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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 433 records · Page 24
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NASA NTRS1982

Aureole deposits of the Martian volcano Olympus Mons

The large shield volcano Olympus Mons has an aureole of grooved terrain that has been the subject of much controversy since it was first seen on Mariner 9 pictures. Various origins have been proposed for the aureole of grooved terrain. Each of the proposed origins attempts to explain certain aspects of the aureole; none satisfactorily explains all of the observed relations of the deposits to one another and to Olympus Mons. In connection with the present investigation, the proposal is made that the aureole deposits were formed by a series of great pyroclastic eruptions from several vents, fissures, or cauldrons. They occurred near the site of Olympus Mons but were emplaced prior to its construction. At least six major eruptions of pyroclastic material may have occurred.

Morris, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Relationships between the energetics of impulsive and gradual emissions from solar flares

The gradual soft X-ray emissions associated with a homogeneous set of solar flares have been investigated in the context of a thermal model proposed to explain the impulsive components. The parametric techniques which successfully characterized the hard X-ray and microwave observations are employed in an event-by-event analysis to test for quantitative and correlative relationships between the impulsive and gradual emissions. The results of this investigation are consistent with the hypothesis that the hard X-ray and microwave emissions are produced by bulk heating of a common thermal source. The quantitative relationships require an additional source to explain the soft X-ray observations, consistent with previous results. Correlations between the energetics of the impulsive and gradual emissions, identified in the present work, provide the first clear evidence that their energizing mechanisms are related.

Crannell, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Nucleosynthesis in novae - A source of Ne-E and Al-26

It is shown upon computation of the nucleosynthesis products of explosive hydrogen burning, in the framework of recent nova models, that nova condensates will probably contain isotopic anomalies in Ne-22, from Na-22 decay, and Mg-26, from Al-26 decay. It is found, for all the models considered, that while too much Ne-20 and -21 is produced relative to Ne-22 to explain the presumably almost pure Ne-22 meteoritic Ne-E component, the Na-22 abundance is high enough to explain Ne-E as its decay product if nova condensates are preserved in Ne samples. It is also determined that while Al-26 is coproduced with Na-22, its total amount strongly depends on the uncertain, Si-27(p, gamma)P-28 reaction rate. The abundances of all nuclides, up to Ar, are computed and found to be clearly nonsolar in many cases.

Hillebrandt, W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Impact cratering experiments in Bingham materials and the morphology of craters on Mars and Ganymede

Results from a series of laboratory impacts into clay slurry targets are compared with photographs of impact craters on Mars and Ganymede. The interior and ejecta lobe morphology of rampart-type craters, as well as the progression of crater forms seen with increasing diameter on both Mars and Ganymede, are equalitatively explained by a model for impact into Bingham materials. For increasing impact energies and constant target rheology, laboratory craters exhibit a morphologic progression from bowl-shaped forms that are typical of dry planetary surfaces to craters with ejecta flow lobes and decreasing interior relief, characteristic of more volatile-rich planets. A similar sequence is seen for uniform impact energy in slurries of decreasing yield strength. The planetary progressions are explained by assuming that volatile-rich or icy planetary surfaces behave locally in the same way as Bingham materials and produce ejecta slurries with yield strenghs and viscosities comparable to terrestrial debris flows. Hypothetical impact into Mars and Ganymede are compared, and it is concluded that less ejecta would be produced on Ganymede owing to its lower gravitational acceleration, surface temperature, and density of surface materials.

Fink, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Some key issues in isotopic anomalies - Astrophysical history and aggregation

Astrophysical history, particularly that period extending from stellar nucleosynthesis events to the formation of meteorites, is discussed as the key element for the understanding of isotopic anomalies in meteorites. The bulk homogeneity of the interstellar medium is considered, and it is argued that, despite the presence of spatial inhomogeneities due to different nucleosynthesis rates in different parts of the galaxy and supernova ejecta, a cosmic chemical memory of nucleosynthesis patterns, rather than an inhomogeneous injection, is the source of isotopic anomalies. According to this view, volatility patterns and some isotopic patterns are mapped onto a grain-size spectrum, and the FUN systematics may be explained by interstellar sputtering. Furthermore, meteoritic He and Ne abundances are inferred to be presolar, and the ubiquitous titanium isotopic anomalies are explained by processes of chemical fixation and condensation in varying environments.

Clayton, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

VLF wave growth and discrete emission triggering in the magnetosphere - A feedback model

A simple nonlinear feedback model is presented to explain VLF wave growth and emission triggering observed in VLF transmission experiments. The model is formulated in terms of the interaction of electrons with a slowly varying wave in an inhomogeneous medium as in an unstable feedback amplifier with a delay line; constant frequency oscillations are generated on the magnetic equator, while risers and fallers are generated on the downstream and upstream sides of the equator, respectively. Quantitative expressions are obtained for the stimulated radiation produced by energy exchanged between energetic electrons and waves by Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonance, and feedback between the stimulated radiation and the phase bunched currents is incorporated in terms of a two-port discrete time model. The resulting model is capable of explaining the observed temporal growth and saturation effects, phase advance, retardation or frequency shift during growth in the context of a single parameter depending on the energetic particle distribution function, as well as pretermination triggering.

