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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 325 records · Page 18

The Origin of Cosmic Rays: What can GLAST Say?

Gamma rays in the band from 30 MeV to 300 GeV, used in combination with direct measurements and with data from radio and X-ray bands, provide a powerful tool for studying the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) with its fine 10-20 arcmin angular resolution will be able to map the sites of acceleration of cosmic rays and their interactions with interstellar matter, It will provide information that is necessary to study the acceleration of energetic particles in supernova shocks, their transport in the interstellar medium and penetration into molecular clouds.

Ormes, Jonathan F.↗

Structure in the radio counterpart to SGR 1806-20

On Dec 27, 2004, the magnetar SGR 1806-20 underwent an enormous outburst which has resulted in the formation of an expanding, moving, radio source. We report observations of this radio source with the Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The observations confirm the elongation and expansion already reported based on observations at lower angular resolutions, but suggest that at early epochs the structure is not consistent with the very simplest models such as Gaussian flux distributions. In particular there appears to be significant non-Gaussian structure on small angular scales, which may correspond to localised sites of particle acceleration during the early phases of expansion and interaction with the ambient medium.

Fender, R. P.↗

Neutron Imaging Camera

We describe the Neutron Imaging Camera (NIC) being developed for DTRA applications by NASA/GSFC and NSWC/Carderock. The NIC is based on the Three-dimensional Track Imager (3-DTI) technology developed at GSFC for gamma-ray astrophysics applications. The 3-DTI, a large volume time-projection chamber, provides accurate, approximately 0.4 mm resolution. 3-D tracking of charged particles. The incident direction of fast neutrons, E(sub N) > 0.5 MeV. arc reconstructed from the momenta and energies of the proton and triton fragments resulting from 3He(n,p)3H interactions in the 3-DTI volume. We present angular and energy resolution performance of the NIC derived from accelerator tests.

Hunter, Stanley D.↗

Fluid System Angular Momentum and Moment Fluctuations Driven by Gravity Gradient or Gravity Jitter in Microgravity

The dynamical behaviour of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity gradient acceleration and gravity jitter acceleration, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotating fluids with special example applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank have been investigated. Results of slosh wave excitation along liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient acceleration indicated that one-up one-down and one-down one-up oscillations of two bubbles in the cross-section of doughnut profiles in the vertical r-z plane of rotating dewar, and an eccentric contour of bubble rotating around the axis of dewar in horizontal r-Theta plane. Results of slosh wave excitation along liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity jitter acceleration indicated equivalent to time-dependent oscillatory forces which push bubble in the combined bubble motion of down-and-up and leftward-and-rightward as the bubble is rotating with respect to rotating dewar axis. Fluctuations of angular momentum, fluid moment and bubble mass center caused by slosh wave excitations driven by gravity gradient acceleration or gravity jitter acceleration are also investigated.

Hung, R. J.↗

On the accelerations of the moon and sun, the constant of gravitation, and the origin of mountains

On the assumption of a constant value for the gravitational constant G, the lunar and solar tidal couples and the rate of change of angular velocity of the earth are recalculated on the basis of the improved values for the apparent accelerations of the moon and sun arrived at by Muller and Stephenson (1977). These new values are then used to derive general dynamical equations with a changing moment of inertia and changing G connecting the apparent accelerations to the lunar and solar couples. The effect of a changing G is considered, and a value of (dG/dt)/G = -3 times 10 to the -11th power per yr can be reconciled only weakly with the improved accelerations, especially for the case of linear friction. For quadratic friction the situation is more favorable. The new accelerations, however, are best reconciled with a nonchanging G, and certainly cannot be reconciled with a value of (dG/dt)/G = -6 times 10 to the -11th power per yr.

Lyttleton, R. A.↗

Extending GPU-accelerated Gaussian integrals in the TeraChem software package to f type orbitals: Implementation and applications

Here, the increasing availability of graphics processing units (GPUs) for scientific computing has prompted interest in accelerating quantum chemical calculations through their use. However, the complexity of integral kernels for high angular momentum basis functions often limits the utility of GPU implementations with large basis sets or for metal containing systems. In this work, we report the implementation of f function support in the GPU-accelerated TeraChem software package through the development of efficient kernels for the evaluation of Hamiltonian integrals. The high efficiency of the resulting code is demonstrated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations on increasingly large organic molecules and transition metal complexes, as well as coupled cluster singles and doubles calculations on water clusters. Preliminary investigations into Ni(I) catalysis with DFT and the photochemistry of MnH(CH 3 ) with complete active space self-consistent field are also carried out. Overall, our GPU-accelerated software appears to be well-suited for fast simulation of large transition metal containing systems, as well as organic molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Two-beam Bragg diffraction, filtering, and delays

We summarize transmission and reflection amplitudes of Bragg-crystals based on two-beam Bragg diffraction theory. Then, we consider a specific case of infinitely thick and symmetrical Bragg-crystal and its reflective properties in spectral and angular domain. We obtain analytical expressions for filtering width and respective delay amplitudes, temporal delay from spectral phase shift and spatial displacement from angular phase shift.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Responses to rotating linear acceleration vectors considered in relation to a model of the otolith organs

