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At least 199 records · Page 11

Effects of Dark Matter Self-interactions on Sagittarius and its Stream

This work explores how assumptions regarding the particle-physics nature of dark matter can alter the evolution of the Sagittarius (Sgr) dwarf spheroidal galaxy and its expansive stellar stream. We run a large suite of N-body simulations to model the infall of a spherically symmetric Sgr-like dwarf, exploring how the presence of dark matter self-interactions impacts its evolution. For a scattering cross section of σ/m χ = 30 cm 2 g −1 (at orbital velocity scales), these interactions result in significantly less stellar mass and little to no dark matter bound to the progenitor at the present day. To isolate the cause of this mass loss, we introduce a novel technique for controlling which pairs of dark matter simulation particles can interact. This enables us to identify ram-pressure evaporation—the scattering of satellite and host dark matter particles—as the primary source of the enhanced mass loss. The rapid disintegration of the Sgr progenitor when self-interactions are allowed alters some key properties of the resulting stellar stream, most dramatically suppressing the presence of a “spur” on the apocenter of the trailing stream arm that correlates with the mass of the satellite at last pericenter. We demonstrate how the effects on the Sgr system scale with the particular choice of self-interaction cross section, which affects the degree of ram-pressure evaporation. These findings generalize beyond the Sgr system, underscoring that dwarf stellar streams and dwarf galaxies with close passages may serve as sensitive probes for dark matter self-interactions.

Milky Way dark matter halo

Microphysics regimes due to haze–cloud interactions: cloud oscillation and cloud collapse

Abstract. It is known that aqueous haze particles can be activated into cloud droplets in a supersaturated environment. However, haze–cloud interactions have not been fully explored, partly because haze particles are not represented in most cloud-resolving models. Here, we conduct a series of large-eddy simulations (LESs) of a cloud in a convection chamber using a haze-capable Eulerian-based bin microphysics scheme to explore haze–cloud interactions over a wide range of aerosol injection rates. Results show that the cloud is in a slow microphysics regime at low aerosol injection rates, where the cloud responds slowly to an environmental change and droplet deactivation is negligible. The cloud is in a fast microphysics regime at moderate aerosol injection rates, where the cloud responds quickly to an environmental change and haze–cloud interactions are important. More interestingly, two more microphysics regimes are observed at high aerosol injection rates due to haze–cloud interactions. Cloud oscillation is driven by the oscillation of the mean supersaturation around the critical supersaturation of aerosol due to haze–cloud interactions. Cloud collapse happens under weaker forcing of supersaturation where the chamber transfers cloud droplets to haze particles efficiently, leading to a significant decrease (collapse) in cloud droplet number concentration. One special case of cloud collapse is the haze-only regime. It occurs at extremely high aerosol injection rates, where droplet activation is inhibited, and the sedimentation of haze particles is balanced by the aerosol injection rate. Our results suggest that haze particles and their interactions with cloud droplets should be considered, especially in polluted conditions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The interaction lengths of energetic pions and protons in iron

The interaction lengths of pions and protons in iron have been measured using an ionization spectrometer composed of alternating layers of iron and plastic scintillator. These measurements cover an energy range from 9.3 to 18 GeV. The interaction lengths were determined by accurate statistical analyses of the experimental data using the maximum likelihood method. The dependence of the interaction length on the parameters used to define an interaction was studied, and the results reported employ parameters chosen to minimize the percentage uncertainty in the interaction length. The mean interaction length of pions was found to be approximately 20% greater than that of protons.

Crannell, H.

Flowfield analysis for successive oblique shock wave interactions with a turbulent boundary layer

A computation procedure is described for predicting flow fields which develop when successive interactions between oblique shock waves and a turbulent boundary layer occur. Computations were carried out for axisymmetric internal flows at free stream Mach numbers = 3.82 and 2.82. The effect of boundary layer bleed was considered for the free stream Mach number = 2.82 flow. A control volume analysis is used to predict changes in the flow field across the interactions. Two bleed flow models were considered. A turbulent boundary layer program was used to compute changes in the boundary layer between the interactions. The results given are for flows with two shock wave interactions and for bleed at the second interaction site. In principle the method described may be extended to account for additional interactions. The predicted results are compared with measured results and are shown to be in good agreement when the bleed flow rate is low (on the order of 3 percent of the boundary layer mass flow), or when there is no bleed. As the bleed flow rate is increased, differences between the predicted and measured results become larger. Shortcomings of the bleed flow models at higher bleed flow rates are discussed.