Helliwell, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The variation of magma discharge during basaltic eruptions

The different types of magmatic flow in basaltic eruptions are discussed, and processes explaining the eruptive history of specific volcanoes are investigated. The effusion rate curve is divided into waxing and waning flow parts, and the ideal, elastic response of the reservoir in the waning phase is analytically shown. Historical eruption rates of Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and Etna are presented, demonstrating that for each volcano there is a trend of decreasing rate with increasing duration of eruption, a relationship not predicted by a simple elastic model of magma release. The eruptive histories of these volcanoes is explained by the processes of modification of the eruptive conduits and the continued supply of magma from depth during eruption. Discharge variations from Paricutin, Hekla, and Kilauea Iki are discussed in detail.

Wadge, G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Star formation in the M17 SW giant molecular cloud

The first high-sensitivity, high-resolution far-IR survey of an entire molecular cloud complex is presented. The 20 km/s M17 SW complex, in addition to the three luminous M17 sources, contains 10 sources spread over 110 pc. The 10 lower luminosity sources divide into two groups: small blister sources powered by late O stars and compact sources powered by clusters of early B stars. No compact far-IR sources with luminosities between the detection limit and 10,000 solar luminosities were detected. Three possible formation mechanisms for the stars that power the far-IR sources in the M17 SW complex are examined. Sequential formation cannot explain the sources seen throughout the complex. Some type of stochastic formation mechanism or collapse induced by a spiral density wave could explain the observations.

Jaffe, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A model of the thermal-spike mechanism in graphite/epoxy laminates

The influence of a thermal spike on a moisture-saturated graphite/epoxy composite was studied in detail. A single thermal spike from 25 C to 132 C was found to produce damage as evidenced by a significant increase in the level of moisture saturation in the composite. Approximately half of this increase remained after a vacuum anneal at 150 C for 7 days, suggesting the presence of an irreversible damage component. Subsequent thermal spikes created less and less additional moisture absorption, with the cumulative effect being a maximum or limiting moisture capacity of the composite. These observations are explained in terms of a model previously developed to explain the reverse thermal effect of moisture absorption in epoxy and epoxy matrix composites. This model, based on the inverse temperature dependence of free volume, contributes an improved understanding of thermal-spike effects in graphite/epoxy composites.

Adamson, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development, implementation, and test results on integrated optics switching matrix

A small integrated optics switching matrix, which was developed, implemented, and tested, indicates high performance. The matrix serves as a model for the design of larger switching matrices. The larger integrated optics switching matrix should form the integral part of a switching center with high data rate throughput of up to 300 megabits per second. The switching matrix technique can accomplish the design goals of low crosstalk and low distortion. About 50 illustrations help explain and depict the many phases of the integrated optics switching matrix. Many equations used to explain and calculate the experimental data are also included.

Rutz, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Relation of agronomic and multispectral reflectance characteristics of spring wheat canopies

The relationships between crop canopy variables such as leaf area index (LAI) and their multispectral reflectance properties were investigated along with the potential for estimating canopy variables from remotely sensed reflectance measurements. Reflectance spectra over the 0.4 to 2.5 micron wavelength range were acquired during each of the major development stages of spring wheat canopies at Williston, North Dakota, during three seasons. Treatments included planting date, N fertilization, cultivar, and soil moisture. Agronomic measurements included development stage, biomass, LAI, and percent soil cover. High correlations were found between reflectance and percent cover, LAI, and biomass. A near infrared wavelength band, 0.76 to 0.90 microns, was most important in explaining variation in LAI and percent cover, while a middle infrared band, 2.08 to 2.35 microns, explained the most variation in biomass and plant water content. Transformations, including the near infrared/red reflectance ratio and greenness index, were also highly correlated to canopy variables. The relationship of canopy variables to reflectance decreased as the crop began to ripen. the canopy variables could be accurately predicted using measurements from three to five wavelength bands. The wavelength bands proposed for the thematic mapper sensor were more strongly related to the canopy variables than the LANDSAT MSS bands.

Bauer, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Range safety signal attenuation by the Space Shuttle main engine exhaust plumes

An analysis of attenuation of the range safety signal at 416.5 MHz observed after SRB separation and ending at hand over to Bermuda, during which transmission must pass through the LOX/H2 propelled main engine exhaust plumes, is summarized. Absorption by free electrons in the exhaust plume can account for the nearly constant magnitude of the observed attenuation during this period; it does not explain the short term transient increases that occur at one or more times during this portion of the flight. It is necessary to assume that a trace amount (about 0.5 ppm) of easily ionizable impurity must be present in the exhaust flow. Other mechanisms of attenuation, such as scattering by turbulent fluctuations of both free and bound electrons and absorption by water vapor, were examined but found to be inadequate to explain the observations.

