Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “MAGNETIC SURFACES”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22

Probing magnetic fields at the base of the solar convection zone with meridional flows

Solar magnetic fields are responsible for most of the activities on the Sun. Many theories predict that it is generated by a dynamo near the base of the convection zone (BCZ), located at 0.71R{sub ⊙}. In this study, we use the solar-cycle variations of the meridional flow to probe magnetic field variations near the BCZ. A helioseismic time-distance method is used to measure the travel-time difference between opposite directions in meridional planes, which reflects the meridional flow at different depths. Two systematic effects, the surface magnetic effect and the center-to-limb effect, are removed. Using Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/Michelson Doppler Imager data, we measure the latitudinal distribution of travel-time difference for different travel distances, corresponding to meridional flow signals in the solar interior down to 0.54R{sub ⊙}, over 15 years, including two solar minima and one maximum. The travel-time differences at the maximum and the minimum behave differently in three different depth ranges. The travel-time difference at the maximum is greater than that at the minimum above the BCZ, while it is smaller around the BCZ; both are close to zero below the BCZ. The difference in the travel-time difference between the maximum and the minimum changes about 0.1 s from the region above the BCZ to the region around the BCZ, corresponding to a change in flow velocity of about 10 m s{sup −1} around the BCZ. We tend to attribute this change in the meridional flow to the variation in the magnetic field from the minimum to the maximum near the BCZ.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

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.↗

VLA observations of dwarf M flare stars and magnetic stars

The VLA has been used to search for 6 cm emission from 16 nearby dwarf M stars, leading to the detection of only one of them - Gliese 735. The dwarf M flare stars AD Leonis and YZ Canis Minoris were also monitored at 6 cm and 20 cm wavelength in order to study variability. Successive oppositely circularly polarized bursts were detected from AD Leo at 6 cm, suggesting the presence of magnetic fields of both magnetic polarities. An impulsive 20-cm burst from YZ CMi preceded slowly varying 6-cm emission. The VLA was also used, unsuccessfully, to search for 6-cm emission from 13 magnetic Ap stars, all of which exhibit kG magnetic fields. Although the Ap magnetic stars have strong dipolar magnetic fields, the failure to detect gyroresonant radiation suggests that these stars do not have hot, dense coronae. The quiescent microwave emission from GL 735 is probably due to nonthermal radiation, since unusually high (H = 50 kG or greater) surface magnetic fields are inferred under the assumption that the 6-cm radiation is the gyroresonant radiation of thermal electrons.

Willson, R. F.↗

Structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of iron selenide Fe{sub 6-7}Se{sub 8} nanoparticles obtained by thermal decomposition in high-temperature organic solvents

Iron selenide nanoparticles with the NiAs-like crystal structure were synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron chloride and selenium powder in a high-temperature organic solvent. Depending on the time of the compound processing at 340 °C, the nanocrystals with monoclinic (M)-Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 4} or hexagonal (H)-Fe{sub 7}Se{sub 8} structures as well as a mixture of these two phases can be obtained. The magnetic behavior of the monoclinic and hexagonal phases is very different. The applied-field and temperature dependences of magnetization reveal a complicated transformation between ferrimagnetic (FRM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) structures, which can be related to the spin rotation process connected with the redistribution of cation vacancies. From XRD and Mössbauer data, the 3c type superstructure of vacancy ordering was found in the hexagonal Fe{sub 7}Se{sub 8}. Redistribution of vacancies in Fe{sub 7}Se{sub 8} from random to ordered leads to the transformation of the magnetic structure from FRM to AFM. The Mössbauer data indicate that vacancies in the monoclinic Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 4} prefer to appear near the Fe{sup 3+} ions and stimulate the magnetic transition with the rotation of the Fe{sup 3+} magnetic moments. Unusually high coercive force H{sub c} was found in both (H) and (M) nanocrystals with the highest (“giant”) value of about 25 kOe in monoclinic Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 4}. This is explained by the strong surface magnetic anisotropy which is essentially larger than the core anisotropy. Such a large coercivity is rare for materials without rare earth or noble metal elements, and the Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 4}-based compounds can be the low-cost, nontoxic alternative materials for advanced magnets. In addition, an unusual effect of “switching” of magnetization in a field of 10 kOe was found in the Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 4} nanoparticles below 280 K, which can be important for applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Discovery of Cyclotron Resonance Features in the Soft Gamma Repeater SGR 1806-20