Sun, C. C.

Space environmental interactions with spacecraft surfaces

Environmental interactions are defined as the response of spacecraft surfaces to the charged-particle environment. These interactions are divided into two broad categories: spacecraft passive, in which the environment acts on the surfaces and spacecraft active, in which the spacecraft or a system on the spacecraft causes the interaction. The principal spacecraft passive interaction of concern is the spacecraft charging phenomenon. The spacecraft active category introduces the concept of interactions with the thermal plasma environment and Earth's magnetic fields, which are important at all altitudes and must be considered the designs of proposed large space structures and space power systems. The status of the spacecraft charging investigations is reviewed along with the spacecraft active interactions.

Stevens, J. N.

Nonlinear interaction of waves in boundary-layer flows

First-order nonlinear interactions of Tollmien-Schlichting waves of different frequencies and initial amplitudes in boundary-layer flows are analyzed by using the method of multiple scales. For the case of two waves, a strong nonlinear interaction exists if one of the frequencies w2 is twice the other frequency w1. Numerical results for flow past a flat plate show that this interaction mechanism is strongly destabilizing even in regions where either the fundamental or its harmonic is damped in the absence of the interaction. For the case of three waves, a strong nonlinear interaction exists when w3 = w2- w1. This combination resonance causes the amplitude of the wave with the difference frequency w3 to multiply many times in magnitude in a short distance even if it is damped in the absence of the interaction. The initial amplitudes play a dominant role in determining the changes in the amplitudes of the waves in both of these mechanisms.

Nayfeh, A. H.

Space environmental interactions with spacecraft surfaces

The employment of large structures in space, which would be necessary in connection with a number of space missions and space activities currently being contemplated, might involve special problems as a result of the interactions of the structures with the charged particle environment. Such interactions would be particularly significant in the case of high operational voltages. A review is presented of possible interactions between spacecraft surfaces and charged-particle environments. The categories of spacecraft-environmental interactions are examined and a description of spacecraft charging interactions is presented. The status of charging investigation is considered, taking into account the environment, aspects of analytical modeling, materials characterization, materials development, space flight experiments, and design guidelines. High voltage surface-plasma interactions are also investigated.

Stevens, N. J.

Concepts leading to the IMAGE-100 hybrid interactive system

As LACIE Procedure 1 evolved from the Classification and Mensuration Subsystem smallfields procedures, it became evident that two computational systems would have merit-the LACIE/Earth Resources Interactive Processing System based on a large IBM-360 computer oriented for operational use with high computational throughput, and a smaller, highly interactive system based on a PDP 11-45 minicomputer and its display system, the IMAGE-100. The latter had advantages for certain phases; notably, interactive spectral aids could be implemented quite rapidly. This would allow testing and development of Procedure 1 before its implementation on the LACIE/Earth Resources Interactive Processing System. The resulting minicomputer system, called the Classification and Mensuration Subsystem IMAGE-100 Hybrid System, allowed Procedure-1 operations to be performed interactively, except for clustering, classification, and automatic selection of best acquisitions, which were offloaded to the LACIE/Earth Resources Interactive Processing System.

Mackin, T. F.

Viscous theory of surface noise interaction phenomena

A viscous linear surface noise interaction problem is formulated that includes noise production by an oscillating surface, turbulent or vortical interaction with a surface, and scattering of sound by a surface. The importance of viscosity in establishing uniqueness of solution and partitioning of energy into acoustic and vortical modes is discussed. The results of inviscid two dimensional airfoil theory are used to examine the interactive noise problem in the limit of high reduced frequency and small Helmholtz number. It is shown that in the case of vortex interaction with a surface, the noise produced with the full Kutta condition is 3 dB less than the no Kutta condition result. The results of a study of an airfoil oscillating in a medium at rest are discussed. It is concluded that viscosity can be a controlling factor in analyses and experiments of surface noise interaction phenomena and that the effect of edge bluntness as well as viscosity must be included in the problem formulation to correctly calculate the interactive noise.

Yates, J. E.

