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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Measurement of the primary cosmic electron spectrum from 10 to about 250-GeV

The intensity and energy spectrum of primary cosmic electrons from 10 to approximately 250 GeV was studied using balloon-borne detectors. Both of the detectors were large area ionization calorimeters with frequent sampling of showering particles and were capable of energy resolution of approximately 7%. A time-of-flight system and detectors to sample the lateral properties of showers were used to examine and improve background rejection. The results of the balloon flights from Alamogordo, N.M. in 1970 and Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1972 indicated that the primary cosmic ray electron differential energy spectrum exhibits no change of slope in the energy range measured and is well represented by a power law. These results indicate that the cosmic electron spectrum is steeper than the cosmic ray proton spectrum. It is shown that these data are consistent with the leakage lifetime model for the propagation of cosmic electrons in the Galaxy, although other more complex models cannot be excluded on the basis of these data.

Silverberg, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Detection of 511 keV positron annihilation radiation from the galactic center direction

A balloon-borne gamma ray telescope with an approximately 130 cu cm high purity germanium detector was flown over Australia to detect sharp spectral features from the galactic center direction. A 511 keV positron annihilation line was observed at a flux level of (1.21 plus or minus 0.22) x (10/cu cm) photons/sec/sp cm. Suggestive evidence for the detection of the three-photon positronium continuum is presented. The possible origin of the positrons is discussed.

Leventhal, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Solar hard X-ray microflares

Using balloon-borne instrumentation of very high sensitivity, approximately 25 hard X-ray bursts with peak fluxes of above 7 x 10 to the -3rd/(sq cm s keV) at 20 keV have been detected, in 141 minutes of observation of the sun on June 27, 1980. These hard X-ray microflares last from a few seconds to several tens of seconds and have power-law energy spectra. They are generally accompanied by small soft X-ray bursts, but H-alpha flares and solar radio bursts are reported for only a few of these hard X-ray bursts. The integral number of events varies approximately as the inverse of the peak flux, down to the limits of the measurements. These observations suggest that even very small transient releases of energy by the sun may be primarily nonthermal in character. It is speculated that the energy released in accelerated electrons for these microflares, averaged over time, may contribute significantly to the heating of the active corona.

Lin, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Molecular dynamics studies of simple membrane-water interfaces: Structure and functions in the beginnings of cellular life

Molecular dynamics computer simulations of the structure and functions of a simple membrane are performed in order to examine whether membranes provide an environment capable of promoting protobiological evolution. Our model membrane is composed of glycerol 1-monooleate. It is found that the bilayer surface fluctuates in time and space, occasionally creating thinning defects in the membrane. These defects are essential for passive transport of simple ions across membranes because they reduce the Born barrier to this process by approximately 40%. Negative ions are transferred across the bilayer more readily than positive ions due to favorable interactions with the electric field at the membrane-water interface. Passive transport of neutral molecules is, in general, more complex than predicted by the solubility-diffusion model. In particular, molecules which exhibit sufficient hydrophilicity and lipophilicity concentrate near membrane surfaces and experience 'interfacial resistance' to transport. The membrane-water interface forms an environment suitable for heterogeneous catalysis. Several possible mechanisms leading to an increase of reaction rates at the interface are discussed. We conclude that vesicles have many properties that make them very good candidates for earliest protocells. Some potentially fruitful directions of experimental and theoretical research on this subject are proposed.

Pohorille, Andrew↗
NASA NTRS2001

In Situ Measurements of Meteoric Ions

Extraterrestrial material is the source of metal ions in the Earth's atmosphere, Each year approx. 10(exp 8) kg of material is intercepted by the Earth. The origin of this material is predominantly solar orbiting interplanetary debris from comets or asteroids that crosses the Earth's orbit. It contains a very small amount of interstellar material. On occasion the Earth passes through enhanced amounts of debris associated with the orbit of a decaying comet. This leads to enhanced meteor shower displays for up to several days. The number flux of shower material is typically several times the average sporadic background influx of material. Meteoric material is some of the earliest material formed in the solar system. By studying the relative elemental abundances of atmospheric metal ions, information can be gained on the chemical composition of cometary debris and the chemical makeup of the early solar system. Using in situ sampling with rocket-borne ion mass spectrometers; there have been approximately 50 flights that made measurements of the metal ion abundances at attitudes between 80 and 130 km. It is this altitude range where incoming meteoric particles am ablated, the larger ones giving rise to visible meteor. displays. In several rocket measurements isotopic ratios of different atomic ion mass components and metal molecular ion concentrations have been determined and used to identify unambiguously the measured species and to investigate the processes controlling the metal ion distributions The composition of the Earth's ionosphere was first sampled by an ion mass spectrometer flown an a rocket in 1956. In 1958 a rocket-borne ion spectrometer identified, fbr the first time, a layer of metal ions near 95 km. These data were interpreted as evidence of an extraterrestrial rather than a terrestrial source. Istomin predicted: "It seems probable that with some improvement in the method that analysis of the ion composition in the E-region may be used for determining the chemical composition of those meteors which do not reach the ground. Particularly, we hope to get information about the composition difference between particles of different meteor showers and also sporadic and shower meteoroids". These visions categorized the aims of many subsequent rocket-borne ion mass spectrometer experiments in the lower ionosphere, Although the use such measurements to deduce the composition of different classes of meteoroids has not been successful, the past four decades of rocket observations have provided po%erful sets of data for advancing our understanding of meteor ablation, meteoric composition, metal neutral and ion chemistry as well as ionospheric dynamics.

