the late K-dwarf TOI-1260

We present the discovery and characterization of two sub-Neptunes in close orbits, as well as a tentative outer planet of a similar size, orbiting TOI-1260 – a low metallicity K6 V dwarf star. Photometry from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS) yields radii of R(b) = 2.33 ± 0.10 and R(c) = 2.82 ± 0.15 Rꚛ, and periods of 3.13 and 7.49 d for TOI-1260 b and TOI-1260 c, respectively. We combined the TESS data with a series of ground-based follow-up observations to characterize the planetary system. From HARPS-N high-precision radial velocities we obtain M(b) = 8.6(+1.4,−1.5) and M(c) = 11.8(+3.4,−3.2) Mꚛ. The star is moderately active with a complex activity pattern, which necessitated the use of Gaussian process regression for both the light-curve detrending and the radial velocity modelling, in the latter case guided by suitable activity indicators. We successfully disentangle the stellar-induced signal from the planetary signals, underlining the importance and usefulness of the Gaussian process approach. We test the system’s stability against atmospheric photoevaporation and find that the TOI-1260 planets are classic examples of the structure and composition ambiguity typical for the 2–3 Rꚛ range.

I Y Georgieva↗

A priori testing of subgrid-scale models for the velocity-pressure and vorticity-velocity formulations

Subgrid-scale models for Large Eddy Simulation (LES) in both the velocity-pressure and the vorticity-velocity formulations were evaluated and compared in a priori tests using spectral Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) databases of isotropic turbulence: 128(exp 3) DNS of forced turbulence (Re(sub(lambda))=95.8) filtered, using the sharp cutoff filter, to both 32(exp 3) and 16(exp 3) synthetic LES fields; 512(exp 3) DNS of decaying turbulence (Re(sub(Lambda))=63.5) filtered to both 64(exp 3) and 32(exp 3) LES fields. Gaussian and top-hat filters were also used with the 128(exp 3) database. Different LES models were evaluated for each formulation: eddy-viscosity models, hyper eddy-viscosity models, mixed models, and scale-similarity models. Correlations between exact versus modeled subgrid-scale quantities were measured at three levels: tensor (traceless), vector (solenoidal 'force'), and scalar (dissipation) levels, and for both cases of uniform and variable coefficient(s). Different choices for the 1/T scaling appearing in the eddy-viscosity were also evaluated. It was found that the models for the vorticity-velocity formulation produce higher correlations with the filtered DNS data than their counterpart in the velocity-pressure formulation. It was also found that the hyper eddy-viscosity model performs better than the eddy viscosity model, in both formulations.

Winckelmans, G. S.↗

Fabry-Perot interferometer measurement of static temperature and velocity for ASTOVL model tests

A spectrally resolved Rayleigh/Mie scattering diagnostic was developed to measure temperature and wing-spanwise velocity in the vicinity of an ASTOVL aircraft model in the Lewis 9 x 15 Low Speed Wind Tunnel. The spectrum of argon-ion laser light scattered by the air molecules and particles in the flow was resolved with a Fabry-Perot interferometer. Temperature was extracted from the spectral width of the Rayleigh scattering component, and spanwise gas velocity from the gross spectral shift. Nozzle temperature approached 800 K, and the velocity component approached 30 m/s. The measurement uncertainty was about 5 percent for the gas temperature, and about 10 m/s for the velocity. The large difference in the spectral width of the Mie scattering from particles and the Rayleigh scattering from gas molecules allowed the gas temperature to be measured in flow containing both naturally occurring dust and LDV seed (both were present).

Kourous, Helen E.↗

Large gyro-orbit model of ion velocity distribution in plasma near a wall in a grazing-angle magnetic field

