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At least 253 records · Page 14

On the early history of the asteroids

Among the major features of the asteroids as a group is the fact that they are small and numerous rather than being a single planet, and that they have unusually high eccentricities and inclinations. Regarding the first, this paper presents two lines of argument concerning the concept that the asteroids formed with a mass-distribution similar to what we observe today. Considerations of planet accretion are used to clarify the role of Jupiter in preventing coalescence of asteroids into a single planet. Regarding the eccentricities and inclinations, it is proposed that they were excited by secular resonances associated with the presence of Jupiter within a dissipating solar nebula.

Heppenheimer, T. A.↗

Structure and orientation of small particles of platinum deposited on NaCl and mica

The structure of small platinum particles condensed in vacuum onto NaCl (001), NaCl (111) and mica substrates was studied by electron diffraction and electron microscopy. Results show that above a certain substrate temperature decahedral or icosahedral particles are formed. These particles are practically absent with substrates cleaved in high vacuum. They are always much less numerous than in gold films prepared under the same conditions. Assumptions made to explain this phenomenon are: (1) the initial growth of an abnormal structure of the nuclei as opposed by the substrate; (2) the particles disappear before they attain a size which corresponds to the observations; and (3) the particles result from a coalescence mechanism leading to multiple twinned particles.

Renou, A.↗

Design Guidelines for the Application of Forebody and Nose Strakes to a Fighter Aircraft Based on F-16 Wind Tunnel Testing Experience

During the YF-16 and F-16 developmental wind tunnel test program, numerous variations in nose and forebody strakes were investigated. These data were reviewed, and the strake aerodynamic characteristics coalesced into design guidelines for the application of strakes to fighter aircraft. The design guides take the form of general equations governing the modification of forebody strakes to obtain a linear pitching moment curve and the calculation of the resulting lift and drag increments. Additionally, qualitative comments are made concerning the effects of strake geometry on lateral/directional stability. It is concluded that the generation of incremental strake lift is primarily dependent upon the area affected by the strake-induced vortex and that strake planform is of secondary importance. Forebody strakes have small beneficial effects on lateral/directional stability if properly designed; however, significant gains are easily attained with nose strakes.

Smith, C. W.↗

The nature of Trojan asteroid 624 Hektor

Near-simultaneous visual and thermal IR (20-micron) photometry of the Trojan asteroid 624 Hektor is reported which was performed when the asteroid was observed nearly along its rotation axis. The results confirm and refine the low albedo and large size of this asteroid and confirm the general rotational-pole position and aspect angle predicted by Dunlap and Gehrels (1969). Hektor is found to be a truly extraordinary object in that it is larger and far more irregular in shape than other measured Trojans and far more irregular than other belt asteroids of comparable size. It is proposed that Hektor could be a partially coalesced pair of Trojan asteroids which collided with energy too low to cause complete fragmentation, thus forming a dumbbell-shaped object. A possible scenario is outlined according to which the two pre-Hektor objects were neighboring relatively large primitive spheroidal planetesimals trapped in Jupiter's Lagrangian cloud. Observational and theoretical tests of this model are suggested.

Hartmann, W. K.↗

Fragmentation of molecular clouds

Fragmentation is generally considered to be the initial process that a molecular cloud must undergo before stars can form. Yet its role in determining the final mass spectrum remains obscure. It appears that gravitational fragmentation, considered as a unique process, is unsatisfactory. Both fragmentation and complementary physical processes are, therefore, discussed. One of the principle aims of the discussion is to indicate how stars of solar mass (and more generally, how the initial mass spectrum of stars) can form. Attention is given to the evidence for fragmentation, opacity-limited fragmentation, magnetic flux-limited fragmentation, fragmentation induced by molecule formation and excitation, protostellar heat input, fragment coalescence, accretion, binary formation, and probabilistic theories.

Silk, J.↗

Double core evolution and X-ray binaries

The evolution of a 16-solar mass star and a 1-solar mass neutron star is followed through the common-envelope binary phase. It is found that the encounter of the neutron star with a yellow giant leads to coalescence of the two cores, while encounter with a red giant leads to hydrodynamic expansion and probable ejection of the common envelope. Within the context of the two rotation laws (1) uniform rotation (investigated in the present study), and (2) uniform specific angular momentum (considered in an earlier study), the results are independent of the choice for the angular-momentum distribution in the common envelope. Implications of the results for the binary pulsar phase are discussed.