Grebowsky, Joseph M.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Ultraviolet solar spectrum recorded by echelle spectrograph /1970 to 1800 A/.

Six spectrograms of the solar spectrum were obtained in the region from 1970 to 1800 A at a resolution of approximately 200,000 with a rocket-borne spectrograph using an echelle as the principal dispersing element. Reduction of data obtained has been completed in the region from 1946.5 to 1963.5 A, in which 79 absorption features are measured and 33 identified. Most of the identified stronger lines are due to Fe I. A significant feature of the solar spectrum in this region coincides with the raie ultime of Se I.

Mcallister, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The Perseus and Coma clusters of galaxies at energies above 20 keV

Observations of the Perseus and Coma clusters of galaxies were made on June 21, 1974, with a balloon-borne X-ray telescope (energies of approximately 20-150 keV). No positive detection was made. The data favor a thermal bremsstrahlung mechanism for the X-ray production in the Perseus cluster of galaxies over the inverse Compton mechanism. In the case of the Coma cluster of galaxies, the data are inconclusive with respect to determining the origin of the X-rays.

Scheepmaker, A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A balloon measurement of the isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray boron, carbon and nitrogen

The isotopic compositions of galactic cosmic ray boron, carbon, and nitrogen were measured at energies near 300 MeV amu, using a balloon-borne instrument at an atmospheric depth of approximately 5 g/sq cm. The calibrations of the detectors comprising the instrument are described. The saturation properties of the cesium iodide scintillators used for measurement of particle energy are studied in the context of analyzing the data for mass. The achieved rms mass resolution varies from approximately 0.3 amu at boron to approximately 0.5 amu at nitrogen, consistent with a theoretical analysis of the contributing factors. Corrected for detector interactions and the effects of the residual atmosphere the results are B-10/B=0.33 (+0.17, -0.11), C-13/C=0.06 (+0.13, -0.11), and N-15/N=0.42 (+0.19, -0.17). A model of galactic propagation and solar modulation is described. Assuming a cosmic ray source composition of solar-like isotopic abundances, the model predicts abundances near Earth consistent with the measurements.

Zumberge, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Neutron stars and the distance to gamma-ray bursters

Assuming that gamma-ray bursts originate from galactic neutron stars, an analytic method for studying their statistical properties is outlined. If a significant fraction of all neutron stars are born with space velocities of less than approximately 100 km/s, as suggested by studies of pulsar statistics, then the sampling distance to gamma-ray burst sources should be less than about several hundred pc. These results have important implications on theories of radio-pulsar evolution and magnetic-field decay.

Dermer, Charles D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Energy spectra of cosmic ray nuclei: 4z26 and .3E2 GeV/amu

Energy spectra of cosmic ray nuclei in the charge range 5 is less than or equal to z less than or equal to 26 have been derived from the response of an acrylic plastic Cerenkov detector. Data were obtained using a balloon borne detector and cover the energy range 320 is approximately less than e approximately less than 2200 MeV. amu. Spectra are derived from a formal deconvolution using the method of Lezniak (1975). Relative spectra of different elements are compared by observing charge ratios. Secondary primary ratios are observed to decrease with increasing energy, consistent with the effect previously observed at higher energy. Primary to primary ratios are constant for 6 is less than or equal to z less than or equal to 26 and 14 is less than or equal to z less than or equal to 26 but vary for 10 is less than or equal to z less than or equal to 14. This data is found to be consistent with existing data where comparable and lends strong support ot the idea of two separate source populations contributing to the cosmic ray composition.

