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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 37 records · Page 2
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NASA NTRS2016

Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping Project. III. Optical Continuum Emission and Broadband Time Delays in NGC 5548

We present ground-based optical photometric monitoring data for NGC 5548, part of an extended multiwavelength reverberation mapping campaign. The light curves have nearly daily cadence from 2014 January to July in ninefilters (BVRI and ugriz). Combined with ultraviolet data from the Hubble Space Telescope and Swift, we confirm significant time delays between the continuum bands as a function of wavelength, extending the wavelength coverage from 1158 Angstrom to the z band (approximately 9160 angstrom). We find that the lags at wavelengths longer than the V band are equal to or greater than the lags of high-ionization-state emission lines (such as He pi lambdal1640 and lambda 4686), suggesting that the continuum-emitting source is of a physical size comparable to the inner broad-line region (BLR). The trend of lag with wavelength is broadly consistent with the prediction for continuum reprocessing by an accretion disk with (tau varies as lambda(exp 4/3)). However, the lags also imply a disk radius that is 3 times larger than the prediction from standardthin-disk theory, assuming that the bolometric luminosity is 10 percent of the Eddington luminosity (L 0.1L(sub Edd)).Using optical spectra from the Large Binocular Telescope, we estimate the bias of the interband continuum lagsdue to BLR emission observed in the filters. We find that the bias for filters with high levels of BLR contamination(20 percent) can be important for the shortest continuum lags and likely has a significant impact on the u and U bandsowing to Balmer continuum emission.

galaxies: active – galaxies: individual (NGC 554↗
NASA NTRS1975

Solar radio continuum storms and a breathing magnetic field model

Radio noise continuum emissions observed in metric and decametric wave frequencies are, in general, associated with actively varying sunspot groups accompanied by the S-component of microwave radio emissions. These continuum emission sources, often called type I storm sources, are often associated with type III burst storm activity from metric to hectometric wave frequencies. This storm activity is, therefore, closely connected with the development of these continuum emission sources. It is shown that the S-component emission in microwave frequencies generally precedes, by several days, the emission of these noise continuum storms of lower frequencies. In order for these storms to develop, the growth of sunspot groups into complex types is very important in addition to the increase of the average magnetic field intensity and area of these groups. After giving a review on the theory of these noise continuum storm emissions, a model is briefly considered to explain the relation of the emissions to the storms.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Continuum models for beam-like and plate-like lattice structures

A simple, rational approach is presented for developing continuum models for large repetitive beam-like and plate-like lattices with arbitrary configurations subjected to static, thermal and dynamic loadings. The continuum models for these structures are shear flexible beams and plates. They account for local effects in the repeating element of the actual structure and are characterized by their thermoelastic strain and kinetic energies from which the equations of motion and constitutive relations can be derived. The procedure for developing the expressions for thermoelastic strain and kinetic energies of the continuum involves introducing basic assumptions regarding the variation of the temperature, displacement and strain components in one or two directions (for plate-like and beam-like lattices) and obtaining effective thermoelastic and dynamic coefficients of the continuum in terms of material properties and geometry of the original lattice structure. The high accuracy of the continuum models developed is demonstrated by means of numerical examples.

Noor, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Thermal continuum from acretion disks in quasars

It is argued that supermassive accretion in disks may explain the flat optical continuum observed from some QSOs and Seyfert galaxies. With the aid of energy considerations it is shown that a luminous QSO may be powered by accretion onto a black hole with a mass corresponding to that of 100 million solar masses. It is proposed that the blue continuum component of 3C 273 is thermal continuum emission from the inner part of an accretion disk that powers 3C 273. The present model suggests that many QSOs and Seyfert galaxies may show a power law continuum plus thermal emission from the disk at optical or UV frequencies. Many such objects show indeed a flattening or upturn of their continua in the blue. The QSO PHL 957 shows a flat continuum and indications of a cutoff at the highest observed frequencies.

Shields, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

IUE observations of a luminous M supergiant that exhibits emission continuum in the far ultraviolet

IUE observations of the late-type M supergiant star TV Gem which reveal an intense continuum in the far ultraviolet are discussed. TV Gem was observed in low dispersion in November 1979 and in high and low dispersion in January 1980 by the short and long wavelength cameras of the IUE spectrometer. An essentially featureless UV continuum was obtained, with the exception of a number of broad absorption features in the short wavelength region. A comparison with ground-based observations indicates that at wavelengths greater than 3200 A the continuum emission is essentially due to the M1 supergiant, while at shorter wavelengths the continuum is dominated by a hot companion. The UV continuum can be explained by a B9 or A1 III-IV early companion approximately 2 to 3 magnitudes fainter than the M1 supergiant, or by an accretion disk formed by mass transfer from the extended envelope of the M1 primary onto the surface of a highly condensed secondary. Soft X-ray observations from HEAO 2 are suggested as a means to investigate these interpretations.