Human subjects were exposed to a linear acceleration vector that rotated in the transverse plane of the skull without angular counterrotation. Lateral eye movements showed a sinusoidal change in slow phase velocity and an asymmetry or bias in the same direction as vector rotation. A model is developed that attributes the oculomotor response to otolithic mechanisms. It is suggested that the bias component is the manifestation of torsion of the statoconial plaque relative to the base of the utricular macula and that the sinusoidal component represents the translational oscillation of the statoconia. The model subsumes a hypothetical neural mechanism which allows x- and y-axis accelerations to be resolved. Derivation of equations of motion for the statoconial plaque in torsion and translation, which take into account forces acting in shear and normal to the macula, yield estimates of bias and sinusoidal components that are in qualitative agreement with the diverse experimental findings.

Benson, A. J.↗

Single-Shot Reconstruction of Electron Beam Longitudinal Phase Space in a Laser Wakefield Accelerator

We report on a single-shot longitudinal phase-space reconstruction diagnostic for electron beams in a laser wakefield accelerator via the experimental observation of distinct periodic modulations in the angularly resolved spectra. Such modulated angular spectra arise as a result of the direct interaction between the ultrarelativistic electron beam and the laser driver in the presence of the wakefield. A constrained theoretical model for the coupled oscillator, assisted by a genetic algorithm, can recreate the experimental electron spectra and, thus, fully reconstructs the longitudinal phase-space distribution of the electron beam with a temporal resolution of approximately 1.3 fs. In particular, it reveals the slice energy spread of the electron beam, which is important to measure for applications such as x-ray free electron lasers. In our experiment, the root-mean-square energy spread retrieved is bounded at 9.9 MeV, corresponding to a 0.9%–3.0% relative spread, despite the overall GeV energy beam having approximately 100% relative energy spread.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA/FRC wake turbulence flight test program: Ride quality aspects

To determine how much the ride quality of the Shuttle Carrier (Boeing 747) Aircraft is affected at various spoiler settings, the PEMS II (Portable Environmental Measuring System) was used to measure onboard motion during a test flight October 15, 1975. The PEMS II measures acceleration in the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions as well as angular rates of pitch, roll, and yaw. The data acquired by this instrument, combined with an airline passenger comfort model, gives an indication of how passengers would react to the motion induced by flying in a vortex alleviation configuration.

Deptula, D. A.↗

Rotating-unbalanced-mass devices and methods for scanning balloon-borne-experiments, free-flying spacecraft, and space shuttle/space station attached experiments

A method and apparatus for scanning balloon-borne experiments, free-flying spacecraft, or gimballed experiments mounted on a space shuttle or space station, makes use of one or more rotating unbalanced mass devices for selectively generating circular, line, or raster scan patterns for the experiment line of sight. An auxiliary control system may also be used in combination with the rotating unbalanced mass device, for target acquisition, keeping the scan centered on the target, or for producing complementary motion for raster scanning. The rotating unbalanced mass makes use of a mass associated with a drive shaft, such mass having a center of gravity which is displaced from the drive shaft rotation axis. The drive shaft is driven with a substantially constant angular velocity, thereby resulting in relatively low power requirements since no acceleration or deceleration of the mass is generally involved during steady state operations. The resulting centrifugal force of the rotating unbalanced mass is used to generate desired reaction forces on the experiment or spacecraft to create a desired scan pattern for the experiment line of sight.

Polites, Michael E.↗

Sporadic mass ejection in red supergiants

A general mechanism first proposed by Burke (1969) is applied to red supergiants for determining the spin-down rate and angular-momentum loss of rotating stars. This model relies principally on sporadic mass ejection, which is assumed to be the result of turbulent elements accelerating material in cool supergiant atmospheres. Mass is preferentially expelled in the forward direction of rotation, resulting in a rapid loss of angular momentum on time scales of 10,000 to 1 million years in the supergiant evolutionary phase. Such rotational breaking will occur if the turbulent elements have characteristic sizes a few percent of the stellar radius and rms velocities one-third the escape speed of the star. This model predicts the formation of a cool silicate disk or torus around the star because of the preferred expulsion of material near equatorial regions of the supergiant.