Maehl, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet: Trends, Drivers and Projections (1981-2100)

The surface energy balance and meltwater production of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) are modulated by snow and ice albedo through the amount of absorbed solar radiation. Here we show, using space-borne multispectral data collected during the 3 decades from 1981 to 2012, that summertime surface albedo over the GrIS decreased at a statistically significant (99 %) rate of 0.02 decade(sup -1) between 1996 and 2012. Over the same period, albedo modelled by the Modele Atmospherique Regionale (MAR) also shows a decrease, though at a lower rate (approximately -0.01 decade(sup -1)) than that obtained from space-borne data. We suggest that the discrepancy between modelled and measured albedo trends can be explained by the absence in the model of processes associated with the presence of light-absorbing impurities. The negative trend in observed albedo is confined to the regions of the GrIS that undergo melting in summer, with the dry snow zone showing no trend. The period 1981-1996 also showed no statistically significant trend over the whole GrIS. Analysis of MAR outputs indicates that the observed albedo decrease is attributable to the combined effects of increased near-surface air temperatures, which enhanced melt and promoted growth in snow grain size and the expansion of bare ice areas, and to trends in light-absorbing impurities (LAI) on the snow and ice surfaces. Neither aerosol models nor in situ and remote sensing observations indicate increasing trends in LAI in the atmosphere over Greenland. Similarly, an analysis of the number of fires and BC emissions from fires points to the absence of trends for such quantities. This suggests that the apparent increase of LAI in snow and ice might be related to the exposure of a "dark band" of dirty ice and to increased consolidation of LAI at the surface with melt, not to increased aerosol deposition. Albedo projections through to the end of the century under different warming scenarios consistently point to continued darkening, with albedo anomalies averaged over the whole ice sheet lower by 0.08 in 2100 than in 2000, driven solely by a warming climate. Future darkening is likely underestimated because of known underestimates in modelled melting (as seen in hindcasts) and because the model albedo scheme does not currently include the effects of LAI, which have a positive feedback on albedo decline through increased melting, grain growth, and darkening.

surface energy↗
NASA NTRS1996

Three-dimensional organization of otolith-ocular reflexes in rhesus monkeys. II. Inertial detection of angular velocity

1. The dynamic contribution of otolith signals to three-dimensional angular vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) was studied during off-vertical axis rotations in rhesus monkeys. In an attempt to separate response components to head velocity from those to head position relative to gravity during low-frequency sinusoidal oscillations, large oscillation amplitudes were chosen such that peak-to-peak head displacements exceeded 360 degrees. Because the waveforms of head position and velocity differed in shape and frequency content, the particular head position and angular velocity sensitivity of otolith-ocular responses could be independently assessed. 2. During both constant velocity rotation and low-frequency sinusoidal oscillations, the otolith system generated two different types of oculomotor responses: 1) modulation of three-dimensional eye position and/or eye velocity as a function of head position relative to gravity, as presented in the preceding paper, and 2) slow-phase eye velocity as a function of head angular velocity. These two types of otolith-ocular responses have been analyzed separately. In this paper we focus on the angular velocity responses of the otolith system. 3. During constant velocity off-vertical axis rotations, a steady-state nystagmus was elicited that was maintained throughout rotation. During low-frequency sinusoidal off-vertical axis oscillations, dynamic otolith stimulation resulted primarily in a reduction of phase leads that characterize low-frequency VOR during earth-vertical axis rotations. Both of these effects are the result of an internally generated head angular velocity signal of otolithic origin that is coupled through a low-pass filter to the VOR. No change in either VOR gain or phase was observed at stimulus frequencies larger than 0.1 Hz. 4. The dynamic otolith contribution to low-frequency angular VOR exhibited three-dimensional response characteristics with some quantitative differences in the different response components. For horizontal VOR, the amplitude of the steady-state slow-phase velocity during constant velocity rotation and the reduction of phase leads during sinusoidal oscillation were relatively independent of tilt angle (for angles larger than approximately 10 degrees). For vertical and torsional VOR, the amplitude of steady-state slow-phase eye velocity during constant velocity rotation increased, and the phase leads during sinusoidal oscillation decreased with increasing tilt angle. The largest steady-state response amplitudes and smallest phase leads were observed during vertical/torsional VOR about an earth-horizontal axis. 5. The dynamic range of otolith-borne head angular velocity information in the VOR was limited to velocities up to approximately 110 degrees/s. Higher head velocities resulted in saturation and a decrease in the amplitude of the steady-state response components during constant velocity rotation and in increased phase leads during sinusoidal oscillations. 6. The response characteristics of otolith-borne angular VORs were also studied in animals after selective semicircular canal inactivation. Otolith angular VORs exhibited clear low-pass filtered properties with a corner frequency of approximately 0.05-0.1 Hz. Vectorial summation of canal VOR alone (elicited during earth-vertical axis rotations) and otolith VOR alone (elicited during off-vertical axis oscillations after semicircular canal inactivation) could not predict VOR gain and phase during off-vertical axis rotations in intact animals. This suggests a more complex interaction of semicircular canal and otolith signals. 7. The results of this study show that the primate low-frequency enhancement of VOR dynamics during off-vertical axis rotation is independent of a simultaneous activation of the vertical and torsional "tilt" otolith-ocular reflexes that have been characterized in the preceding paper. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED).