A model is presented for the ion distribution function in a plasma at a solid target with a magnetic field $\boldsymbol {B}$ inclined at a small angle, $\alpha \ll 1$ (in radians), to the target. Adiabatic electrons are assumed, requiring $\alpha \gg \sqrt {Zm_{e}/m_{i}}$ , where $m_{e}$ and $m_{i}$ are the electron and ion mass, respectively, and $Z$ is the charge state of the ion. An electric field $\boldsymbol {E}$ is present to repel electrons, and so the characteristic size of the electrostatic potential $\phi$ is set by the electron temperature $T_{e}$ , $e\phi \sim T_{e}$ , where $e$ is the proton charge. An asymptotic scale separation between the Debye length $\lambda _{D} = \sqrt {\epsilon _0 T_{{e}} / e^{2} n_{{e}} }$ , the ion sound gyro-radius $\rho _{s} = \sqrt { m_{i} ( ZT_{e} + T_{i} ) } / (ZeB)$ and the size of the collisional region $d_{c} = \alpha \lambda _{\textrm {mfp}}$ is assumed, $\lambda _{D} \ll \rho _{s} \ll d_{c}$ . Here $\epsilon _0$ is the permittivity of free space, $n_{e}$ is the electron density, $T_{i}$ is the ion temperature, $B= |\boldsymbol {B}|$ and $\lambda _{\textrm {mfp}}$ is the collisional mean free path of an ion. The form of the ion distribution function is assumed at distances $x$ from the wall such that $\rho _{s} \ll x \ll d_{c}$ , that is, collisions are not treated. A self-consistent solution of the electrostatic potential for $x \sim \rho _{s}$ is required to solve for the quasi-periodic ion trajectories and for the ion distribution function at the target. The large gyro-orbit model presented here allows to bypass the numerical solution of $\phi (x)$ and results in an analytical expression for the ion distribution function at the target. It assumes that $\tau =T_{i}/(ZT_{e})\gg 1$ , and ignores the electric force on the quasi-periodic ion trajectory until close to the target. For $\tau \gtrsim 1$ , the model provides an extremely fast approximation to energy–angle distributions of ions at the target. These can be used to make sputtering predictions.

Physics↗

Cluster/Peace Electrons Velocity Distribution Function: Modeling the Strahl in the Solar Wind

We present a study of kinetic properties of the strahl electron velocity distribution functions (VDF's) in the solar wind. These are used to investigate the pitch-angle scattering and stability of the population to interactions with electromagnetic (whistler) fluctuations. The study is based on high time resolution data from the Cluster/PEACE electron spectrometer. Our study focuses on the mechanisms that control and regulate the pitch-angle and stability of strahl electrons in the solar wind; mechanisms that are not yet well understood. Various parameters are investigated such as the electron heat-flux and temperature anisotropy. The goal is to check whether the strahl electrons are constrained by some instability (e.g., the whistler instability), or are maintained by other types of processes. The electron heat-flux and temperature anisotropy are determined by fitting the VDF's to a spectral spherical harmonic model from which the moments are derived directly from the model coefficients.

Figueroa-Vinas, Adolfo↗

Impact and explosion crater ejecta, fragment size, and velocity

A model was developed for the mass distribution of fragments that are ejected at a given velocity for impact and explosion craters. The model is semi-empirical in nature and is derived from (1) numerical calculations of cratering and the resultant mass versus ejection velocity, (2) observed ejecta blanket particle size distributions, (3) an empirical relationship between maximum ejecta fragment size and crater diameter and an assumption on the functional form for the distribution of fragements ejected at a given velocity. This model implies that for planetary impacts into competent rock, the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity are nearly monodisperse, e.g., 20% of the mass of the ejecta at a given velocity contain fragments having a mass less than 0.1 times a mass of the largest fragment moving at that velocity. Using this model, the largest fragment that can be ejected from asteroids, the moon, Mars, and Earth is calculated as a function of crater diameter. In addition, the internal energy of ejecta versus ejecta velocity is found. The internal energy of fragments having velocities exceeding the escape velocity of the moon will exceed the energy required for incipient melting for solid silicates and thus, constrains the maximum ejected solid fragment size.

Okeefe, J. D.↗

Velocity Discontinuity Propagation Model Validation Using an Approximate Point Source in Motion

The classic geometric acoustic solution for propagation through a mean flow velocity discontinuity is evaluated experimentally using an approximate point source in motion. The geometric approximation of the pressure field in both the frequency and time domains is first revisited for arbitrary subsonic flow and source motion along the flow axis. The derivation, computed via the method of stationary phase, shows the expected Doppler behavior of the radiated acoustic field due to the source motion acting in conjunction with the convective amplification effect for a stationary source in flow. The model is validated with a minimally intrusive, approximate point source of heat in the Quiet Flow Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. Within the limitations of the experiment in this open-jet wind tunnel, data generally show agreement with the model across a range of flow speeds and microphone positions for a broad range of frequencies. Where disagreement between measurement and theory is noted, possible causes are discussed.

wind tunnel testing↗

Velocity mapping and models of the elliptical galaxies NGC 720, NGC 1052, and NGC 4697

