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At least 235 records · Page 13

Beaming of Uranian kilometric radiation and implications for the planetary magnetic field

Radio waves from Uranus at 481.2 kHz detected by Voyager 2 show a strong beaming effect. When the data are analyzed according to the magnetic latitude of the observer in an offset tilted dipole field model, a sharply defined emission beam extending from 25 to 55 deg latitude is evident consistent with a source over the south magnetic pole. The lack of prominent emission from the north magnetic pole can be attributed to the large spatial offset of the magnetic dipole resulting in much lower source frequencies. For proper alignment of the beam, an advance of the dipole axis longitude by 23 deg from the standard model is required. This phase shift is interpreted as the result of higher order magnetic moments producing a skew of the field lines at low altitudes in the polar source region. This conclusion further substantiates models of the interior of Uranus which predict a complex intrinsic field with significant nondipolar contributions to the surface magnetic field.

Barbosa, D. D.↗

Analysis of the depletion of a stored aerosol in low gravity

The depletion of an aerosol stored in a container has been studied in l-g and in low gravity. Models were developed for sedimentation, coagulation and diffusional losses to the walls. The overall depletion caused by these three mechanisms is predicted to be of order 5 to 8 percent per hour in terrestrial conditions, which agrees with laboratory experience. Applying the models to a low gravity situation indicates that there only coagulation will be significant. (Gravity influences diffusional losses because of convection currents caused by random temperature gradients). For the types of aerosol studied, the rate of depletion of particles should be somewhat less than 0.001 N percent per hour, where N is the concentration per cu cm.

Squires, P.↗

Coordinated Satellite Observations of the Very Low Frequency Transmission Through the Ionospheric D Layer at Low Latitudes, Using Broadband Radio Emissions from Lightning

Both ray theory and full-wave models of very low frequency transmission through the ionospheric D layer predict that the transmission is greatly suppressed near the geomagnetic equator. We use data from the low-inclination Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System satellite to test this semiquantitatively, for broadband very low frequency emissions from lightning. Approximate ground-truthing of the incident wavefields in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide is provided by the World Wide Lightning Location Network. Observations of the wavefields at the satellite are provided by the Vector Electric Field Instrument aboard the satellite. The data set comprises whistler observations with the satellite at magnetic latitudes<26deg. Thus, our conclusions, too, must be limited to the near-equatorial region and are not necessarily predictive of midlatitude whistler properties. We find that in most broadband recordings of radio waves at the satellite, very few of the lightning strokes result in a detectable radio pulse at the satellite. However, in a minority of the recordings, there is enhanced transmission of very low frequency lightning emissions through the D layer, at a level exceeding model predictions by at least an order of magnitude. We show that kilometric-scale D-layer irregularities may be implicated in the enhanced transmission. This observation of sporadic enhancements at low magnetic latitude, made with broadband lightning emissions, is consistent with an earlier review of D-layer transmission for transmission from powerful man-made radio beacons.

Jacobson, Abram R.↗

Bend stress relaxation and tensile primary creep of a polycrystalline alpha-SiC fiber

Understanding the thermomechanical behavior (creep and stress relaxation) of ceramic fibers is of both practical and basic interest. On the practical level, ceramic fibers are the reinforcement for ceramic matrix composites which are being developed for use in high temperature applications. It is important to understand and model the total creep of fibers at low strain levels where creep is predominantly in the primary stage. In addition, there are many applications where the component will only be subjected to thermal strains. Therefore, the stress relaxation of composite consituents in such circumstances will be an important factor in composite design and performance. The objective of this paper is to compare and analyze bend stress relaxation and tensile creep data for alpha-SiC fibers produced by the Carborundum Co. (Niagara Falls, NY). This fiber is of current technical interest and is similar in composition to bulk alpha-SiC which has been studied under compressive creep conditions. The temperature, time, and stress dependences will be discussed for the stress relaxation and creep results. In addition, some creep and relaxation recovery experiments were performed in order to understand the complete viscoelastic behavior, i.e. both recoverable and nonrecoverable creep components of these materials. The data will be presented in order to model the deformation behavior and compare relaxation and/or creep behavior for relatively low deformation strain conditions of practical concern. Where applicable, the tensile creep results will be compared to bend stress relaxation data.

Hee Man, Yun↗

The global reference atmospheric model, mod 2 (with two scale perturbation model)

The Global Reference Atmospheric Model was improved to produce more realistic simulations of vertical profiles of atmospheric parameters. A revised two scale random perturbation model using perturbation magnitudes which are adjusted to conform to constraints imposed by the perfect gas law and the hydrostatic condition is described. The two scale perturbation model produces appropriately correlated (horizontally and vertically) small scale and large scale perturbations. These stochastically simulated perturbations are representative of the magnitudes and wavelengths of perturbations produced by tides and planetary scale waves (large scale) and turbulence and gravity waves (small scale). Other new features of the model are: (1) a second order geostrophic wind relation for use at low latitudes which does not "blow up" at low latitudes as the ordinary geostrophic relation does; and (2) revised quasi-biennial amplitudes and phases and revised stationary perturbations, based on data through 1972.