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
NASA NTRS1973

Calculation of total electron excitation cross-sections and partial electron ionization cross-sections for the elements

Computer programs were used to calculate the total electron excitation cross-section for atoms and the partial ionization cross-section. The approximations to the scattering amplitude used are as follows: (1) Born, Bethe, and Modified Bethe for non-exchange excitation; (2) Ochkur for exchange excitation; and (3) Coulomb-Born of non-exchange ionization. The amplitudes are related to the differential cross-sections which are integrated to give the total excitation (or partial ionization) cross-section for the collision. The atomic wave functions used are Hartree-Fock-Slater functions for bound states and the coulomb wave function for the continuum. The programs are presented and the results are examined.

Green, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

An orientable, stabilized balloon-borne gondola for around-the-world flights

A system capable of pointing a balloon-borne telescope at selected celestial objects to an accuracy of approximately 10 arc minutes for an extended period (weeks to months) without reliance on telemetry is described. A unique combination of a sun/star tracker, an on-board computer, and a gyrocompass is utilized for navigation, source acquisition and tracking, and data compression and recording. The possibilities for intelligent activities by the computer are also discussed.

Ricker, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Electron-impact excitation cross sections for the b 3Sigma(+)nu state of H2

Differential and integral cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the b 3Sigma(+)nu state of H2 have been determined in the 20-100-eV impact energy region. The calibration of the cross sections was achieved through the H2 elastic scattering cross sections, which in turn were normalized to absolute He elastic scattering cross sections. Comparison is made with available experimental data and with theoretical results applying Born-Ochkur-Rudge, distorted-wave, and close-coupling approximations.

Khakoo, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

New perspectives for solar observations

The merits and demerits of an approach to the Sun (more closely than about one AU) are examined. High resolution imaging (approximately 0.1 arc sec) to be obtained with the shuttle-borne solar optical telescope, will permit conclusive observations relating to the structure of the quiet solar atmosphere, sunspots, spicules, oscillations, and many other problems of solar astrophysics. Beyond this limit important unresolved structure will exist, especially in optically thin regions or in regions with strong magnetic fields. Ambiguity will remain in solar imagery because a single line of sight cannot suffice completely to untangle the vertical dimension from the two horizontal dimensions. A solar probe with a complement of solar telescopes would provide two lines of sight for solar viewing and increase knowledge of the three dimensional structure of the solar atmosphere.

Hudson, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Prospects for gamma-ray line observations of individual supernovae

The gamma-ray line emission from individual type I and type II supernovae are studied using numerical simulations and photon propagation codes to predict the flux levels and line shapes. For both types, the gamma ray lines with the highest flux from an individual event are the 0.847 and 1.238 MeV lines from the Ni-56 to Co-56 to Fe-56 decay chain. For type I supernovae, the 0.847 MeV line peaks at about 70 days after event onset. The historical record indicates an approximate discovery rate of once in 10 years for balloon-borne instruments, once in two to three years for the Gamma-Ray Observatory, and once in one to two years for a proposed space mission. The 0.847 MeV line flux from type II supernovae peaks at about 600 days after event onset at a low level which restricts observations to the events in the Galaxy and its nearest neighbors. The expected line shape is narrower than for type I supernovae.

Gehrels, Neil↗
NASA NTRS1988

Power flow in a beam using a 5-accelerometer probe

A method to determine structure-borne power flow is examined which uses central finite differences to approximate the field variables required to calculate the shear and bending components of flexural vibration. An experimental study using a beam driven by a shaker was performed with the aim of comparing estimates using this proposed five-accelerometer method and the conventional two-accelerometer, free-field method. The advantages and disadvantages of the new method are pointed out.

Downing, J. Micah↗