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At least 325 records · Page 18

Low surface pressure models for Titan's atmosphere

The inversion model for the atmosphere of Titan is reviewed. The basic features of the model are: a cold surface (80 K), a warm stratosphere (160 K) and a low surface pressure (20 mbar). The model is consistent with all existing thermal infrared spectrophotometry, but it cannot preclude the existence of an opaque, cloud, thick atmosphere. The model excludes other gases than methane as bulk constituents. Radio wavelengths observations, including recent data from the very large array, are discussed. These long wavelength observations may be the only direct means of sampling the surface environment before an entry probe or flyby.

Caldwell, J.↗

Design of a superfluid helium dewar for the IRAS telescope

The Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) is planned for launch in 1981, and is a joint project of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. The instrument will consist of a superfluid helium-cooled 60 cm telescope with a large array of infrared detectors at the focal plane. The primary purpose of the mission is to perform an all-sky survey in the infrared region from 8 to 120 micrometers. The dewar contains 70 kg of superfluid helium which will maintain the telescope and detectors at 2K for one year. The dewar contains a supercritical helium cover tank which will be ejected after the experiment has been in orbit for two weeks.

Urbach, A. R.↗

New multiple systems in molecular clouds

Twenty-micron searches of the dense cores of the molecular clouds S140, S255, and Cepheus A have revealed the existence of multiple sources of infrared radiation which seem to be precursors to Trapezium-like clusters of OB stars. Two of the new sources are extended with unusually low color temperatures, less than 100 K. Observations with the Very Large Array with 1 mJy sensitivity have shown that three and possibly four of the infrared sources are associated with small H II regions. Multiple systems appear to be the rule rather than the exception in molecular clouds.

Beichman, C. A.↗

Review of selected geomagnetic activity indices

Magnetic activity indexes are reviewed. Classifications of magnetograms from single observatories and the global range of potential associated with the equivalent currents which could have produced the variations monitored at a large array of recording sides are addressed. Principal magnetic activity indexes discussed include: the auroral electrojet index and its associated indexes (AU, AL and AO) useful for auroral zone studies; the Kp, ap, aa and am indexes which are measures of midlatitude geomagnetic activity; and the Dst index of magnetic activity recorded at low latitudes. It is concluded that geomagnetic activity indexes are useful in studies of the interaction between solar activity, the interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind, the magnetosphere, ring current, field aligned currents, and ionospheric currents.

Allen, J. H.↗

Plume interference with space shuttle range safety signals

The computational procedure for signal propagation in the presence of an exhaust plume is presented. Comparisons with well-known analytic diffraction solutions indicate that accuracy suffers when mesh spacing is inadequate to resolve the first unobstructed Fresnel zone at the plume edge. Revisions to the procedure to improve its accuracy without requiring very large arrays are discussed. Comparisons to field measurements during a shuttle solid rocket motor (SRM) test firing suggest that the plume is sharper edged than one would expect on the basis of time averaged electron density calculations. The effects, both of revisions to the computational procedure and of allowing for a sharper plume edge, are to raise the signal level near tail aspect. The attenuation levels then predicted are still high enough to be of concern near SRM burnout for northerly launches of the space shuttle.

Boynton, F. P.↗

On the distribution of radio emission in the X-ray cluster of galaxies Abell 401

The study deals with 4885-MHz very large array (VLA) observations of four galaxies in the rich cluster Abell 401. High-resolution VLA maps reveal several new features in the radion galaxies, e.g., 4C13.17A is unusually highly polarized near the galaxy nucleus unlike other head-tail sources. 4C13.17B is shown for the first time to have characteristics similar to the U-shaped source NGC 1265. From these maps models are produced that required the hot ICM that has been detected by X-ray observations. It is noted that there should be a correlation between the radio and X-ray emission from massive galaxies in clusters.

Burns, J. O.↗

Infrared-Controlled Welding of Solar Cells

Proposed apparatus for welding large arrays of solar cells to flexible circuit substrates would sense infrared emission from welding spot. Emission would provide feedback for control of welding heat. Welding platform containing optical fibers moves upward through slots in movable holding fixture to contact solar cells. Fibers pick up infrared radiation from weld area.