CCD surface photometry and extensive long-slit spectroscopy are used to construct detailed models of the flattened ellipticals NGC 720, 1052, and 4697. The models are combined with the Jeans equations to yield predicted fields of line-of-sight velocity dispersion and streaming velocity. By comparing these fields with observed velocities, it is concluded that none of these systems can have isotropic velocity dispersion tensors, and diminishing the assumed inclination of any given galaxy tends to decrease the line-of-sight velocity dispersion and, counterintuitively, to increase the line-of-sight rotation speeds. The ratio of the line-of-sight velocity dispersion along the minor axis to that along the major axis is found to be a sensitive diagnostic of the importance of a third integral for the galaxy's structure.

Binney, J. J.↗

Velocity structure of the shallow lunar crust

Data from the thumper shots of the Apollo 14 and Apollo 16 active seismic experiments, testing whether the velocity variation in the shallow lunar crust (depths less than or equal to 10 m) can be represented by a self-compacting-power-layer or by a constant-velocity-layer model, are analyzed. Although filtering and stacking improved the S/N ratios, it was found that measuring the arrival times or amplitudes of arrivals beyond 32 m was not possible. The data quality precluded a definitive distinction between the power-law velocity variation and the layered-velocity model. Furthermore, it was found that the shallow lunar regolith is made up of fine particles, which supports the idea of a 1/6 power-velocity model. Analysis of the amplitudes of first arrivals revealed large errors in the data due to variations in the geophone sensitivities and shot strengths; a least-squares method, that uses data redundancy was employed to eliminate them.

Gangi, A. F.↗

Auroral ion velocity distributions using a relaxation model.

Calculation of ion velocity distributions for a weakly-ionized plasma subjected to crossed electric and magnetic fields for application to the auroral ionosphere. By replacing the Boltzmann collision integral with a simple relaxation model, an exact solution to Boltzmann's equation could be obtained. This solution has the advantage over a series expansion in that all the higher-order velocity moments are inherent in it. The exact solution is particularly advantageous when studying large departures of the distribution from its Maxwellian form, because these departures are caused by the higher velocity moments. In general, however, a simple relaxation model can only be used to obtain qualitative information on the distribution function. Consequently, it is possible to determine when the higher-order velocity moments affect the ion velocity distribution and the nature of their effect, but it is not possible to obtain accurate quantitative results.

St-Maurice, J.-P.↗

Chemical insights into ethyl acetate flames from experiment and kinetic modeling: Laminar burning velocity, speciation and NO$_x$ emission

Oxygenated fuels, such as alcohols, ethers, and esters, are promising alternatives to conventional fuels. These fuels can help reduce detrimental emissions like carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons and enhance octane ratings. Among these oxygenates, ethyl acetate (EA), a small alkyl ester sourced from biomass, emerges as a clean, promising energy carrier. It serves as a surrogate fuel to facilitate investigations into the combustion behaviours of biodiesel. Despite its importance, the literature knowledge of EA combustion characteristics is limited. Therefore, this study aims to broaden the knowledge of the combustion behaviour of this type of oxygenated fuel compound. In this study, we measured the laminar burning velocities of EA by employing a heat flux burner and a closed combustion vessel over the equivalence ratios of 0.7 – 1.7, pressures of 1 – 10 bar and temperatures ranging from 353 – 423 K. Further, we also measured the NOx emissions in exhaust gas of the premixed flames fueled by EA/air for the first time over the equivalence ratio of 0.8 – 1.2. Additionally, we employed a non-premixed counterflow flame setup for extensive characterisation of species and their concentration under diverse conditions encompassing various strain rates and oxygen concentrations. Finally, we utilized these newly measured data to construct and validate a detailed kinetic model developed as part of this work. The newly developed model will help characterize the combustion properties of EA.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Towards a Rational Model for the Triple Velocity Correlations of Turbulence

This paper presents a rational approach to modelling the triple velocity correlations that appear in the transport equations for the Reynolds stresses. All existing models of these correlations have largely been formulated on phenomenological grounds and are defective in one important aspect: they all neglect to allow for the dependence of these correlations on the local gradients of mean velocity. The mathematical necessity for this dependence will be demonstrated in the paper. The present contribution lies in the novel use of Group Representation Theory to determine the most general tensorial form of these correlations in terms of all the second- and third-order tensor quantities that appear in the exact equations that govern their evolution. The requisite representation did not exist in the literature and therefore had to be developed specifically for this purpose by Professor G. F. Smith. The outcome of this work is a mathematical framework for the construction of algebraic, explicit, and rational models for the triple velocity correlations that are theoretically consistent and include all the correct dependencies. Previous models are reviewed, and all are shown to be an incomplete subset of this new representation, even to lowest order.

