Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Alpha Factor Model”

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 55 records · Page 3

Three-dimensional tissue assemblies: novel models for the study of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium pathogenesis

The lack of readily available experimental systems has limited knowledge pertaining to the development of Salmonella-induced gastroenteritis and diarrheal disease in humans. We used a novel low-shear stress cell culture system developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in conjunction with cultivation of three-dimensional (3-D) aggregates of human intestinal tissue to study the infectivity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium for human intestinal epithelium. Immunohistochemical characterization and microscopic analysis of 3-D aggregates of the human intestinal epithelial cell line Int-407 revealed that the 3-D cells more accurately modeled human in vivo differentiated tissues than did conventional monolayer cultures of the same cells. Results from infectivity studies showed that Salmonella established infection of the 3-D cells in a much different manner than that observed for monolayers. Following the same time course of infection with Salmonella, 3-D Int-407 cells displayed minimal loss of structural integrity compared to that of Int-407 monolayers. Furthermore, Salmonella exhibited significantly lower abilities to adhere to, invade, and induce apoptosis of 3-D Int-407 cells than it did for infected Int-407 monolayers. Analysis of cytokine expression profiles of 3-D Int-407 cells and monolayers following infection with Salmonella revealed significant differences in expression of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-1Ra, and tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNAs between the two cultures. In addition, uninfected 3-D Int-407 cells constitutively expressed higher levels of transforming growth factor beta1 mRNA and prostaglandin E2 than did uninfected Int-407 monolayers. By more accurately modeling many aspects of human in vivo tissues, the 3-D intestinal cell model generated in this study offers a novel approach for studying microbial infectivity from the perspective of the host-pathogen interaction.

NASA Discipline Environmental Health↗

Bend stress relaxation and tensile primary creep of a polycrystalline alpha-SiC fiber

Understanding the thermomechanical behavior (creep and stress relaxation) of ceramic fibers is of both practical and basic interest. On the practical level, ceramic fibers are the reinforcement for ceramic matrix composites which are being developed for use in high temperature applications. It is important to understand and model the total creep of fibers at low strain levels where creep is predominantly in the primary stage. In addition, there are many applications where the component will only be subjected to thermal strains. Therefore, the stress relaxation of composite consituents in such circumstances will be an important factor in composite design and performance. The objective of this paper is to compare and analyze bend stress relaxation and tensile creep data for alpha-SiC fibers produced by the Carborundum Co. (Niagara Falls, NY). This fiber is of current technical interest and is similar in composition to bulk alpha-SiC which has been studied under compressive creep conditions. The temperature, time, and stress dependences will be discussed for the stress relaxation and creep results. In addition, some creep and relaxation recovery experiments were performed in order to understand the complete viscoelastic behavior, i.e. both recoverable and nonrecoverable creep components of these materials. The data will be presented in order to model the deformation behavior and compare relaxation and/or creep behavior for relatively low deformation strain conditions of practical concern. Where applicable, the tensile creep results will be compared to bend stress relaxation data.

Hee Man, Yun↗

Seven years of IUE observations of the BL Lacertae object PKS 2155-304

Over 50 IUE spectra of the brightest known BL Lac object at ultraviolet wavelengths, PKS 2155-304, were reanalyzed using Gaussian extraction techniques that maximize the signal-to-noise. The ultraviolet continuum of PKS 2155-304 is well fitted by a power law model Fv varies as V sup-alpha, with an average spectral index for the combined SWP-LWR-P fits of less than alpha greater than 0.89 + or - 0.11 (standard deviation). While the ultraviolet intensity of PKS 2155-304 varies by a factor of 2, the spectral index changes very little and is uncorrelated with intensity. Timescales for ultraviolet variability are as short as 10 days. In one case, a well-matched pair of IUE images was obtained nearly simultaneously with a very soft X-ray measurement; the combined spectra clearly show a steepening between the ultraviolet and soft X-ray bands. The relevance of these findings to jet models and accretion models is discussed.