Paulson, R.↗

Structure of impulsive phase of solar flares from microwave observations

Variation of the microwave intensity and spectrum due to gyro-synchrotron radiation from semi-relativistic particles injected at the top of a closed magnetic loop is described. Using the recent high spatial resolution X-ray observations from the HXIS experiment of Solar Maximum Mission and from observations by the Very Large Array (VLA), it is shown that the high microwave brightness observed at the top of the flare loop can come about if (1) the magnetic field from top to footpoints of the loop does not increase very rapidly, and (2) the accelerated particles injected in the loop have a nearly isotropic pitch angle distribution. The limits on the rate of increase of the magnetic field and/or the average pitch angle depend on the geometry and location of the loop on the solar disk.

Petrosian, V.↗

Observation with the VLA of a stationary loop structure on the sun at 6 centimeter wavelength

A looplike structure connecting two sunspots of opposite polarity in an active region has been observed at 6 cm with a resolution of 3.5 arcsec, using the Very Large Array. This loop structure is reminiscent of the X-ray loops, as observed, for example, from Skylab. The brightness temperature in the 'loop' is one-million K and five-million K near its foot points. Most of the bright peaks in the 'loop' are well aligned with a long neutral line. Several compact, highly circularly polarized emission peaks were observed over emerging flux regions near one of the spots. Some of these sources appear to be associated with arch filament systems. The low brightness emission in the 'loop' is attributed to optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung.

Kundu, M. R.↗

Two-dimensional VLA maps of solar bursts at 15 and 23 GHz with arcsec resolution

Three small, impulsive solar-microwave bursts (peak fluxes 4.9, 3.0, and 0.4 sfu) were observed during 1979 September 7-9, using the Very Large Array (VLA) at 15.05 or 22.5 GHz. The data from 10 antennas distributed on three arms of the array provide the first two-dimensional burst images with spatial resolution as high as 1.0 x 0.75 arcsec. Comparison with optical data showed in the impulsive phase of all three flares, the microwave emission was dominated by a compact source located between the H-alpha kernels. In the post-impulsive phase, the microwave source was larger and elongated in a direction consistent with the orientation of the magnetic field lines joining the H-alpha kernels. These results are interpreted to imply that the initial energy release occurs near the top of the magnetic arch joining the H-alpha kernels.

Marsh, K. A.↗

Multiwall TPS - An emerging concept

Research on titanium multiwall used for thermal protection is reviewed. Continuing analytical and experimental studies yielding a fundamental understanding of the thermal and structural performance of the basic multiwall concept are presented noting that central to this understanding is a knowledge of the extensional behavior of the dimpled sheets since the thinner flat sheets will buckle and be relatively ineffective in supporting compressive loads. Results from radiant heating, aerothermal, vibration, acoustic and lightning strike tests are described as part of an effort to verify the performance of multiwall tiles under representative operating conditions. Flight tests of a large array of tiles are also planned as part of an orbiter experiments program. The research effort is being extended from flat all-titanium multiwall configurations limited to temperatures below 810 K to curved surfaces and higher temperature versions. Multi-wall concepts are found to offer the durability of metallic systems and to be mass competitive with the insulation system currently used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter.

Shideler, J. L.↗

Structures and Dynamics Division research and technology plans, FY 1982

Computational devices to improve efficiency for structural calculations are assessed. The potential of large arrays of microprocessors operating in parallel for finite element analysis is defined, and the impact of specialized computer hardware on static, dynamic, thermal analysis in the optimization of structural analysis and design calculations is determined. General aviation aircraft crashworthiness and occupant survivability is also considered. Mechanics technology required for design coefficient, fault tolerant advanced composite aircraft components subject to combined loads, impact, postbuckling effects and local discontinuities are developed.