Michalitsianos, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Detection of nonthermal continuum radiation in Saturn's magnetosphere

A detailed analysis of high resolution wideband data from the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave receivers has revealed the presence of heretofore undiscovered nonthermal continuum radiation trapped within the Saturnian magnetosphere. The discovery of Saturnian trapped continuum radiation fills a disturbing void in the Saturnian radio spectrum. On the basis of observations at both the earth and Jupiter it was expected that continuum radiation should be a pervasive signature of planetary magnetospheres in general. Special processing of the Voyager 1 plasma wave data at Saturn has now confirmed the existence of weak emissions that have a spectrum characteristic of trapped continuum radiation. Similar radiation was also detected by Voyager 2; however, in this case it is not certain that Saturn was the only source. Considerable evidence exists which suggests that Saturn may have been immersed in the Jovian tail during Voyager 2 encounter, so that Jupiter may provide an additional source of the continuum radiation detected by Voyager 2.

Kurth, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Absorption cross section measurements of oxygen in the wavelength region 195-241 nm of the Herzberg continuum

The continuous absorption cross section of oxygen in the region 205-241 nm is studied as a function of path length and oxygen pressure. The technique used to study the continuous absorption cross section is described. Cross section measurements of oxygen in the wavelength region 193-205 nm obtained by Cheung et al. (1984) are applied in this experiment. The measured cross section is analyzed in terms of a Herzberg continuum and a pressure-dependent continuum. The total measured continuum cross section, the cross section involving two molecules of O2, and the Herzberg continuum absorption cross section values are calculated. It is observed that the Herzberg continuum cross section of oxygen values measured at 1 nm intervals in the region 195-241 nm, increase from 6.3 x 10 to the -24th sq cm at 195 nm to a maximum of 6.6 x 10 to the -24th sq cm at 201 nm and then decrease to 0.85 x 10 to the -24th sq cm at 241 nm. The Herzberg values are compared with data from previous investigations and the values correlate well.

Cheung, A. S.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Hydrogen line and continuum emission in young stellar objects. I - Excitation model

Two mechanisms that populate the n = 2 level of hydrogen after the Lyman continuum is depleted are identified. They are ionization of N I from its excited states, followed by charge-exchange between N II and H I, and Ly-beta line wing absorption. Both processes involve absorption of the sub-Lyman continuum between 11 and 13.6 eV. With population in level n = 2 thus maintained, the strong Brackett line fluxes observed are then produced as a result of Balmer photoionization. The magnitude of the sub-Lyman continuum dictates the fraction of Balmer continuum that will be absorbed. Numerical calculations for four young stellar objects with luminosity ranging from 10 to 10,000 solar are performed, and it is concluded that this two-step process of sub-Lyman continuum absorption followed by Balmer photoionization can account for the great majority of observed Brackett line fluxes. The location and mass of the emitting as as determined from the Brackett line fluxes are reported. The Br-alpha luminosity is calculated as a function of the mass loss rate.

Kwan, John↗
NASA NTRS1993

Computation of axisymmetric and ionized flows using particle and continuum methods

Comparisons between particle and continuum simulations of hypersonic near-continuum flows are presented. The particle approach employs the direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC), and the continuum approach solves the Euler equations. Both simulations have thermochemistry models for air implemented including ionization. A new axisymmetric DSMC code which is efficiently vectorized is developed for this study. In this DSMC code, particular attention is paid to matching the relaxation rates employed in the continuum approach. This investigation represents a continuation of a previous study which considered thermochemical relaxation in one-dimensional shock waves of nitrogen. Comparison of the particle and continuum methods is first made for an axisymmetric blunt-body flow of air at 7 km/s. Very good agreement is obtained for the two solutions. The two techniques also compare well for a one-dimensional shock wave in air at 10 km/s. In both applications, the results are found to be sensitive to various aspects of the chemistry models employed.

