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At least 217 records · Page 12

Transport properties in the atmosphere of Jupiter

The calculation of transport properties near the surface of a probe entering the atmosphere of Jupiter is discussed for (1) transport properties in the pure Jovian atmosphere, (2) transport properties for collisions between monatomic carbon atoms, including the effect of excited electronic states, (3) transport properties at the boundaries for mixing of the pure Jovian atmosphere and the atmosphere due to the injection of gaseous ablation products, and (4) transport properties for interactions involving some of the molecular ablation products. The transport properties were calculated using the kinetic theory of gases. Transport collision integrals were calculated for only a limited set of empirical and semiempirical interaction potentials. Since the accuracy of the fit of these empirical potentials to the true potential usually determines the accuracy of the calculation of the transport properties, the various interaction potentials used in these calculations are discussed.

Biolsi, L., Jr.↗

Effects of high energy radiation on the mechanical properties of epoxy-graphite fiber reinforced composites

In an effort to elucidate the changes in molecular structural and mechanical properties of epoxy/graphite fiber composites upon exposure to ionizing radiation in a simulated space environment, spectroscopic and surface properties of tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diamino diphenyl methane (TGDDM) red with diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) and T-300 graphite fiber were investigated following exposure to ionizing radiation. Cobalt-60 gamma radiation and 1/2 MeV electrons were used as radiation sources. The system was studied using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis.

Fornes, R. E.↗

Envelope structure on 700 AU scales and the molecular outflows of low-mass young stellar objects

Aperture synthesis observations of HCO+ J = 1-0, 13CO 1-0, and C18O 1-0 obtained with the Owens Valley Millimeter Array are used to probe the small-scale (5" approximately 700 AU) structure of the molecular envelopes of a well-defined sample of nine embedded low-mass young stellar objects in Taurus. The interferometer results can be understood in terms of: (1) a core of radius approximately or less than 1000 AU surrounding the central star, possibly flattened and rotating; (2) condensations scattered throughout the envelope that may be left over from the inhomogeneous structure of the original cloud core or that may have grown during collapse; and (3) material within the outflow or along the walls of the outflow cavity. Masses of the central cores are 0.001-0.1 M (solar), and agree well with dust continuum measurements. Averaged over the central 20" (3000 AU) region, an HCO+ abundance of 4 x 10(-8) is inferred, with a spread of a factor of 3 between the different sources. Reanalysis of previously presented single-dish data yields an HCO+ abundance of (5.0 +/- 1.7) x 10(-9), which may indicate an average increase by a factor of a few on the smaller scales sampled by the interferometer. Part of this apparent abundance variation could be explained by contributions from extended cloud emission to the single-dish C18O lines, and uncertainties in the assumed excitation temperatures and opacities. The properties of the molecular envelopes and outflows are further investigated through single-dish observations of 12CO J = 6-5, 4-3, and 3-2, 13CO 6-5 and 3-2, and C18O 3-2 and 2-1, obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell and IRAM 30 m telescopes, along with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. Ratios of the mid-J CO lines are used to estimate the excitation temperature, with values of 25-80 K derived for the gas near line centre. The outflow wings show a similar range, although Tex is enhanced by a factor of 2-3 in at least two sources. In contrast to the well-studied L1551 IRS 5 outflow, which extends over 10' (0.4 pc), seven of the remaining eight sources are found to drive 12CO 3-2 outflows over < or = 1' (0.04 pc); only L1527 IRS has a well-developed outflow of some 3'(0.12 pc). Estimates are obtained for the outflow kinetic luminosity, Lkin, and the flow momentum rate, FCO, applying corrections for line opacity and source inclination. The flow force FCO correlates with the envelope mass and with the 2.7 mm flux of the circumstellar disk. Only a weak correlation is seen with Lbol, while none is found with the relative age of the object as measured by integral Tmb(HCO+ 3-2)dV/Lbol. These trends support the hypothesis that outflows are driven by accretion through a disk, with a global mass infall rate determined by the mass and density of the envelope. The association of compact HCO+ emission with the walls of the outflow cavities indicates that outflows in turn influence the appearance of the envelopes. It is not yet clear, however, whether they are actively involved in sweeping up envelope material, or merely provide a low-opacity pathway for heating radiation to reach into the envelope.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

Sum rule functions

Sum rule functions for expressions of atomic or molecular quantum mechanical properties

Barnsley, M.↗

Correlation of the rate of ultrasound propagation with other characteristic magnitudes of the liquid state

The application of ultrasonic radiation to the procedure for determining the physical properties of liquids is discussed. The basis for linking the kinetic properties of liquids to the equilibrium properties through the molecular structure and the potential of the intermolecular forces is defined. The test procedure using ultrasonic radiation is described. Results of tests with specified fluids are tabulated.