Pearce, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

What has happened in the cores of globular clusters

It is found that some aspects of the observed data for globular cluster cores cannot be easily explained in terms of the existing theory of dynamical evolution. It is noted that globular clusters span only a factor of 40 in core mass, while ranging over a factor of 10 to the 6th in central density, an observation that cannot be explained as a selection effect. A strong correlation is found between the central density and the distance of a cluster from the galactic center. In addition, when cluster cores are evolved backward in time in their initial conditions, using the available theory of dynamical evolution, evidence emerges that many clusters have already undergone core collapse, for which no evolutionary theory exists. It is concluded that these results indicate the incompleteness of the theory of dynamical evolution.

Lightman, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Theories of dynamical phenomena in sunspots

Attempts that have been made to understand and explain observed dynamical phenomena in sunspots within the framework of magnetohydrodynamic theory are surveyed. The qualitative aspects of the theory and physical arguments are emphasized, with mathematical details generally avoided. The dynamical phenomena in sunspots are divided into two categories: aperiodic (quasi-steady) and oscillatory. For each phenomenon discussed, the salient observational features that any theory should explain are summarized. The two contending theoretical models that can account for the fine structure of the Evershed motion, namely the convective roll model and the siphon flow model, are described. With regard to oscillatory phenomena, attention is given to overstability and oscillatory convection, umbral oscillations and flashes. penumbral waves, five-minute oscillations in sunspots, and the wave cooling of sunspots.

Thomas, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Interpretation of integrated-disk photometry of Callisto and Ganymede

The Lumme-Bowell (1981) theory has been used to interpret the integrated phase curves of Callisto and Ganymede, and it is noted that while the theory explains the brightness angles of these satellites up to about 80 deg solar phase angle, the observed brightness drops off at larger angles more rapidly than predicted. It is suggested that this discrepancy is due to the fact that single regolith particles must have phase functions which are much more elongated in the forward or backward scattering directions than is allowed for by the Lumme-Bowell theory. The hemispheric asymmetry in Callisto's surface texture can be explained by invoking the formation of an ice film on the trailing side, consistent with Voyager detailed photometry and thermometry of Callisto.

Pang, K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Charged dust in Saturn's magnetosphere

The overall distribution of fine dust in the Saturnian magnetosphere, its behavior, the cosmogony of the Saturnian ring system, and observations of the magnetosphere and ring system are synthesized and explained using gravito-electrodynamics. Among the phenomena discussed are the formation of waves in the F-ring, the cause of eccentricities of certain isolated ringlets, and the origin and morphology of the broad diffuse E-ring. Magnetogravitational resonance of charged dust with nearby satellites, gyro-orbital resonances, and magnetogravitational capture of exogenic dust by the magnetosphere are used to explain individual observations. The effect of a ring current associated with the charged dust is evaluated. Finally, the cosmogonic implications of the magnetogravitational theory are discussed.

Mendis, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Evidence for helical kink instability in the Venus magnetic flux ropes

Empirical models of the magnetic field structure of flux ropes found in the Venus ionosphere are seen as suggesting that the ropes are unstable to long-wavelength (more than 100 km) helical-kink perturbations. The onset of such an instability can explain the apparent volume distribution of flux ropes with altitude, as well as their orientation as a function of altitude. In the subsolar region, the fraction of volume occupied by flux ropes increases from approximately 20 percent at high altitudes to more than 50 percent at low altitudes; this is a greater increase than would be expected if ropes convect downward as simple straight horizontal cylinders. The helical kink instability raises the fractional volume occupied by ropes by turning the originally straight, horizontal flux tubes into corkscrew-shaped structures as they convect to lower altitudes. It is noted that this instability also explains why high altitude ropes tend to be horizontal and low altitude ropes appear to have almost any orientation.

Elphic, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Snow cover and temperature relationships in North America and Eurasia

In this study the snow cover extent during the autumn months in both North America and Eurasia has been related to the ensuing winter temperature as measured at several locations near the center of each continent. The relationship between autumn snow cover and the ensuing winter temperatures was found to be much better for Eurasia than for North America. For Eurasia the average snow cover extent during the autumn explained as much as 52 percent of the variance in the winter (December-February) temperatures compared to only 12 percent for North America. However, when the average winter snow cover was correlated with the average winter temperature it was found that the relationship was better for North America than for Eurasia. As much as 46 percent of the variance in the winter temperature was explained by the winter snow cover in North America compared to only 12 percent in Eurasia.

Foster, J.↗