Adaptation of the TH Epsilon Mu formalism for the analysis of the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak and electroweak interaction

The TH epsilon mu formalism, used in analyzing equivalence principle experiments of metric and nonmetric gravity theories, is adapted to the description of the electroweak interaction using the Weinberg-Salam unified SU(2) x U(1) model. The use of the TH epsilon mu formalism is thereby extended to the weak interactions, showing how the gravitational field affects W sub mu (+ or -1) and Z sub mu (0) boson propagation and the rates of interactions mediated by them. The possibility of a similar extension to the strong interactions via SU(5) grand unified theories is briefly discussed. Also, using the effects of the potentials on the baryon and lepton wave functions, the effects of gravity on transition mediated in high-A atoms which are electromagnetically forbidden. Three possible experiments to test the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak interactions, which are technologically feasible, are then briefly outline: (1) K-capture by the FE nucleus (counting the emitted X-ray); (2) forbidden absorption transitions in high-A atoms' vapor; and (3) counting the relative Beta-decay rates in a suitable alpha-beta decay chain, assuming the strong interactions obey the equivalence principle.

Fennelly, A. J.

Interactive systems design and synthesis of future spacecraft concepts

An interactive systems design and synthesis is performed on future spacecraft concepts using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis system. The capabilities and advantages of the systems-oriented interactive computer-aided design and analysis system are described. The synthesis of both large antenna and space station concepts, and space station evolutionary growth is demonstrated. The IDEAS program provides the user with both an interactive graphics and an interactive computing capability which consists of over 40 multidisciplinary synthesis and analysis modules. Thus, the user can create, analyze and conduct parametric studies and modify Earth-orbiting spacecraft designs (space stations, large antennas or platforms, and technologically advanced spacecraft) at an interactive terminal with relative ease. The IDEAS approach is useful during the conceptual design phase of advanced space missions when a multiplicity of parameters and concepts must be analyzed and evaluated in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Wright, R. L.

Observation of wave-wave interactions in the stratosphere

Data from the LIMS instrument for January 1979 are used to provide further evidence for the often observed vacillation between the amplitudes of waves 1 and 2 in the stratosphere. The vacillation is shown to result primarily from nonlinear wave-wave interactions within the stratosphere. Two ways of interpreting nonlinearity are discussed. In the first, the basic state is defined to include large amplitude waves as well as the mean zonal wind. A forced wave propagates with respect to this asymmetric basic state, which can lead to changes in the conventional zonal wavenumber measured at one latitude. The other view of nonlinearity, interaction of wave with the zonal flow and with other wavenumbers are considered separately. Wave-wave interactions among waves 1, 2 and 3 are calculated. The derivation and computation of wave-wave interaction terms in the potential enstrophy balance are given. The observations indicate that enstrophy transfer among waves can be substantial even when the amplitude of one of the contributing waves is small. The computed enstrophy balance also demonstrates that wave-wave interactions can have a large effect on the interaction of waves with the mean flow.

Smith, A. K.

Experimental studies on two dimensional shock boundary layer interactions

Experiments have been performed on the interaction of oblique shock waves with flat plate boundary layers in the 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm (1 ft. x 1 ft.) supersonic wind tunnel at NASA Lewis Research Center. High accuracy measurements of the plate surface static pressure and shear stress distributions as well as boundary layer velocity profiles were obtained through the interaction region. Documentation was also performed of the tunnel test section flow field and of the two-dimensionality of the interaction regions. The findings provide detailed description of two-dimensional interaction with initially laminar boundary layers over the Mach number range 2.0 to 4.0. Additional information with regard to interactions involving initially transitional boundary layers is presented over the Mach number range 2.0 to 3.0 and those for initially turbulent boundary layers at Mach 2.0. These experiments were directed toward providing well documented information of high accuracy useful as test cases for analytic and numerical calculations. Flow conditions encompassed a Reynolds number range of 4.72E6 to 2.95E7 per meter. The shock boundary layer interaction results were found to be generally in good agreement with the experimental work of previous authors both in terms of direct numerical comparison and in support of correlations establishing laminar separation characteristics.

Skebe, S. A.