Stetiu, C.↗

Infrared astronomy and high energy astrophysics

Observations of the diffuse far infrared flux from the galactic plane as well as far infrared measurements of the properties of dense molecular clouds, when combined with recent high-energy gamma ray measurements and radio observations of carbon monoxide, can yield new information about the total mass of molecular clouds, the large scale structure of the inner galaxy, and the density of cosmic rays. These observations are discussed.

Fazio, G. G.↗

Nitrile crosslinked polyphenyl-quinoxaline/graphite fiber composites

Studies were performed to reduce the 600 F thermoplasticity of polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) matrix resins by introducing crosslinking by the reaction of terminal nitrile groups. Seven solvents and solvent mixtures were studied as the crosslinking catalysts and used to fabricate crosslinked PPQ/HMS graphite fiber composites. The room temperature and 600 F composite mechanical properties after short time and prolonged 600 F air exposure and the 600 F composite weight loss were determined and compared to those properties of high molecular weight, linear PPQ/HMS graphite fiber composites.

Alston, W. B.↗

Infrared astronomy and high energy astrophysics

Observations of the diffuse far-infrared flux from the galactic plane, as well as far-infrared measurements of the properties of dense molecular clouds, when combined with recent high-energy gamma-ray measurements and radio observations of carbon monoxide, yield information about the total mass of molecular clouds, the large-scale structure of the inner galaxy, and the density of cosmic rays.

Fazio, G. G.↗

Rationale for two phase polymer system microgravity separation experiments

The two-phase systems that result when aqueous solutions of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) are mixed at concentrations above a few percent are discussed. They provide useful media for the partition and isolation of macromolecules and cell subpopulations. By manipulating their composition, separations based on a variety of molecular and surface properties are achieved, including membrane hydrophobic properties, cell surface charge, and membrane antigenicity. Work on the mechanism of cell partition shows there is a randomizing, nonthermal energy present which reduces separation resolution. This stochastic energy is probably associated with hydrodynamic interactions present during separation. Because such factors should be markedly reduced in microgravity, a series of shuttle experiments to indicate approaches to increasing the resolution of the procedure are planned.

Brooks, D. E.↗

The formation of low-mass stars

Visible to millimeter wavelength observations of the global and individual aspects of low-mass star formation are discussed. Infrared and millimeter-wave techniques reveal large collections of dust-embedded young stellar objects associated with the densest regions of molecular clouds. Special attention is given to studies of the Taurus-Auriga and Rho Opiuchi molecular cloud complexes. Properties such as the bolometric luminosities and evolutionary states of young objects can be determined by modeling the 1-100-micron spectral energy distributions.

Wilking, Bruce A.↗

The formation and structure of circumstellar and interstellar dust

The intriguing abundance of long linear carbon chain molecules in some dark clouds and in circumstellar shells is still not well understood. Recent laboratory studies which have probed this problem indicate that when carbon vapor nucleates to form particles, linear chains and hollow cage molecules (fullerenes) also form at more-or-less the same time. The results have consequences for the formation, structures and spectroscopic properties of the molecular and dust components ejected from cool carbon-rich stars. A most interesting result of the experimental observations relates to the probability that a third character in addition to the chains and grains, the C(sub 60) molecule probably in the form of the ion C(sub 60)(sup +) in the less shielded regions, is present and perhaps responsible for some of the ubiquitously observed interstellar spectroscopic features such as the Diffuse Interstellar Features, the 2170A UV Absorption or perhaps some of the Unidentified Infrared Bands. Further study of small carbon particles which form in the gas phase has resulted in the discovery that they have quasi-icosahedral spiral shell structures. The role that such species may play in the interstellar medium as well as that played by C(sub 60) (or C sub 60 sup +) should soon be accessible to verification by a combination of laboratory experiment and astronomical spectroscopy.

Kroto, H. W.↗

Enhancing The Hyperpolarizabilities Of Finite Polyenes

Improved strategy for exploiting unusual optical properties to enhance molecular hyperpolarizabilities by introducing "defect" quantum-mechanical states and produce molecules switched photochemically or electrochemically between states characterized by different second molecular hyperpolarizabilities. Strategy, conjugation and/or substitution defects, electrically neutral or charged dopant orimpurity atoms or groups thereof, incorporated into finite polyene. Defects in finite polyenes alter second molecular hyperpolarizabilities. Transient large second hyperpolarizabilities attainable in molecules of structure II.