Boyd, Iain D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A sensitive continuum analysis method for gamma ray spectra

In this work we examine ways to improve the sensitivity of the analysis procedure for gamma ray spectra with respect to small differences in the continuum (Compton) spectra. The method developed is applied to analyze gamma ray spectra obtained from planetary mapping by the Mars Observer spacecraft launched in September 1992. Calculated Mars simulation spectra and actual thick target bombardment spectra have been taken as test cases. The principle of the method rests on the extraction of continuum information from Fourier transforms of the spectra. We study how a better estimate of the spectrum from larger regions of the Mars surface will improve the analysis for smaller regions with poorer statistics. Estimation of signal within the continuum is done in the frequency domain which enables efficient and sensitive discrimination of subtle differences between two spectra. The process is compared to other methods for the extraction of information from the continuum. Finally we explore briefly the possible uses of this technique in other applications of continuum spectra.

Thakur, Alakh N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Airborne spectrophotometry of SN 1987A from 1.7 to 12.6 microns - Time history of the dust continuum and line emission

Spectrophotometric observations of SN 1987A from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are presented for five epochs at 60, 260, 415, 615, and 775 days after the explosion. The low-resolution (lambda/Delta lambda = 50-100) spectra of SN 1987A are combined with data from other wavelengths to model the continuum, subtract the continuum from the spectra to determine line strengths and reveal molecular bands, separate the atomic continuum radiation from the dust continuum, and derive constraints on the grain temperatures and optical depths. A scenario for the evolution of SN 1987A and that of the ejecta from which it arises is obtained on the basis of the analysis of the continuum emission.

Wooden, Diane H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Radio continuum and far-infrared observations of low surface brightness galaxies

We present Very Large Array (VLA) radio continuum and Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) far-infrared (FIR) observations of 16 low luminosity galaxies of mostly low surface brightness. All galaxies had previously claimed single dish radio continuum detections. However, at the frequencies of our observations (1.49 and 8.48 GHz), we find significant radio emission for two objects only. We show that the other previously claimed detections are due to confusion with physically unrelated background sources. This implies a low radio continuum detection rate for these galaxies. Re-reduced IRAS scans yield significant far-infrared flux densities in at least one IRAS band for 6 of the 16 galaxies. These, together with the FIR and radio continuum upper limits, are consistent with the well established radio/FIR relation, where most of our galaxies populate the low-luminosity end. From the radio continuum and FIR flux densities and their upper limits we estimate the current star formation rates and demonstrate that the galaxies are currently passive in forming stars, in agreement with previous optical investigations. There is an indication that the galaxies were forming stars more intensively averaged over their lifetime than they are presently.

Hoeppe, G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Near-infrared continuum and 3.3 micrometer(s) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon imaging of the starburst ring in the type 1 Seyfert galaxy NGC 7469

High resolution near-infrared images of the type 1 Seyfert galaxy NGC 7469 have been obtained to probe its dusty nuclear environment. Direct J, H, and K images are relatively featureless, but residual images created by subtracting a smooth model based on best-fitting elliptical isophotes reveal a tight inner spiral whose high surface-brightness portions correspond to a previously detected 3 sec (1 kpc) diameter ring of radio continuum emission. The inner infrared spiral arms extended approximately equal to 4 sec NW and SE from the nucleus, and the NW arm joins up with large-scale spiral structure visible in the R band. The residual images also show a bar-like structure aligned with the brightest infrared/radio hotspots at PA approximately equal to 50 deg. Three infrared hotspots are detected which align remarkably well with 6 cm radio continuum sources. The near-infrared ring and the hotspots are visible in the residual images, and in a high-resolution direct K-band image restored to an effective resolution of 0.65 sec (FWHM) using the Richardson-Lucy algorithm. The infrared hotspots have luminosities of nuL(sub nu) (2.2 micrometer(s)) approximately equal to 10(exp 8) solar luminosity (M(sub k) approximately equal to -16 mag), suggesting they are either giant H II regions or individual supernovae. The two brightest regions may be associated with enhanced star formation triggered by orbit crowding of gas where spiral arms emerge from an inner bar. Narrowband (delta lambda/lambda approximately 1.5%) imaging in the 3.28 micrometer(s) dust emission feature and surrounding continuum confirms the 3 sec diameter 3.28 micrometer(s) emission region detected previously using multiaperture photometry. The extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission is slightly elongated and aligned with published 1O III1 line emission and 12.5 micrometer(s) continuum emission, apparently tracing the starburst. The presence of approximately equal to 25% of the total 3.28 micrometer(s) PAH emission within R less than 1 sec demonstrates that a starburst within the central few hundred parsecs must supply a significant fraction of the infrared continuum from the nucleus, and there is apparently sufficient shielding material between the starburst and the active galactic nucleus (AGN) to preserve the PAHs along our line of sight to the nucleus.