We report evidence for cyclotron resonance features from the Soft Gamma Repeater SCR 1806-20 in outburst, detected with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer in the spectrum of a long, complex precursor that preceded a strong burst. The features consist of a narrow 5.0 keV absorption line with modulation near its second and third harmonics (at 11.2 keV and 17.5 keV respectively). The line features are transient and are detected in the harder part of the precursor. The 5.0 keV feature is strong, with an equivalent width of approx. 500 eV, and a narrow width of < 0.4 keV. Interpreting the features as electron cyclotron lines in the context of accretion models leads to a large mass-radius ratio (M/R > 0.3 Solar Mass/km) that is inconsistent with neutron stars, or requires a low (5 - 7) x 10(exp 11) G magnetic field that is unlikely for SGRs. The line widths are also narrow compared to those of electron cyclotron resonances observed so far in X-ray pulsars. In the magnetar picture, the features are plausibly explained as ion cyclotron resonances in an ultra-strong magnetic field, which have recently been predicted from magnetar candidates. In this view, the 5.0 keV feature is consistent with a proton cyclotron fundamental whose energy and width are close to model predictions. The line energy would correspond to a surface magnetic field of 1.0 x 10(exp 15) G for SGR 1806-20, in good agreement with that inferred from the spin-down measure in the source.

Ibrahim, A. I.↗

Discovery of Cyclotron Resonance Features in the Soft Gamma Repeater SGR 1806-20

We report evidence of cyclotron resonance features from the Soft Gamma Repeater SGR 1806-20 in outburst, detected with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer in the spectrum of a long, complex precursor that preceded a strong burst. The features consist of a narrow 5.0 keV absorption line with modulation near its second and third harmonics (at 11.2 keV and 17.5 keV respectively). The line features are transient and are detected in the harder part of the precursor. The 5.0 keV feature is strong, with an equivalent width of approx. 500 eV and a narrow width of less than 0.4 keV. Interpreting the features as electron cyclotron lines in the context of accretion models leads to a large mass-radius ratio (M/R greater than 0.3 solar mass/km) that is inconsistent with neutron stars or that requires a low (5-7) x 10(exp 11) G magnetic field that is unlikely for SGRs. The line widths are also narrow compared with those of electron cyclotron resonances observed so far in X-ray pulsars. In the magnetar picture, the features are plausibly explained as ion cyclotron resonances in an ultra-strong magnetic field that have recently been predicted from magnetar candidates. In this view, the 5.0 keV feature is consistent with a proton cyclotron fundamental whose energy and width are close to model predictions. The line energy would correspond to a surface magnetic field of 1.0 x 10(exp 15) G for SGR 1806-20, in good agreement with that inferred from the spin-down measure in the source.

Ibrahim, Alaa I.↗

Unveiling the Nature of Soft Gamma Repeaters and Magnetars

We briefly describe some results of our ongoing study of Soft Gamma Repeater (SGR) bursts with Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite. We have detected evidence of cyclotron resonance absorption features from the SGR 1806-20 in the spectrum of a long, complex precursor that preceded a strong burst. The observation is made by the analysis of data from the RXTE. The features consist of a narrow 5.0 keV absorption line together with modulation near its second and third harmonics (at 11.2 keV and 17.5 keV respectively). The line features are transient and are detected in the harder radiation part of the precursor. The 5.0 keV feature is strong, with an equivalent width of approximately 500 eV and a narrow width of less than 0.4 keV. Interpreting the features as electron cyclotron lines in the context of accretion models leads to a large mass radius ratio (M/R greater than 0.3 M sun/km) that is inconsistent with neutron stars or that requires a low (5-7) x l0(exp 11)G magnetic field that is unlikely for SGRs. The line widths are also narrow compared with those of electron cyclotron resonances observed so far in X-ray pulsars. In the magnetar picture, the features are plausibly explained as ion cyclotron resonances in an ultra-strong magnetic field that have recently been predicted from magnetar candidates. In this view, the 5.0 keV feature is consistent with a proton cyclotron fundamental whose energy and width are close to model predictions. The line energy would correspond to a surface magnetic field of 1.0 x 10(exp 15)G for SGR 1806-20, in good agreement with that inferred from the spin-down measure in the source. Following the first evidence of proton cyclotron features from SGR 1806-20, we performed a comprehensive search of a large number of bursts from the source. We detected the 5 keV absorption feature in a variety of bursts, confirming our initial discovery and establishing the presence of the feature in the source s burst spectra. The line feature is well explained as proton cyclotron resonance in an ultra-strong magnetic field, offering a direct measurement of SGR 1806-20 s magnetic field (B approx. 10(exp l5)G) and a clear evidence of a magnetar. Together with the source's spin-down rate, the feature also provided the first measurement of the gravitational redshift, mass and radius of a magnetar.

