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At least 469 records · Page 26

Isotopic heterogeneities in the solar system - Special report

The paper discusses the nature of isotopic anomalies in solar system material with emphasis on correlated anomalies in refractory elements. Evidence for the existence of short-lived radioactive nuclides in the early solar system is used to estimate the time scale for the last injection of freshly synthesized nuclear material. It is shown that the early solar nebula was incompletely mixed and contained debris which was injected from a stellar source at most a few million years prior to the formation of the solar system. The average solar system material consists of ambient interstellar material deficient in certain nuclear species to which a small fraction of freshly synthesized material was added. The isotopic variations reflect slightly different proportions of nuclei from different stellar sources which were locally well mixed and homogenized prior to or during the formation of the early solar nebula condensates.

Wasserburg, G. J.↗

An absorption feature in the spectrum of a gamma ray burst on 25 March 1978

The High Energy X-ray and Low Energy Gamma Ray Experiment on HEAO-1 detected a gamma ray burst on March 25, 1978. The main peak of the event lasted 10 seconds, while less intense emission was observed for approximately 100 seconds. The burst spectrum shows an apparent absorption feature at 55 +/- 5 keV with an equivalent width of 13 +/- 3 keV, values commensurate with those reported for bursts recorded by the KONUS experiment. The integrated fluence between 30 keV and 6.1 Mev was 0.000015 ergs/sq cm. The detection syste has localized the burst source to within a degree of RA = 237.2 deg and Dec. = 76.4 deg.

Hueter, G. J.↗

Use of LANDSAT for land use and habitat inventories for the New Jersey Pinelands

The New Jersey Heritage program surveyed available mapping information on landcover and vegetative communities and found that most commonly used sources, such as local land use maps and aerial photographs, were useful for individual sites, but either varied in their classifications or could not be used over extensive areas. A demonstration project using LANDSAT satellite information for the Great Egg Harbor/Tuckahoe watersheds was initiated with the goals of application (providing an inventory of vegetative communities and land use) flexibility (providing a method of collecting data which can be updated or modified in the future); and efficiency (allowing for an acceptable cost level by having staff undertake the project and avoid the more costly methods from air photo interpretation or on-site surveying. The classification procedure used is described and the spatial distributions of the 10 landcover classes determined are listed.

Tracy, C.↗

Introduction to acoustic emission

Typical acoustic emission signal characteristics are described and techniques which localize the signal source by processing the acoustic delay data from multiple sensors are discussed. The instrumentation, which includes sensors, amplifiers, pulse counters, a minicomputer and output devices is examined. Applications are reviewed.

Possa, G.↗

Contact binary stars. I - An X-ray survey

X-ray emission from a contact binary star was first detected by the HEAO 1 satellite in 1977. Spectroscopic observations of 44i Boo and VW Cep by IUE established the presence of high-temperature chromospheric and transition region emission lines in the spectra of these stars. The HEAO 1 and IUE results implied that the processes causing X-ray emission from VW Cep might be similar to those energizing the solar corona, and that X-ray emission might be a common occurrence among contact binary stars. A series of observations of these stars was, therefore, conducted with the aid of the HEAO 2 (Einstein) Observatory. The present investigation is concerned with the results of these observations, giving attention to their implications with respect to the nature of contact binary stars. The results are compared with similar HEAO 2 studies of coronal X-ray sources in the local region of the Galaxy, in the Hyades, and other rapidly rotating systems.

Cruddace, R. G.↗

Observation of an absorption feature in a gamma ray burst spectrum

A gamma ray burst was detected on March 25, 1978 by the High Energy X-ray and Low Energy Gamma Ray Experiment on HEAO-1. The burst spectrum shows an absorption feature at 55 + or - 5 keV with an equivalent width of 13 + or - 3 keV, values commensurate with those of similar features observed by the KONUS experiment. The burst spectrum also is characterized by a hard component extending from about 0.25-6 MeV. This component can be interpreted in terms of a fireball model for gamma ray bursts, which places the distance to the source at 1 kpc. The integrated fluence of the burst between 0.025 and 6 MeV is 1.5 x 10 to the -5th ergs/sq cm. The burst source has been localized to within a degree of RA = 237.5 deg and Dec = 76.2 deg.

Hueter, G. J.↗

Birds and insects as radar targets - A review

A review of radar cross-section measurements of birds and insects is presented. A brief discussion of some possible theoretical models is also given and comparisons made with the measurements. The comparisons suggest that most targets are, at present, better modeled by a prolate spheroid having a length-to-width ratio between 3 and 10 than by the often used equivalent weight water sphere. In addition, many targets observed with linear horizontal polarization have maximum cross sections much better estimated by a resonant half-wave dipole than by a water sphere. Also considered are birds and insects in the aggregate as a local radar 'clutter' source. Order-of-magnitude estimates are given for many reasonable target number densities. These estimates are then used to predict X-band volume reflectivities. Other topics that are of interest to the radar engineer are discussed, including the doppler bandwidth due to the internal motions of a single bird, the radar cross-section probability densities of single birds and insects, the variability of the functional form of the probability density functions, and the Fourier spectra of single birds and insects.