Justus, C. G.↗

SS Cygni as a hard X-ray source identified with the scanning modulation collimator on HEAO 1

Hard X-ray emission from a 15 min by 1.5 deg area containing SS Cygni had previously been reported and identified with SS Cygni. This paper reports a 0.4 sq arc min measurement of the position of the X-ray source with the HEAO 1 modulation collimator experiment which leads to an unequivocal identification of SS Cygni as an X-ray emitter in the 2-10 keV energy range. The historical light curve in hard X-rays was also investigated by analyzing relevant Uhuru data, and two instances of possible source detection in the 2-6 keV band were noted. From Ariel 5 observations it is calculated that the X-ray luminosity of SS Cygni in the 2-10 keV energy range is of the order of 10 to the 33rd erg/sec in the optical low state and probably at least an order of magnitude less in the high state. By contrast, the soft X-ray luminosity increases by an order of magnitude between the optical low and high states. A coronal model or accretion onto the white dwarf can account for the inverse correlation of the soft and hard X-rays.

Fabbiano, G.↗

Navier-Stokes analysis of three-dimensional unsteady flows inside turbine stages

This study presents a numerical method for solving the 3D Navier-Stokes equations for unsteady, viscous flow through multiple turbomachinery blade rows. The method solves the fully 3D Navier-Stokes equations with an implicit scheme which is based on a control volume approach. A two-equation turbulence model with a low Reynolds number modification is employed. A third-order accurate upwinding scheme is used to approximate convection terms, while a second order accurate central difference scheme is used for the discretization of viscous terms. A second-order accurate scheme is employed for the temporal discretization. The numerical method is applied to study the unsteady flowfield of the High Pressure Fuel side Turbo-Pump (HPFTP) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). The stage calculation is performed by coupling the stator and the rotor flowfields at each time step through an over-laid grid. Numerical results for the complete geometry with the vane trailing edge cutback are presented and compared with the available experimental data.

Hah, C.↗

Navier-Stokes analysis of three-dimensional flow and heat transfer inside turbine blade rows

A numerical method for solving the three-dimensional, Navier-Stokes equations for unsteady, viscous flow and heat transfer through multiple turbomachinery blade rows is presented. The method solves the fully three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with an implicit scheme which is based on a control volume approach. A two-equation turbulence model with a low Reynolds number modification is employed. A third-order accurate upwinding scheme is used to approximate convection terms while a second order accurate central difference scheme is used for the discretization of viscous terms. A second-order accurate scheme is employed for the temporal discretization. The numerical method is applied to study the unsteady flow and heat transfer field of the High Pressure Fuel side Turbo-Pump (HPFTP) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). The stage calculation is performed by coupling the stator and the rotor flow fields at each time step through an over-laid grid. Numerical results for the complete geometry with the vane trailing edge cutback are presented and compared with the available experimental data.

Hah, C.↗

Geodesy at Mercury with MESSENGER

In 2011 the MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit and begin the mapping phase of the mission. As part of its science objectives the MESSENGER mission will determine the shape and gravity field of Mercury. These observations will enable the topography and the crustal thickness to be derived for the planet and will determine the small libration of the planet about its axis, the latter critical to constraining the state of the core. These measurements require very precise positioning of the MESSENGER spacecraft in its eccentric orbit, which has a periapsis altitude as low as 200 km, an apoapsis altitude near 15,000 km, and a closest approach to the surface varying from latitude 60 to about 70 N. The X-band tracking of MESSENGER and the laser altimetry are the primary data that will be used to measure the planetary shape and gravity field. The laser altimeter, which has an expected range of 1000 to 1200 km, is expected to provide significant data only over the northern hemisphere because of MESSENGER's eccentric orbit. For the southern hemisphere, radio occultation measurements obtained as the spacecraft passes behind the planet as seen from Earth and images obtained with the imaging system will be used to provide the long-wavelength shape of the planet. Gravity, derived from the tracking data, will also have greater resolution in the northern hemisphere, but full global models for both topography and gravity will be obtained at low harmonic order and degree. The limiting factor for both gravity and topography is expected to be knowledge of the spacecraft location. Present estimations are that in a combined tracking, altimetry, and occultation solution the spacecraft position uncertainty is likely to be of order 10 m. This accuracy should be adequate for establishing an initial geodetic coordinate system for Mercury that will enable positioning of imaged features on the surface, determination of the planet's obliquity, and detection of the librational motion of the planet about its axis.