Younis, B. A.↗

Integral Velocity Sampling for Unsteady Rotor Models on Cartesian Meshes

An unsteady body-force rotor model utilizing integral velocity sampling is developed for Cartesian meshes with a focus on accurate performance predictions. In this approach, the rotors are modeled as body-force source terms, and integral sampling is used to define the local freestream velocity vector. The method is verified in two dimensions for airfoils, providing accurate angle of attack and freestream Mach number estimates even on relatively coarse meshes, and demonstrating excellent mesh convergence across a variety of source region thicknesses. Extensions of the model to three dimensions for both fixed and rotating wings are considered, with numerical experiments demonstrating the need for a spanwise-continuous representation of the induced velocity or angle of attack. The model provides reasonable spanwise lift distributions without any explicit tip-loss model. Comparisons to high-fidelity simulations and experimental data show excellent agreement for predictions of an isolated DJI Phantom 3 propeller in hover. Finally, simulations of the full aircraft in edgewise forward flight also compare well with wind tunnel data across a variety of pitch angles and propeller speeds.

ARMD↗

Imaging the crust and uppermost mantle structure of Portugal (West Iberia) with seismic ambient noise

SUMMARY We present a new high-resolution 3-D shear wave velocity (Vs) model of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Portugal, inferred from ambient seismic noise tomography. We use broad-band seismic data from a dense temporary deployment covering the entire Portuguese mainland between 2010 and 2012 in the scope of the WILAS project. Vertical component data are processed using phase correlation and phase weighted stack to obtain empirical Green functions (EGFs) for 2016 station pairs. Further, we use a random sampling and subset stacking strategy to measure robust Rayleigh-wave group velocities in the period range 7–30 s and associated uncertainties. The tomographic inversion is performed in two steps: First, we determine group-velocity lateral variations for each period. Next, we invert them at each grid point using a new trans-dimensional inversion scheme to obtain the 3-D shear wave velocity model. The final 3-D model extends from the upper crust (5 km) down to the uppermost mantle (60 km) and has a lateral resolution of ∼50 km. In the upper and middle crusts, the Vs anomaly pattern matches the tectonic units of the Variscan Massif and Alpine basins. The transition between the Lusitanian Basin and the Ossa Morena Zone is marked by a contrast between moderate- and high-velocity anomalies, in addition to two arched earthquake lineations. Some faults, namely, the Manteigas–Vilariça–Bragança fault and the Porto–Tomar–Ferreira do Alentejo fault, have a clear signature from the upper crust down to the uppermost mantle (60 km). Our 3-D shear wave velocity model offers new insights into the continuation of the main tectonic units at depth and contributes to better understanding the seismicity of Portugal.

Silveira, Graça (ORCID:0000000221102554)↗

Full nonlinear treatment of the global thermospheric wind system. Part 1: Mathematical method and analysis of forces

The equations of horizontal motion of the neutral atmosphere between 120 and 500 km are integrated with the inclusion of all the nonlinear terms of the convective derivative and the viscous forces due to vertical and horizontal velocity gradients. Empirical models of the distribution of neutral and charged particles are assumed to be known. The model of velocities developed is a steady state model. In part 1 the mathematical method used in the integration of the Navier-Stokes equations is described and the various forces are analysed.

Blum, P. W.↗

Full non-linear treatment of the global thermospheric wind system. I - Mathematical method and analysis of forces. II - Results and comparison with observations

The equations of horizontal motion of the neutral atmosphere between 120 and 500 km are integrated with the inclusion of all nonlinear terms of the convective derivative and the viscous forces due to vertical and horizontal velocity gradients. Empirical models of the distribution of neutral and charged particles are assumed to be known. The model of velocities developed is a steady state model. In Part I the mathematical method used in the integration of the Navier-Stokes equations is described and the various forces are analyzed. Results of the method given in Part I are presented with comparison with previous calculations and observations of upper atmospheric winds. Conclusions are that nonlinear effects are only significant in the equatorial region, especially at solstice conditions and that nonlinear effects do not produce any superrotation.

Blum, P. W.↗