Vaughn, C. R.↗

Experimental radar Doppler wind profile measurements at Kennedy Space Center

A wind profile radar demonstration project was sponsored by the Space Transportation System (STS) Program Office to study the feasibility of incorporating continuous, high time resolution radar wind data into STS operations. This project required wind profile radars to be deployed in the vicinity of the Shuttle launch site into an environment quite unlike typical VHF profiler sites. Two 50 MHz radars were operated at the Kennedy Space Center in environments that were noisy in terms of RFI, large stationary ground clutter sources, non-stationary clutter sources, and heavy local aircraft traffic. Processing compensation for these operational constraints magnified design limitations of the research-level radars used in the demonstration. This report addresses the importance of system design for unique or particular applications with reference to finite radiation patterns, zero-Doppler processing, radar frequency, and beam pointing.

Jost, R. J.↗

Origin of low-frequency (intraseasonal) oscillations in the tropical atmosphere. I - Basic theory

A theory for the origin of intraseasonal oscillations of the tropical atmosphere is presented. The theoretical background for and main features of the intraseasonal variability of the tropical atmosphere are discussed. The theory is validated for the 40-50 day oscillation using a simple model. The transient response of the tropical atmosphere to a local oscillating heat source and an internally forced heat source is studied. The structure and mechanism of the eastward propagation are examined. It is noted that the eastward propagation of low-frequency oscillation is the result of the interaction between convection and dynamics via the mobile wave-CISK mechanism. It is suggested that the low-frequency oscillations are an intrinisic atmospheric phenomena that exist without a dynamically interactive ocean.

Lau, K.-M.↗

Optically pumped submillimeter gas lasers and the prospects for constructing space-qualifiable LO systems

An optically pumped, submillimeter laser operating in the 500 micron (600 GHz) to 100 micron (3 THz) spectral range is the primary and, at present, the only available local oscillator (LO) source for laboratory and astronomical heterodyne applications for this wavelength region. A short review of the state-of-the-art of submillimeter lasers as LO sources, with an emphasis given to receiver systems designed for airborne heterodyne observations, is presented. The characteristics and prospects for constructing a space-qualifiable laser LO system will also be given.

Chin, Gordon↗

Isothermal, Compton-heated coronae above accretion disks

The structure of Compton-heated coronae above accretion disks is studied here by using analytic and numerical approaches are used here to determine the direct and scattered radiation reaching the base of the corona for a range of central source luminosities. It is found that the outer region of the corona is unaffected by multiple scattering in the interior, provided that the luminosity of the central source is sufficient below the Eddington limit. How attenuation and scattering by the corona affects the strength of chromospheric emission lines is determined, as is the condition for which the irradiation due to the central source exceeds the locally generated flux from the disk. Finally, it is shown that the stability analysis for irradiated accretion disks of Tuchman et al. is not substantially altered by the corona.

Ostriker, Eve C.↗

The structure of NGC at 100, 160, and 200 microns - Continuum dust emission in a quiescent Sb galaxy

Observations of NGC 4565 at 100, 160, and 200 microns with the University of Chicago Far-Infrared Camera and the NASA-Kuiper Airborne Observatory are reported. In order to examine the dependence of FIR emission on spiral structure and star formation activity, these observations of NGC 4565, a quiescent Sb galaxy, are compared with observations of NGC 6946, an active Sc galaxy, made by Engargiola (1991) using the same instruments. Warm dust (30 K) in a bisymmetric spiral pattern superposed on an exponential disk of cool dust (20 K) can account for the FIR morphology of NGC 4565. Optical and IR data suggest that there are more embedded sources heating dust locally in the southeast arm region and more UV radiation from unobscured young stellar associations heating the cool, neutral medium in the northeast arm region.

Engargiola, G.↗

Structure and chemistry of Orion S

We present interferometric observations of the SiO J = 2-1, H13CO(+) J = 1-0, HC3N J = 11-10, CH3OH J(K) = 2(0)-1(0), and SO2 J(KpK0) = 8(17)-8(08) transitions along with the 3.1 mm continuum toward the young stellar object Orion S. The HC3N and H13CO(+) emission trace similar spatial and velocity distributions which are extended and follow the Orion molecular ridge. The SiO emission is more spatially confined, peaking to the west of the 3.1 mm continuum source, while the CH3OH emission peaks to the southwest. Weak SO2 emission was detected southeast of the continuum source position. Column densities and fractional abundances are derived for each species at different positions in the region. In general, the molecular abundances near the continuum source are similar to those in the quiescent material near IRc 2, but the abundances decrease toward the continuum source position indicating localized depletions of at least a factor of three. The presence of strong SiO emission with much weaker SO2 emission is interpreted as resulting from high-velocity shock interactions between the outflow from Orion S and the surrounding cloud.