Beratan, David N.↗

Linear Scaling Density Functional Calculations with Gaussian Orbitals

Recent advances in linear scaling algorithms that circumvent the computational bottlenecks of large-scale electronic structure simulations make it possible to carry out density functional calculations with Gaussian orbitals on molecules containing more than 1000 atoms and 15000 basis functions using current workstations and personal computers. This paper discusses the recent theoretical developments that have led to these advances and demonstrates in a series of benchmark calculations the present capabilities of state-of-the-art computational quantum chemistry programs for the prediction of molecular structure and properties.

Scuseria, Gustavo E.↗

Effective Potential Energies and Transport Cross Sections for Interactions of Hydrogen and Nitrogen

The interaction energies for N2-He and N2-H2 are calculated by accurate ab initio methods. The virial coefficient and differential scattering cross section for N2-H2 are calculated; the theoretical results are compared with experimental data. The transport collision integrals for N2-H2 and N2-N2 interactions are calculated and tabulated; the results yield transport coefficients that compare well with measured data. Transport coefficients are found to be determined accurately from the interaction energies for a specific configuration of the molecule formed from the interaction partners. Comparisons with results of measurement and accurate calculations demonstrate that the transport properties of complex molecular interactions can be determined rapidly and fairly accurately from the interaction energies of simpler system using combination rules for the short-range parameters of effective interaction energies and the coefficients for the long-range forces. The coefficients for a two-parameter temperature expansion of diffusion and viscosity are tabulated for a realistic universal potential energy that is based primarily on the results of very accurate calculations of the He-He interaction energy.

Stallcop, James R.↗

Heat, Moisture and Chemical Resistant Polyimide Compositions and Methods for Making and Using Them

Polyimides having a desired combination of high thermo-oxidative stability, low moisture absorption and excellent chemical and corrosion resistance are prepared by reacting a mixture of compounds including (a) 3,3',4,4'- benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), (b) 3,4'- oxydianiline (3,4'-ODA), and (c) 5-norbornene-2,3- dicarboxylic anhydride (NA) in a high boiling, aprotic solvent to give 5 to 35% by weight of polyamic acid solution. The ratio of (a), (b), and (c) is selected to afford a family of polyimides having different molecular weights and properties. The mixture first forms a polyamic acid precursor. Upon heating at or above 300 C, the polyamic acids form polyimides, which are particularly suitable for use as a high temperature coating, adhesive, thin film, or composite matrix resin.

Ruth H Pater↗

Electron-impact total ionization cross sections of DNA sugar-phosphate backbone and an additivity principle

The improved binary-encounter dipole (iBED) model [W.M. Huo, Phys. Rev. A64, 042719-1 (2001)l is used to study the total ionization cross sections of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone by electron impact. Calculations using neutral fragments found that the total ionization cross sections of C3' - and C5', -deoxyribose-phospate, two conformers of the sugar-phosphate backbone, are close to each other. Furthermore, the sum of the ionization cross sections of the separate deoxyribose and phosphate fragments is in close agreement with the C3' - and C5" -deoxyribose-phospate cross sections, differing by less than 10%. The result implies that certain properties of the-DNA, like the total singly ionization cross section, are localized properties and a building-up or additivity principle may apply. This allows us to obtain accurate properties of larger molecular systems built up from the results of smaller subsystem fragments. Calculations are underway using a negatively charged sugar-phosphate backbone with a metal counter-ion.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

Biogeochemical and Optical Analysis of Coastal DOM for Satellite Retrieval of Terrigenous DOM in the U.S. Middle Atlantic Bight

Estuaries and coastal ocean waters experience a high degree of variability in the composition and concentration of particulate and dissolved organic matter (DOM) as a consequence of riverine/estuarine fluxes of terrigenous DOM, sediments, detritus and nutrients into coastal waters and associated phytoplankton blooms. Our approach integrates biogeochemical measurements (elemental content, molecular analyses), optical properties (absorption) and remote sensing to examine terrestrial DOM contributions into the U.S. Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB). We measured lignin phenol composition, DOC and CDOM absorption within the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay mouths, plumes and adjacent coastal ocean waters to derive empirical relationships between CDOM and biogeochemical measurements for satellite remote sensing application. Lignin ranged from 0.03 to 6.6 ug/L between estuarine and outer shelf waters. Our results demonstrate that satellite-derived CDOM is useful as a tracer of terrigenous DOM in the coastal ocean

Mannino, A.↗