Mazzarella, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in Structural Engineering with Emphasis on Continuum Models

The use of continuum models for the analysis of discrete built-up complex aerospace structures is an attractive idea especially at the conceptual and preliminary design stages. But the diversity of available continuum models and hard-to-use qualities of these models have prevented them from finding wide applications. In this regard, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN or NN) may have a great potential as these networks are universal approximators that can realize any continuous mapping, and can provide general mechanisms for building models from data whose input-output relationship can be highly nonlinear. The ultimate aim of the present work is to be able to build high fidelity continuum models for complex aerospace structures using the ANN. As a first step, the concepts and features of ANN are familiarized through the MATLAB NN Toolbox by simulating some representative mapping examples, including some problems in structural engineering. Then some further aspects and lessons learned about the NN training are discussed, including the performances of Feed-Forward and Radial Basis Function NN when dealing with noise-polluted data and the technique of cross-validation. Finally, as an example of using NN in continuum models, a lattice structure with repeating cells is represented by a continuum beam whose properties are provided by neural networks.

Kapania, Rakesh K.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Applicability of the Continuum-Shell Theories to the Mechanics of Carbon Nanotubes

Validity of the assumptions relating the applicability of continuum shell theories to the global mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes is examined. The present study focuses on providing a basis that can be used to qualitatively assess the appropriateness of continuum-shell models for nanotubes. To address the effect of nanotube structure on their deformation, all nanotube geometries are divided into four major classes that require distinct models. Criteria for the applicability of continuum models are presented. The key parameters that control the buckling strains and deformation modes of these classes of nanotubes are determined. In an analogy with continuum mechanics, mechanical laws of geometric similitude are presented. A parametric map is constructed for a variety of nanotube geometries as a guide for the applicability of different models. The continuum assumptions made in representing a nanotube as a homogeneous thin shell are analyzed to identify possible limitations of applying shell theories and using their bifurcation-buckling equations at the nano-scale.

Harik, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Source and Propagation Characteristics of Kilometric Continuum Observed with Multiple Satellites

Kilometric continuum radiation was first identified with the GEOTAIL Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) as the high frequency extension of escaping continuum emissions in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 800 kHz. It consists of from a few to many narrow-band emissions. It was observed mainly near the magnetic equator, and its source was expected to be inside of the plasmapause and the topside equatorial region. Recently, data from the IMAGE Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) and Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) experiments have been used to show that kilometric continuum is generated at the plasmapause, in or near the magnetic equator, within a notch region, and have confirmed the expectation. Data from the CRRES PWI have also identified other sources from the equatorial density irregularities. An example of CRRES observations reveals a possibility that kilometric continuum has been radiated as a wide beam emission. The IMAGE and GEOTAIL simultaneous observations are not like the previous observations since they show it has been observed to have a very broad emission cone. It could also be the highest frequency continuum enhancement so far observed since it is associated with a high energy electron injection event.

Hashimoto, K.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Discovery of a hectometric solar continuum

Solar continuum emission was detected in the hectometric range for the first time by RAE-1 satellite. Hectometric continuum is quite similar to decametric continuum, showing that the phenomenon extends out in the corona to at least 50 solar radii, or 36.4 gigameters(0.25 AU). An interesting point is that the amplitude distribution and the bandwidth of type 3 bursts associated with hectometric continuum are the same as those of type 1 bursts associated with the metric noise storm. It is believed that the storm radiation all the way from metric through hectometric can be accounted for by plasma wave radiation. This means that streams of superthermal electrons are continuously coming out of active regions and as they travel outward through the interplanetary medium, they produce plasma waves that result in metric, decametric, hectrometric, and probably kilometric storms.

Malitson, H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Continuum models for static and dynamic analysis of repetitive lattices

A simple, rational approach is presented for developing continuum models for large repetitive lattice structures subjected to static and dynamic loadings. The procedure involves introducing kinematic assumptions to reduce the dimensionality of the lattice, and equating the strain and kinetic energies of the continuum model to those of the original lattice structure. The proposed procedure is applied to obtain effective elastic and dynamic characteristics of continuum plate models for double-layered grids. Numerical results are presented of stress and free vibration problems for two double-layered grids. These problems demonstrate the high accuracy of the continuum plate models developed. Also, an assessment is made of different approximations to these models.

Noor, A. K.↗