Parke, William↗

Bangui Anomaly

Bangui anomaly is the name given to one of the Earth s largest crustal magnetic anomalies and the largest over the African continent. It covers two-thirds of the Central African Republic and therefore the name derives from the capitol city-Bangui that is also near the center of this feature. From surface magnetic survey data Godivier and Le Donche (1962) were the first to describe this anomaly. Subsequently high-altitude world magnetic surveying by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (Project Magnet) recorded a greater than 1000 nT dipolar, peak-to-trough anomaly with the major portion being negative (figure 1). Satellite observations (Cosmos 49) were first reported in 1964, these revealed a 40nT anomaly at 350 km altitude. Subsequently the higher altitude (417-499km) POGO (Polar Orbiting Geomagnetic Observatory) satellite data recorded peak-to-trough anomalies of 20 nT these data were added to Cosmos 49 measurements by Regan et al. (1975) for a regional satellite altitude map. In October 1979, with the launch of Magsat, a satellite designed to measure crustal magnetic anomalies, a more uniform satellite altitude magnetic map was obtained. These data, computed at 375 km altitude recorded a -22 nT anomaly (figure 2). This elliptically shaped anomaly is approximately 760 by 1000 km and is centered at 6%, 18%. The Bangui anomaly is composed of three segments; there are two positive anomalies lobes north and south of a large central negative field. This displays the classic pattern of a magnetic anomalous body being magnetized by induction in a zero inclination field. This is not surprising since the magnetic equator passes near the center of this body.

Taylor, Patrick T.↗

Superconducting radio-frequency cavities made from medium and low-purity niobium ingots

Superconducting radio-frequency cavities made of ingot niobium with residual resistivity ratio (RRR) greater than 250 have proven to have similar or better performance than fine-grain Nb cavities of the same purity, after standard processing. The high purity requirement contributes to the high cost of the material. As superconducting accelerators operating in continuous-wave typically require cavities to operate at moderate accelerating gradients, using lower purity material could be advantageous not only to reduce cost but also to achieve higher Q 0 -values. In this contribution we present the results from cryogenic RF tests of 1.3–1.5 GHz single-cell cavities made of ingot Nb of medium (RRR = 100–150) and low (RRR = 60) purity from different suppliers. Cavities made of medium-purity ingots routinely achieved peak surface magnetic field values greater than 70 mT with an average Q 0 -value of 2 × 10 10 at 2 K after standard processing treatments. As a result, the performances of cavities made of low-purity ingots were affected by significant pitting of the surface after chemical etching.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Measurement of the Magnetic Field Penetration into Superconducting Thin Films

The magnetic field at which first flux penetrates is a fundamental parameter characterizing superconducting materials for SRF cavities. Therefore, an accurate technique is needed to measure the penetration of the magnetic field directly. The conventional magnetometers are inconvenient for thin superconducting film measurements because these measurements are strongly influenced by orientation, edge and shape effects. In order to measure the onset of field penetration in bulk, thin films and multi-layered superconductors, we have designed, built and calibrated a system combining a small superconducting solenoid capable of generating surface magnetic field higher than 500 mT and Hall probe to detect the first entry of vortices. This setup can be used to study various promising alternative materials to Nb, especially SIS multilayer coatings on Nb that have been recently proposed to delay the vortex penetration in Nb surface. In this paper, the system will be described and calibration will be presented.

Senevirathne, I. H.↗

Polar cap photoionization and the ten-hour clock at Jupiter

It is shown that the clock-like modulation of the spectral index of energetic electrons (greater than 2 MeV) in the outer Jovian magnetosphere is due to a periodic shift of the particle energy spectrum toward higher and lower energies. This shift results in a modulation of the spectral index when the spectrum is not a pure power law in energy. It is suggested that the periodic energization is due to a periodic modulation of the magnetic field in the outer magnetosphere. This modulation is caused by a variation of the longitudinally averaged Pedersen conductivity due to the asymmetric solar illumination of the trace of the magnetodisk in the high-latitude ionospheres. Such a modulation requires the presence of a surface magnetic anomaly.

Goertz, C. K.↗

Project Vanguard Magnetic-Field Instrumentation and Measurements

The Vanguard III Satellite, 1959 Eta, placed in orbit on September 18, 1959, contained a proton precessional magnetometer for magnetic-field studies of exceptional accuracy. Throughout the 85 days of battery life, the instrumentation functioned according to plan. Measurements of the absolute total field were obtained in the meridian belts of Minitrack stations at altitudes 510 to 3750 kilometers and at latitudes +/- 33.4 degrees. Surface magnetic observatories were operated at eight of the Minitrack stations to furnish correlative information. This paper reviews briefly the instrumentation employed in these experiments, and the data collection and reduction procedures. Emphasis is given to results from a preliminary analysis. Specifically, this analysis bears on the accuracy of computed fields, the stability of the earth's field in space, the Capetown anomaly, and magnetic-storm effects.

Heppner, J. P.↗

Thin highly conducting layer in the moon - Consistent interpretation of dayside and nightside electromagnetic responses.