Kafatos, M.↗

Observing Solar Radio Bursts from the Lunar Surface

Locating low frequency radio observatories on the lunar surface has a number of advantages. Here, we describe the Radio Observatory for Lunar Sortie Science (ROLSS), a concept for a low frequency, radio imaging interferometric array designed to study particle acceleration in the corona and inner heliosphere. ROLSS would be deployed during an early lunar sortie or by a robotic rover as part of an unmanned landing. The prime science mission is to image type II and type III solar radio bursts with the aim of determining the sites at and mechanisms by which the radiating particles are accelerated. Secondary science goals include constraining the density of the lunar ionosphere by searching for a low radio frequency cutoff of the solar radio emissions and constraining the low energy electron population in astrophysical sources. Furthermore, ROLSS serves a pathfinder function for larger lunar radio arrays. Key design requirements on ROLES include the operational frequency and angular resolution. The electron densities in the solar corona and inner heliosphere are such that the relevant emission occurs below 10 MHz, essentially unobservable from Earth's surface due to the terrestrial ionospheric cutoff. Resolving the potential sites of particle acceleration requires an instrument with an angular resolution of at least 2 deg, equivalent to a linear array size of approximately 500 meters. Operations would consist of data acquisition during the lunar day, with regular data downlinks. The major components of the ROLSS array are 3 antenna arms arranged in a Y shape, with a central electronics package (CEP). Each antenna arm is a linear strip of polyimide film (e.g., Kapton (TM)) on which 16 single polarization dipole antennas are located by depositing a conductor (e.g., silver). The arms also contain transmission lines for carrying the radio signals from the science antennas to the CEP.

MacDowall, R. J.↗

High Angular Resolution Imaging of Solar Radio Bursts from the Lunar Surface

Locating low frequency radio observatories on the lunar surface has a number of advantages, including positional stability and a very low ionospheric radio cutoff. Here, we describe the Radio Observatory on the lunar Surface for Solar studies (ROLSS), a concept for a low frequency, radio imaging interferometric array designed to study particle acceleration in the corona and inner heliosphere. ROLSS would be deployed during an early lunar sortie or by a robotic rover as part of an unmanned landing. The preferred site is on the lunar near side to simplify the data downlink to Earth. The prime science mission is to image type II and type III solar radio bursts with the aim of determining the sites at and mechanisms by which the radiating particles are accelerated. Secondary science goals include constraining the density of the lunar ionosphere by measuring the low radio frequency cutoff of the solar radio emissions or background galactic radio emission, measuring the flux, particle mass, and arrival direction of interplanetary and interstellar dust, and constraining the low energy electron population in astrophysical sources. Furthermore, ROLSS serves a pathfinder function for larger lunar radio arrays. Key design requirements on ROLSS include the operational frequency and angular resolution. The electron densities in the solar corona and inner heliosphere are such that the relevant emission occurs below 10 M Hz, essentially unobservable from Earth's surface due to the terrestrial ionospheric cutoff. Resolving the potential sites of particle acceleration requires an instrument with an angular resolution of at least 2 deg at 10 MHz, equivalent to a linear array size of approximately one kilometer. The major components of the ROLSS array are 3 antenna arms, each of 500 m length, arranged in a Y formation, with a central electronics package (CEP) at their intersection. Each antenna arm is a linear strip of polyimide film (e.g., Kapton(TradeMark)) on which 16 single polarization dipole antennas are located by depositing a conductor (e.g., silver). The arms also contain transmission lines for carrying the radio signals from the science antennas to the CEP. Operations would consist of data acquisition during the lunar day, with data downlinks to Earth one or more times every 24 hours.

MacDowall, Robert J.↗

Measurements of bow shock particles far upstream from the earth

Electrons and ions moving upstream frequently appear at distances up to 240 earth radii from earth at times when the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field allows their propagation from the bow shock. Strong asymmetries in the ion angular pitch angle distribution are often observed, a consequence of the sharp gradient in guiding center density and very weak scattering. The gradient is due to the restricted spatial region over which these particles are accelerated. The solar wind electric field acts on these particles and produces striking effects in both the ion angular distributions and the ion energy spectra. The frequent occurrence of these effects implies that the source region of the diffuse ions at the bow shock is not more than a few tens of thousands of km.

Anderson, K. A.↗

A g-load display for remotely piloted vehicles and other aircraft that are subject to maneuvering constraints

The absence of kinesthetic cues deprives RPV pilots of essential feedback, particularly during high speed maneuvers. A display was designed to facilitate pilot control of g loads and to permit an immediate indication of g-load constraint violations. The display embodies all the motion vector components that contribute to maneuvering accelerations. In one mode of operation, the device displays the components of angular velocity as variable length pointers emanating from the center of a circle whose radius is determined by the linear velocity of the vehicle. An alternative mode of operation permits the pilot to select a display in which g loads are presented directly as variable length pointers emanating from the center of a circle whose radius is again determined by the linear velocity of the vehicle. Each circle defines a safe region of operation, and penetration of the circumference of the appropriate circle by a pointer implies that the structural design load was exceeded.

Howard, J. C.↗

A close-up of the sun

NASA's long-range plan for the study of solar-terrestrial relations includes a Solar Probe Mission in which a spacecraft is put into an eccentric orbit with perihelion near 4 solar radii (0.02 AU). The scientific experiments which might be done with such a mission are discussed. Topics include the distribution of mass within the Sun, solar angular momentum, the fine structure of the solar surface and corona, the acceleration of the solar wind and energetic particles, and the evolution of interplanetary dust. The mission could also contribute to high-accuracy tests of general relativity and the search for cosmic gravitational radiation.

Neugebauer, M.↗