Urry, C. M.↗

Low redshift Lyman alpha absorption lines and the dark matter halos of disk galaxies

Recent observations using the Hubble Space Telescope of the z = 0.156 QSO 3C 273 have discovered a surprisingly large number of Ly-alpha absorption lines. In particular, Morris et al. found 9 certain and 7 possible Ly-alpha lines with equivalent widths above 25 mA. This is much larger (by a factor of 5-10) than the number expected from extrapolation of the high-redshift behavior of the Ly-alpha forest. Within the context of pressure-confined models for the Ly-alpha clouds, this behavior can be understood if the ionizing background declines sharply between z is approximately 2 and z is approximately 0. However, this requires that the ionizing photon flux drop as rapidly as the QSO volume emissivity; moreover, the absorbers must have a space density n(sub O) is approximately 2.6(N/10)h/((D/100 kpc)(sup 2)) Mpc(sup -3) where D is the present-day diameter of the absorbers. It is somewhat surprising that such necessarily fragile objects could have survived in such numbers to the present day. It is shown that it is plausible that the atomic hydrogen extents of spiral and irregular galaxies are large enough to produce the observed number of Ly-alpha absorption lines toward 3C 273, and that the neutral column densities and doppler b-values expected under these conditions fall in the range found by Morris et al. (1991).

Maloney, Philip↗

GCR Transport in the Brain: Assessment of Self-Shielding, Columnar Damage, and Nuclear Reactions on Cell Inactivation Rates

Radiation shield design is driven by the need to limit radiation risks while optimizing risk reduction with launch mass/expense penalties. Both limitation and optimization objectives require the development of accurate and complete means for evaluating the effectiveness of various shield materials and body-self shielding. For galactic cosmic rays (GCR), biophysical response models indicate that track structure effects lead to substantially different assessments of shielding effectiveness relative to assessments based on LET-dependent quality factors. Methods for assessing risk to the central nervous system (CNS) from heavy ions are poorly understood at this time. High-energy and charge (HZE) ion can produce tissue events resulting in damage to clusters of cells in a columnar fashion, especially for stopping heavy ions. Grahn (1973) and Todd (1986) have discussed a microlesion concept or model of stochastic tissue events in analyzing damage from HZE's. Some tissues, including the CNS, maybe sensitive to microlesion's or stochastic tissue events in a manner not illuminated by either conventional dosimetry or fluence-based risk factors. HZE ions may also produce important lateral damage to adjacent cells. Fluences of high-energy proton and alpha particles in the GCR are many times higher than HZE ions. Behind spacecraft and body self-shielding the ratio of protons, alpha particles, and neutrons to HZE ions increases several-fold from free-space values. Models of GCR damage behind shielding have placed large concern on the role of target fragments produced from tissue atoms. The self-shielding of the brain reduces the number of heavy ions reaching the interior regions by a large amount and the remaining light particle environment (protons, neutrons, deuterons. and alpha particles) may be the greatest concern. Tracks of high-energy proton produce nuclear reactions in tissue, which can deposit doses of more than 1 Gv within 5 - 10 cell layers. Information on rates of cell killing from GCR, including patterns of cell killing from single particle tracks. can provide useful information on expected differences between proton and HZE tracks and clinical experiences with photon irradiation. To model effects on cells in the brain, it is important that transport models accurately describe changes in the GCR due to interactions in the cranium and proximate tissues. We describe calculations of the attenuated GCR particle fluxes at three dose-points in the brain and associated patterns of cell killing using biophysical models. The effects of the brain self-shielding and bone-tissue interface of the skull in modulating the GCR environment are considered. For each brain dose-point, the mass distribution in the surrounding 4(pi) solid angle is characterized using the CAM model to trace 512 rays. The CAM model describes the self-shielding by converting the tissue distribution to mass-equivalent aluminum, and nominal values of spacecraft shielding is considered. Particle transport is performed with the proton, neutron, and heavy-ion transport code HZETRN with the nuclear fragmentation model QMSFRG. The distribution of cells killed along the path of individual GCR ions is modeled using in vitro cell inactivation data for cells with varying sensitivity. Monte Carlo simulations of arrays of inactivated cells are considered for protons and heavy ions and used to describe the absolute number of cell killing events of various magnitude in the brain from the GCR. Included are simulations of positions of inactivated cells from stopping heavy ions and nuclear stars produced by high-energy ions most importantly, protons and neutrons.