The vacuum transient response of the moon to a time-varying spatially uniform magnetic field is determined for a lunar electrical conductivity model that was based on the harmonic analysis of Apollo 12 and Explorer 35 dayside magnetometer data. The transient response of the model is found to provide a plausible explanation of the behavior of the local vertical-surface magnetic field for an Apollo 12 magnetometer darkside transient event. A model containing a conducting core and a highly conducting thin subsurface layer is presented, and its transient behavior is discussed.

Schubert, G.↗

The nature of the interior of Uranus based on studies of planetary ices at high dynamic pressure

Data from the Voyager II spacecraft showed that Uranus has a large magnetic field with geometry similar to an offset tilted dipole. To interpret the origin of the magnetic field, measurements were made of electrical conductivity and equation-of-state data of the planetary 'ices' ammonia, methane, and 'synthetic Uranus' at shock pressures and temperatures up to 75 gigapascals and 5000 K. These pressures and temperatures correspond to conditions at the depths at which the surface magnetic field is generated. Above 40 gigapascals the conductivities of synthetic Uranus, water, and ammonia plateau at about 20/(ohm-cm), providing an upper limit for the electrical conductivity used in kinematic or dynamo calculations. The nature of materials at the extreme conditions in the interior is discussed.

Nellis, W. J.↗

Atomic-scale visualization of topological spin textures in the chiral magnet MnGe

Peeking into magnetic textures Topological spin textures hold promise as robust carriers of information and have been observed in bulk materials with a specific crystal structure. One of these materials, manganese germanide (MnGe), exhibits unusual textures in bulk form. Repicky et al . used spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to study surface magnetism in thin films of MnGe. Achieving high spatial resolution, the researchers observed stripe-like features consistent with a helical state. In regions where the film was slightly curved due to strain, the intersection of domain walls led to characteristic closed patterns that could be manipulated with current/voltage pulses. —JS

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Current-Produced Magnetic Field Effects on Current Collection

Current collection by an infinitely long, conducting cylinder in a magnetized plasma, taking into account the magnetic field of the collected current, is discussed. A region of closed magnetic surfaces disconnects the cylinder from infinity. Owing to this, the collected current depends on the ratio between this region and the plasma sheath region and, under some conditions, current reduction arises. It is found that the upper bound limit of current collection is reduced due to this change of magnetic field topology. The effect can be substantial even if the orbit-limited model of current collection is valid. This model is used to find the reduction of the total current collected by a cylinder (e.g., a bare tether). It is shown that this effect strongly depends on plasma density. The results are applied to a tether system in the ionosphere, and it is found that current reduction can be significant for long tethers in typical dayside ionospheric conditions.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

Current-Produced Magnetic Field Effects on Current Collection

Current collection by an infinitely long, conducting cylinder in a magnetized plasma, taking into account the magnetic field of the collected current, is discussed. A region of closed magnetic surfaces disconnects the cylinder from infinity. Due to this, the collected current depends on the ratio between this region and the plasma sheath region and, under some conditions, current reduction arises. It is found that the upper-bound limit of current collection is reduced due to this change of magnetic field topology. The effect can be essential even if the orbit-limited model of current collection is valid. This model is used to find the reduction of the total current collected by a cylinder (e.g., a bare tether). Such effect strongly depends on plasma density. The results are applied to a tether system in the ionosphere. For this case, it is found that current reduction can be significant for long tethers in typical dayside ionospheric conditions.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

OBSERVATION AND SIMULATION OF THE VARIABLE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM PSR J2021+4026

Pulsars are rapidly spinning and highly magnetized neutron stars, with highly stable rotational periods and a gradual spin-down over a long timescale due to the loss of radiation. Glitches refer to events that suddenly increase the rotational speed of a pulsar. The exact causes of glitches and the resulting processes are not fully understood. It is generally believed that couplings between the normal matter and superfluid components, and starquakes, are the common causes of glitches. In this study, one famous glitching pulsar, PSR J2021+4026, is investigated. PSR J2021+4026 is the first variable gamma-ray pulsar observed by Fermi . From gamma-ray observations, it is found that the pulsar experienced a significant flux drop, an increase in the spin-down rate, a change in the pulse profile and a shift in the spectral cut-off to a lower energy, simultaneously around 2011 October 16. To explain these effects on high-energy emissions by the glitch of PSR J2021+4026, we hypothesized the glitch to be caused by the rearrangement of the surface magnetic field due to crustal plate tectonic activities on the pulsar, which was triggered by a starquake. In this glitch event, the inclination angle of the magnetic dipole axis was slightly shifted. This proposition is then tested by numerical modeling using a three-dimensional two-layer outer gap model. The simulation results indicate that a modification of the inclination angle can affect the pulse profile and the spectral properties, which can explain the observation changes after the glitch.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