Smith, David E.↗

Vapor pressures of acetylene at low temperatures

The atmospheres of many of the outer planets and their satellites contain a large number of hydrocarbon species. In particular, acetylene (C2H2) has been identified at Jupiter, Saturn and its satellite Titan, Uranus and Neptune. In the lower atmospheres of these planets, where colder temperatures prevail, the condensation and/or freezing of acetylene is probable. In order to obtain accurate models of the acetylene in these atmospheres, it is necessary to have a complete understanding of its vapor pressures at low temperatures. Vapor pressures at low temperatures for acetylene are being determined. The vapor pressures are measured with two different techniques in order to cover a wide range of temperatures and pressures. In the first, the acetylene is placed in a sample tube which is immersed in a low temperature solvent/liquid nitrogen slush bath whose temperature is measured with a thermocouple. The vapor pressure is then measured directly with a capacitance manometer. For lower pressures, a second technique which was called the thin-film infrared method (TFIR) was developed. It involves measuring the disappearance rate of a thin film of acetylene at a particular temperature. The spectra are then analyzed using previously determined extinction coefficient values, to determine the disappearance rate R (where R = delta n/delta t, the number of molecules that disappear per unit time). This can be related to the vapor pressure directly. This technique facilitates measurement of the lower temperatures and pressures. Both techniques have been calibrated using CO2, and have shown good agreement with the existing literature data.

Masterson, C. M.↗

Radiation Quality Effects on Transcriptome Profiles in 3-D Cultures After Charged Particle Irradiation

In this work, we evaluated the differential effects of low- and high-LET radiation on 3-D organotypic cultures in order to investigate radiation quality impacts on gene expression and cellular responses. Current risk models for assessment of space radiation-induced cancer have large uncertainties because the models for adverse health effects following radiation exposure are founded on epidemiological analyses of human populations exposed to low-LET radiation. Reducing these uncertainties requires new knowledge on the fundamental differences in biological responses (the so-called radiation quality effects) triggered by heavy ion particle radiation versus low-LET radiation associated with Earth-based exposures. In order to better quantify these radiation quality effects in biological systems, we are utilizing novel 3-D organotypic human tissue models for space radiation research. These models hold promise for risk assessment as they provide a format for study of human cells within a realistic tissue framework, thereby bridging the gap between 2-D monolayer culture and animal models for risk extrapolation to humans. To identify biological pathway signatures unique to heavy ion particle exposure, functional gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used with whole transcriptome profiling. GSEA has been used extensively as a method to garner biological information in a variety of model systems but has not been commonly used to analyze radiation effects. It is a powerful approach for assessing the functional significance of radiation quality-dependent changes from datasets where the changes are subtle but broad, and where single gene based analysis using rankings of fold-change may not reveal important biological information.

Patel, Zarana S.↗

A note on two-dimensional asymptotic magnetotail equilibria

In order to understand, on the fluid level, the structure, the time evolution, and the stability of current sheets, such as the magnetotail plasma sheet in Earth's magnetosphere, one has to consider magnetic field configurations that are in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) force equilibrium. Any reasonable MHD current sheet model has to be two-dimensional, at least in an asymptotic sense (B(sub z)/B (sub x)) = epsilon much less than 1. The necessary two-dimensionality is described by a rather arbitrary function f(x). We utilize the free function f(x) to construct two-dimensional magnetotail equilibria are 'equivalent' to current sheets in empirical three-dimensional models. We obtain a class of asymptotic magnetotail equilibria ordered with respect to the magnetic disturbance index Kp. For low Kp values the two-dimensional MHD equilibria reflect some of the realistic, observation-based, aspects of three-dimensional models. For high Kp values the three-dimensional models do not fit the asymptotic MHD equlibria, which is indicative of their inconsistency with the assumed pressure function. This, in turn, implies that high magnetic activity levels of the real magnetosphere might be ruled by thermodynamic conditions different from local thermodynamic equilibrium.

Voigt, Gerd-Hannes↗

Effects of Fuselage Nose Length and a Canopy on the Low-Speed Oscillatory Yawing Derivatives of a Swept-Wing Airplane Model with a Fuselage of Circular Cross Section

A wind-tunnel investigation was made at low speed in the Langley stability tunnel in order to determine the effects of fuselage nose length and a canopy on the oscillatory yawing derivatives of a complete swept-wing model configuration. The changes in nose length caused the fuselage fineness ratio to vary from 6.67 to 9.18. Data were obtained at various frequencies and amplitudes for angles of attack from 0 deg. to about 32 deg. Static lateral and longitudinal stability data are also presented.