Bales, K. S.↗

VLA observations of solar active regions at 6 cm wavelength

Synthesized maps of two solar active regions obtained from observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) with 9-arcsec resolution are presented. The most intense sources in these regions are found to be associated with filamentary structures and magnetic neutral lines as shown in H-alpha and photospheric magnetograms. These sources are not located directly over sunspots in disagreement with earlier observations. EUV and X-ray observations have suggested that similar structures should be visible at cm wavelengths around but, outside of, sunspots if the magnetic field is sufficiently strong. These results are consistent with the locations of hot (greater than 1,000,000 K) plasmas in active regions expected from generalization based on optical photographs. Given the sizes of the radio sources, the volume emission measures of soft X-rays observed from OSO-8 rule out the possibility of thermal bremsstrahlung being of any significance, as far as the 6 cm emission is concerned. Therefore, gyroresonance absorption process is the most likely cause of 6 cm emission from these sources, and its likelihood is enhanced by the magnetic field geometry that is known to exist over filaments and neutral lines.

Kundu, M. R.↗

VLA observations of positions 42 6 centimeter burst peaks associated with hard X-ray burst spikes

Using the Very Large Array with a spatial resolution of 3 arcsec, two-dimensional, 10-second synthesis maps are produced of four 6-cm lambda bursts associated with multiply spiked hard X-ray bursts (20-300 keV). The positional, structural, and polarization characteristics are investigated. It is noted that three of the four burst sources are rather compact (less than approximately 10 arcsec). It is found that the positions of the individual peaks or spikes within a single burst are the same within plus or minus 2 arcsec. Interpreting these different peaks as separate electron acceleration events, the results suggest repeated acceleration of electrons within the same magnetic trap. The trap situation is found to be consistent with the bipolar nature of the burst sources except in one case.

Kundu, M. R.↗

Detection of radio emission from optically identified supernova remnants in M31

The Very Large Array was used to conduct a radio search at a wavelength of 20 cm for ten optically identified supernova remnants (SNRs) in M31. Five SNRs were detected, and for the other objects, upper limits to the emission were determined. On the average, the surface brightness of an SNR in M31 appears to be fainter than that of an SNR in the Galaxy. It is suggested that the median surface brightness at a given diameter is higher in late-type spirals than in Sb systems.

Dickel, J. R.↗

Highly ionizing cosmic rays at mountain altitude

Large arrays of CR-39 plastic track detectors are being used at various depths in the atmosphere to study energetic, highly ionizing particles. The first measurements are made of the energy spectra of He and Li nuclei at mountain altitude (603 g/sq cm) and the first observations of relativistic heavy nuclei (Z/beta greater than or equal to 12; Z ranging from 8 to 14) at subsonic aircraft altitude (186 g/sq cm). A 95 percent CL upper limit of 0.4/sq m-yr was determined for the flux at 603 g/sq cm of particles with Z/beta greater than or equal to 30 and of monopoles with velocity as low as 0.01 c.

Price, P. B.↗

VLA observations of an unbiased sample of extragalactic X-ray sources

Results are presented of a Very Large Array survey at 6 cm of an unbiased sample of extragalactic X-ray sources serendipitously discovered with the Einstein X-ray Observatory. Fourteen of 42 X-ray sources are detected in the radio down to a limiting sensitivity of 1-2 mJy. Detections include eight of 31 examined active galactic nuclei (AGN-quasars or Seyferts), five of eight clusters of galaxies and one BL Lac object. The radio detection rate of X-ray selected AGNs is higher than that of optically selected AGNs, suggesting that a physical link between radio and X-ray emission is present. The radio properties of the X-ray selected clusters are similar to those of optically selected Abell clusters.

Feigelson, E. D.↗

Solar microwave bursts - A review

Observational and theoretical results on the physics of microwave bursts that occur in the solar atmosphere are reviewed. Special attention is given to the advances made in burst physics over the last few years with the great improvement in spatial and time resolution, especially with instruments like the NRAO three-element interferometer, the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, and more recently the Very Large Array. Observations made on the preflare build-up of an active region at centimeter wavelengths are reviewed. Three distinct phases in the evolution of cm bursts, namely the impulsive phase, the post-burst phase, and the gradual rise and fall, are discussed. Attention is also given to the flux density spectra of centimeter bursts. Descriptions are given of observations of fine structures with temporal resolution of 10-100 ms in the intensity profiles of cm-wavelength bursts. High spatial resolution observations are analyzed, with special reference to the one- and two-dimensional maps of cm burst sources.

Kundu, M. R.↗