Mcmullin, Joseph P.↗

Spectrums and Diffusion in a Round Turbulent Jet

In a round turbulent jet at room temperature, measurement of the shear correlation coefficient as a function of frequency (through bandpass filters) has given a rather direct verification of Kolmogoroff's local-isotropy hypothesis. One-dimensional power spectrums of velocity and temperature fluctuations, measured in unheated and heated jets, respectively, have been contrasted. Under the same conditions, the two corresponding transverse correlation functions have been measured and compared. Finally, measurements have been made of the mean thermal wakes behind local (line) heat sources in the unheated turbulent jet, and the order of magnitude of the temperature fluctuations has been determined. (author)

Corrsin, Stanley↗

Spectra and Diffusion in a Round Turbulent Jet

In a round turbulent jet at room temperature, measurement of the shear correlation coefficient as a function of frequency (through band-pass filters) has given a rather direct verification of Kolmogoroff's local-isotropy hypothesis. One-dimensional power spectra of velocity and temperature fluctuations, measured in unheated and heated jets, respectively, have been contrasted. Under the same conditions, the two corresponding transverse correlation functions have been measured and compared. Finally, measurements have been made of the mean thermal wakes behind local (line) heat sources in the unheated turbulent jet, and the order of magnitude of the temperature fluctuations has been determined.

Corrsin, Stanley↗

Meso-beta scale numerical simulation studies of terrain-induced jet streak mass and momentum perturbations

An in-depth analysis of observed gravity waves and their relationship to precipitation bands over the Montana mesonetwork during the 11-12 July 1981 CCOPE case study indicated two episodes of coherent waves. While geostrophic adjustment, shearing instability, and terrain were all implicated separately or in combination as possible wave generation mechanisms, the lack of upper-air data within the wave genesis region made it difficult to define the genesis processes from observations alone. The first part of this paper, 3D Numerical Modeling Studies of Terrain-Induced Mass/Momentum Perturbations, employs a mesoscale numerical model to help diagnose the intricate early wave generation mechanisms during the first observed gravity wave episode. The meso-beta scale numerical model is used to study various simulations of the role of multiple geostrophic adjustment processes in focusing a region for gravity wave genesis. The second part of this paper, Linear Theory and Theoretical Modeling, investigates the response of non-resting rotating homogeneous and continuously stratified Boussinesq models of the terrestrial atmosphere to temporally impulsive and uniformly propagating three-dimensional localized zonal momentum sources representative of midlatitude jet streaks. The methods of linear perturbation theory applied to the potential vorticity (PV) and wave field equations are used to study the geostrophic adjustment dynamics. The total zonal and meridional wind perturbations are separated into geostrophic and ageostrophic components in order to define and follow the evolution of both the primary and secondary mesocirculations accompanying midlatitude jetogenesis forced by geostrophic adjustment processes. This problem is addressed to help fill the gap in understanding the dynamics and structure of mesoscale inertia-gravity waves forced by geostrophic adjustment processes in simple two-dimensional quiescent current systems and those produced by mesoscale numerical models simulating the orographic and diabatic perturbation of three-dimensional quasi-geostrophically balanced synoptic scale jet streaks associated with complex baroclinic severe storm producing environments.

Lin, Yuh-Lang↗

Psychophysical evaluation of three-dimensional auditory displays

This report describes the progress made during the first year of a three-year cooperative research agreement (CRA NCC2-542). The CRA proposed a program of applied psychophysical research designed to determine the requirements and limitations of three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display systems. These displays present synthesized stimuli to a pilot or virtual workstation operator that evoke auditory images at predetermined positions in space. The images can be either stationary or moving. In previous years, we completed a number of studies that provided data on listeners' abilities to localize stationary sound sources with 3-D displays. the current focus is on the use of 3-D displays in 'natural' listening conditions, which include listeners' head movements, moving sources, multiple sources and 'echoic' sources. The results of our research on two of these topics, the role of head movements and the role of echoes and reflections, were reported in the most recent semi-annual progress report (Appendix A). In the period since the last progress report we have been studying a third topic, the localizability of moving sources. The results of this research are described.

Wightman, Frederic L.↗

Psychophysical Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Auditory Displays

This report describes the process made during the first year of a three-year Cooperative Research Agreement (CRA NCC2-542). The CRA proposed a program of applied of psychophysical research designed to determine the requirements and limitations of three-dimensional (3-D) auditory display systems. These displays present synthesized stimuli to a pilot or virtual workstation operator that evoke auditory images at predetermined positions in space. The images can be either stationary or moving. In previous years. we completed a number of studies that provided data on listeners' abilities to localize stationary sound sources with 3-D displays. The current focus is on the use of 3-D displays in 'natural' listening conditions, which include listeners' head movements, moving sources, multiple sources and 'echoic' sources. The results of our research on two of these topics, the role of head movements and the role of echoes and reflections, were reported in the most recent Semi-Annual Pro-ress Report (Appendix A). In the period since the last Progress Report we have been studying a third topic, the localizability of moving sources. The results of this research are described. The fidelity of a virtual auditory display is critically dependent on precise measurement of the listener''s Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs), which are used to produce the virtual auditory images. We continue to explore methods for improving our HRTF measurement technique. During this reporting period we compared HRTFs measured using our standard open-canal probe tube technique and HRTFs measured with the closed-canal insert microphones from the Crystal River Engineering Snapshot system.

Wightman, Frederic L.↗