Williams, James L.↗

Effects of non-Maxwellian electron velocity distribution functions and nonspherical geometry on minor ions in the solar wind

A previous model has shown that in order to account for the charge state distribution in the low-speed solar wind, a high coronal temperature is necessary and that this temperature peak goes together with a peak of nx/np in the corona. In the present paper, one of the assumptions made previously, i.e., that coronal electrons are Maxwellian, is relaxed, and a much cooler model is presented, which could account for the same oxygen charge states in the solar wind due to the inclusion of non-Maxwellian electrons. Also, due to a different choice of the coronal magnetic field geometry, this model would show no enhancement of the coronal nx/np. Results of the two models are then compared, and observational tests to distinguish between the two scenarios are proposed: comparison of directly measured coronal Te to charge state measurements in the solar wind, determination of the coronal nx/np measurement of ion speeds in the acceleration region of the solar wind, and measurement of the frozen-in silicon charge state distribution.

Burgi, A.↗

Contributions of the low-latitude boundary layer to the finite width magnetotail convection model

The finite tail width model of magnetotail plasma sheet convection has been extended in order to characterize the steady-state convection process. The model assumes uniform plasma sources and accounts for both the duskward gradient/curvature drift and the earthward E x B drift of ions in a 2D magnetic geometry. A secondary source of plasma originating in the dawnside low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) is added. Model results show that the LLBL may be a significant source of near-tail central plasma sheet plasma during periods of weak convection; a cross-tail pressure gradient from dawn to dusk is predicted in the near magnetotail.

Spence, Harlan E.↗

Mathematical Model for the Mineralization of Bone

A mathematical model is presented for the transport and precipitation of mineral in refilling osteons. One goal of this model was to explain calcification 'halos,' in which the bone near the haversian canal is more highly mineralized than the more peripheral lamellae, which have been mineralizing longer. It was assumed that the precipitation rate of mineral is proportional to the difference between the local concentration of calcium ions and an equilibrium concentration and that the transport of ions is by either diffusion or some other concentration gradient-dependent process. Transport of ions was assumed to be slowed by the accumulation of mineral in the matrix along the transport path. The model also mimics bone apposition, slowing of apposition during refilling, and mineralization lag time. It was found that simple diffusion cannot account for the transport of calcium ions into mineralizing bone, because the diffusion coefficient is two orders of magnitude too low. If a more rapid concentration gradient-driven means of transport exists, the model demonstrates that osteonal geometry and variable rate of refilling work together to produce calcification halos, as well as the primary and secondary calcification effect reported in the literature.

Martin, Bruce↗

Mathematical Model for the Mineralization of Bone

A mathematical model is presented for the transport and precipitation of mineral in refilling osteons. One goal of this model was to explain calcification 'halos,' in which the bone near the haversian canal is more highly mineralized than the more peripheral lamellae, which have been mineralizing longer. It was assumed that the precipitation rate of mineral is proportional to the difference between the local concentration of calcium ions and an equilibrium concentration and that the transport of ions is by either diffusion or some other concentration gradient-dependent process. Transport of ions was assumed to be slowed by the accumulation of mineral in the matrix along the transport path. ne model also mimics bone apposition, slowing of apposition during refilling, and mineralization lag time. It was found that simple diffusion cannot account for the transport of calcium ions into mineralizing bone, because the diffusion coefficient is two orders of magnitude too low. If a more rapid concentration gradient-driven means of transport exists, the model demonstrates that osteonal geometry and variable rate of refilling work together to produce calcification halos, as well as the primary and secondary calcification effect reported in the literature.

Martin, Bruce↗

Investigation and Comparison between New Satellite Impact Test Results and NASA Standard Breakup Model

This paper summarizes two new satellite impact tests conducted in order to investigate on the outcome of low- and hyper-velocity impacts on two identical target satellites. The first experiment was performed at a low velocity of 1.5 km/s using a 40-gram aluminum alloy sphere, whereas the second experiment was performed at a hyper-velocity of 4.4 km/s using a 4-gram aluminum alloy sphere by two-stage light gas gun in Kyushu Institute of Technology. To date, approximately 1,500 fragments from each impact test have been collected for detailed analysis. Each piece was analyzed based on the method used in the NASA Standard Breakup Model 2000 revision. The detailed analysis will conclude: 1) the similarity in mass distribution of fragments between low and hyper-velocity impacts encourages the development of a general-purpose distribution model applicable for a wide impact velocity range, and 2) the difference in area-to-mass ratio distribution between the impact experiments and the NASA standard breakup model suggests to describe the area-to-mass ratio by a bi-normal distribution.

Sakuraba, K.↗