Numerical simulation of the interaction of a vortex with stationary airfoil in transonic flow

A perturbation form of an implicit conservative, noniterative numerical algorithm for the two-dimensional thin layer Navier-Stokes and Euler equations is used to compute the interaction flow-field of a vortex with stationary airfoil. A Lamb-like analytical vortex having a finite core is chosen to interact with a thick (NACA 0012) and a thin (NACA 64A006) airfoil independently in transonic flow. Two different configurations of vortex interaction are studied, viz., (1) when the vortex is fixed at one location in the flowfield, and (2) when the vortex is convecting past the airfoil at freestream velocity. Parallel computations of this interacting flowfield are also done using a version of the Transonic Small Disturbance Code (ATRAN2). A special treatment of the leading edge region for thin airfoils is included in this code. With this, the three methods gave qualitatively similar results for the weaker interactions considered in this study. However, the strongest interactions considered proved to be beyond the capabilities of the small disturbance code. The results also show a far greater influence of the vortex on the airfoil flowfield when the vortex is stationary than when it is convecting with the flow.

Srinivasan, G. R.

Aerodynamic interaction between vortical wakes and the viscous flow about a circular cylinder

In the design analysis of conventional aircraft configurations, the prediction of the strong interaction between vortical wakes and the viscous flow field about bodies is of considerable importance. Interactions between vortical wakes and aircraft components are even more common on rotorcraft and configurations with lifting surfaces forward of the wing. An accurate analysis of the vortex-wake interaction with aircraft components is needed for the optimization of the payload and the reduction of vibratory loads. However, the three-dimensional flow field beneath the rotor disk and the interaction of the rotor wake with solid bodies in the flow field are highly complex. The present paper has the objective to provide a basis for the considered interactions by studying a simpler problem. This problem involves the two-dimensional interaction of external wakes with the viscous flow about a circular cylinder.

Stremel, P. M.

Interactions between stationary planetary waves in the stratosphere

The interactions between stationary planetary waves 1 and 2 are investigated using a truncated quasi-geostrophic model in a midlatitude beta channel. The model includes eight interacting horizontal modes with three zonal wave numbers and two meridional scales in a quasi-geostrophic beta channel 40 deg wide; all wave-wave interactions in the model are a result of dissipation. The procedures for solving the model equations are examined. The theory of dissipation-induced interactions is discussed in terms of interactions between weak waves under severe truncation. The behavior of small amplitude waves 1 and 2 in basic states is discussed; it is observed that wave 1 is amplified in a wave 2 basic state, and a wave 2 disturbance in a wave 1 basic state is affected by the relative phases of the waves. The dynamics of these wave interactions are analyzed using potential enstrophy budgets of the waves. The relevance of the waves to the atmosphere is studied. It is noted that the wave behavior is a combination of the linear results with an amplification of wave 1 and a strong dependence on the relative phases of waves 1 and 2 in the stratosphere.

Robinson, W. A.

Controlling and monitoring the space-station plasma interaction: A baseline for performing plasma experiments and using advanced technology

The size, complexity, and motion of space station through the Earth's environmental plasma means that there will be a large, complicated interaction region, involving a sheath, wake, charging of surfaces, induced electric fields, secondary emission, outgassing with ionization, etc. This interaction will necessarily be a factor in carrying out and interpreting plasma experiments and in the use of certain technologies. Attention should be given ahead of time to: (1) monitoring this interaction so that it is well described; (2) implifying the interaction by appropriate design and construction of the spacecraft and by appropriate planning of technology use; and (3) controlling the interaction by both active and passive means. Plasma emitters for modifying and controlling the spacecraft charge should be placed in several locations. Portable electrostatic shields could be deployed around noisy sections of the spacecraft in order to carry out sensitive experiments. A particle umbrella could be raised to deflect the ram ions and neutrals in order to provide a controlled environment. These interactions are briefly discussed.

Whipple, Elden C.

The nonlinear interaction of Tollmien-Schlichting waves and Taylor-Goertler vortices in curved channel flows

It is known that a viscous fluid flow with curved streamlines can support both Tollmien-Schlichting and Taylor-Goertler instabilities. In a situation where both modes are possible on the basis of linear theory a nonlinear theory must be used to determine the effect of the interaction of the instabilities. The details of this interaction are of practical importance because of its possible catastrophic effects on mechanisms used for laminar flow control. This interaction is studied in the context of fully developed flows in curved channels. A part form technical differences associated with boundary layer growth the structures of the instabilities in this flow are very similar to those in the practically more important external boundary layer situation. The interaction is shown to have two distinct phases depending on the size of the disturbances. At very low amplitudes two oblique Tollmein-Schlichting waves interact with a Goertler vortex in such a manner that the amplitudes become infinite at a finite time. This type of interaction is described by ordinary differential amplitude equations with quadratic nonlinearities.

Hall, P.