Taam, R. E.↗

Resizing structures for minimum weight

Approximation concepts and dual-method algorithms are combined in method of minimum-weight design for structures. Approximation Concepts Code for Efficient Structural Synthesis (ACCESS3) program is powerful research tool in which mathematical programming and optimality criteria are coalesced in efficient structural weight-minimization method.

Fleury, C.↗

Novel duplex vapor: Electrochemical method for silicon solar cells

The scaled up chemical reactor for a SiF4-Na reaction system is examined for increased reaction rate and production rate. The reaction system which now produces 5 kg batches of mixed Si and NaF is evaluated. The reactor design is described along with an analysis of the increased capacity of the Na chip feeder. The reactor procedure is discussed and Si coalescence in the reaction products is diagnosed.

Nanis, L.↗

Thickness of the western mare basalts

The basalts of the western maria occupy large circular basins and surrounding lowlands associated with the basins. Mare Imbrium and Mare Humorum are the only well-preserved circular basins. Isopach mapping suggests that the vast expanse of basalt plains of Oceanus Procellarum mantles a composite structure of several coalescing basins. The thickest basalts are found in Mare Imbrium, Mare Humorum, and in the western part of the Oceanus Procellarum. Relatively thin basalts are found south and southwest of Mare Imbrium, in the Central Lowland region, and in northern Procellarium. For the most part, the general conclusions of earilier studies of the eastern maria are confirmed in the western maria.

De Hon, R. A.↗

Grooves on Phobos - Their distribution, morphology and possible origin

The global distribution, morphology, age, possible origin and significance of the long, linear depressions termed grooves on the surface of Phobos are discussed, based on Viking Orbiter data. The grooves, which consist of linear strings of coalesced and separate depressions in a loose regolith up to 100-200 m in depth, are observed to define the intersection of several sets of parallel planes with the surface of Phobos, with the widest and deepest grooves occurring just outside the rim of the 10-km crater, Stickney. The superposition of the grooves on older craters, crater density within the grooves and the intersections of groove sets suggest that the grooves are all of the same age, with their formation closely following that of Stickney. The evidence of groove morphology and distribution is used to attribute their formation to the enlargement of preexisting fractures or the formation of new fractures by the Stickney impact, causing the mobilization of the regolith along the fractures. The lack of observable grooves on Deimos is explained by the absence of a crater large enough to have severly fractured its surface.

Thomas, P.↗

Fiber release characteristics of graphite hybrid composites

The paper considers different material concepts that can be fabricated of hybridized composites which demonstrate improved graphite fiber retention capability in a severe fire without significant reduction to the composite properties. More than 30 panels were fabricated for mechanical and fire tests, the details and results of which are presented. Methods of composite hybridization investigated included the addition of oxidation resistant fillers to the resin, mechanically interlocking the graphite fibers by the use of woven fabrics, and the addition of glass fibers and glass additives designed to melt and fuse the graphite fibers together. It is concluded that a woven fabric with a serving of glass around each graphite tow is by far the superior of those evaluated: not only is there a coalescing effect in each graphite layer, but there is also a definite adhesion of each layer to its neighbor.

Henshaw, J.↗

Changes induced on the surfaces of small Pd clusters by the thermal desorption of CO

The stability and adsorption/desorption properties of supported Pd crystallites less than 5 nm in size were studied by Auger electron spectroscopy and repeated flash thermal desorption of CO. The Pd particles were grown epitaxially on heat-treated, UHV-cleaved mica at a substrate temperature of 300 C and a Pd impingement flux of 10 to the 13th atoms/sq cm s. Auger analysis allowed in situ measurement of relative particle dispersion and contamination, while FTD monitored the CO desorption properties. The results show that significant changes in the adsorption properties can be detected. Changes in the Pd Auger signal and the desorption spectrum during the first few thermal cycles are due to particle coalescence and facetting and the rate of this change is dependent on the temperature and duration of the desorption. Significant reductions in the amplitude of the desorptions peak occur during successive CO desorptions which are attributed to increases of surface carbon, induced by the desorption of CO. The contamination process could be reversed by heat treatment in oxygen or hydrogen

Doering, D. L.↗

Clumpy molecular clouds - A dynamic model self-consistently regulated by T Tauri star formation

A model is proposed which can account for the longevity, energetics, and dynamical structure of dark molecular clouds. Recent observations of a high space density of T Tauri stars in some dark clouds provide the basis for the assertion that high-velocity winds from these low mass pre-main-sequence stars provide a continuous dynamic input into molecular clouds. It is postulated that as clumps are driven above the Jeans mass, both by coalescence and the enhancement of ram pressure through continuing acceleration by protostellar winds, collapse is followed by the formation of low-mass stars that generate additional protostellar winds. Finally, it is found that star formation occurs on a relatively slow time scale, comparable to the cloud lifetime

Norman, C.↗

Occurrence of cohesion of metals during combined plastic deformation

Experiments were conducted to study the cohesion of metals with surface films of varying thickness and hardness. It was established that the deformation necessary for the occurrence of cohesion is determined by the correlation of mechanical properties of the films and the base metal. The greater the relative hardness of the film the lower the deformation necessary for the occurrence of cohesion. The films are as plastic as the base metal prevent cohesion, since in this case it is impossible for sections of metal to appear that are free of contaminants. The physical perculiarities of metals that determine their capability for coalescence under conditions of dry friction are the relative hardness and plasticity of the oxide films formed on their surface under atmospheric conditions.

Aynbinder, S. G.↗

Precipitation growth in convective clouds

Analytical solutions to the equations of both the growth and motion of hailstones in updrafts and of cloud water contents which vary linearly with height were used to investigate hail growth in a model cloud. A strong correlation was found between the hail embyro starting position and its trajectory and final size. A simple model of the evolution of particle size distribution by coalescence and spontaneous and binary disintegrations was formulated. Solutions for the mean mass of the distribution and the equilibrium size distribution were obtained for the case of constant collection kernel and disintegration parameters. Azimuthal scans of Doppler velocity at a number of elevation angles were used to calculate high resolution vertical profiles of particle speed and horizontal divergence (the vertical air velocity) in a region of widespread precipitation trailing a mid-latitude squall line.

Srivastava, R. C.↗

Holographic microscopy studies of emulsions

A holographic microscopy system that records and observes the dynamic properties of separation of dispersed immiscible fluids is described. The holographic construction system and reconstruction system that were used to obtain particle size and distribution information from the holograms are discussed. The holographic microscopy system is used to observed the phase separating processes in immiscible fluids that were isothermally cooled into the two phase region. Nucleation, growth rates, coalescence, and particle motion are successfully demonstrated with this system. Thus a holographic particle sizing system with a resolution of 2 micrometers and a field of view of 100 cu cm was developed that provides the capability of testing the theories of separating immiscible fluids for particle number densities in the range of 10 to 10 to the 7th power particles.

Witherow, W. K.↗

A full-scale wind tunnel investigation of a helicopter bearingless main rotor

A helicopter bearingless main rotor was tested. Areas of investigation included aeroelastic stability, aerodynamic performance, and rotor loads as a function of collective pitch setting, RPM, airspeed and shaft angle. The rotor/support system was tested with the wind tunnel balance dampers installed and, subsequently, removed. Modifications to the rotor hub were tested. These included a reduction in the rotor control system stiffness and increased flexbeam structural damping. The primary objective of the test was to determine aeroelastic stability of the fundamental flexbeam/blade chordwise bending mode. The rotor was stable for all conditions. Damping of the rotor chordwise bending mode increases with increased collective pitch angle at constant operating conditions. No significant decrease in rotor damping occured due to frequency coalescence between the blade chordwise fundamental bending mode and the support system.

Warmbrodt, W.↗

Experimental study of combustion in a turbulent free shear layer formed at a rearward facing step

A premixed propane-air flame is stabilized in a turbulent free shear layer formed at a rearward facing step. The mean and rms averages of the turbulent velocity flow field are determined by LDV for both reacting (equivalence ratio 0.57) and nonreacting flows (Reynolds number 15,000-37,000 based on step height). The effect of combustion is to shift the layer toward the recirculation zone and reduce the flame spread. For reacting flow, the growth rate is unchanged except very near the step. The probability density function of the velocity is bimodial near the origin of the reacting layer and single-peaked but often skewed elsewhere. Large-scale structures dominate the reacting shear layer. Measurements of their passing frequency from LDV are consistent with high-speed Schlieren movies of the reacting layer and indicate that the coalescence rate of the eddies in the shear layer is reduced by combustion.

Pitz, R. W.↗