Shavers, M. R.↗

Scalable Enrichment of 48 Ca at the Solid/liquid Interface by Chemical and Electrochemical Methods

This award targets to develop methods to enrich 48 Ca, which is a critical isotope for synthesizing superheavy elements and testing the standard model through neutrinoless double beta decay. The team first tested chemical exchange-based separation between solids and liquids, which is based on the free energy change due to the different vibrational frequencies caused by Ca isotopes in a material. However, the separation factor (alpha), which is defined as the ratio of 40 Ca/ 48 Ca ratios in the two phases, only reach ~1.01. The team then developed liquid centrifugation-based isotope separation, where a Ca salt aqueous solution is centrifuged at a speed of ~60 kRPM, and 48 Ca is enriched at the bottom of a centrifuge tube due to its larger mass. A high α of ~1.2-1.4 is achieved for 40 Ca/ 48 Ca at 40 °C. This method is further approved to be generic for any isotope that can be dissolved in a liquid solution or form liquid chemicals near room temperature. The experimental results also align well with modeling prediction. The team further develop a model to evaluate isotope separation in countercurrent liquid centrifugation. The team found that the countercurrent configuration can also enhance isotope separation in liquids, similar with gas centrifugation, which boost separation for isotopes which are difficult to be gasified near room temperature.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Effects of alpha-ion stopping on ignition and ignition criteria in inertial confinement fusion experiments

With the advent of ignited plasmas at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), alpha physics has become a driving factor in theoretical understanding and experimental behavior. In this communication, we explore aspects of direct alpha-ion heating through comparison of the consequences from the one-fluid and two-fluid models in the hydrodynamic approach. We show that the case with all alpha energy deposited in electrons raises the ignition criteria by ∼4 keV or ∼0.2 g/cm2 in the hotspot relative to the case with all alpha energy deposited in ions. In the case of the recently ignited NIF implosion, 30% of the 3.5 MeV α energy is deposited into the DT fuel ions, for which there is negligible difference between the one-fluid and two-fluid ignition criteria. However, changes in the ion stopping fraction through profile effects and alternate stopping power models could lead to ignition curve shifts of ∼1 keV.

Physics↗

Experimental characterization of discharge plasma dynamics in a square capillary for prospective applications in laser wakefield acceleration

Research on plasma generated by electrical discharge in gas-filled capillaries plays an important role in advancing laser wakefield accelerators. We present a comprehensive study of the temporal and spatial distribution of plasma density within a short, 1 cm long, square-shaped capillary filled with hydrogen gas. Two transverse capillary sizes, 500 μm and 300 μm, were investigated achieving peak plasma densities of 0.9 × 10 18 cm −3 and 2.5 × 10 18 cm −3 , respectively, at the capillary center. In addition, we explore how these distributions depend on discharge parameters, specifically discharge current and gas flow through the capillary. Plasma density was determined by analyzing the Stark broadening of the hydrogen Balmer-alpha line. The results obtained were compared with the theoretical models and simulations. The comparison between the model predictions and the experimental data at the transient ionization stage of the discharge reveals a discrepancy of a factor of ∼1.3–2.1, depending on the capillary size, which is thoroughly discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Using FU Orionis outbursts to constrain self-regulated protostellar disk models

One-dimensional, convective, vertical structure models and one dimensional time-dependent, radial diffusion models are combined to create a self-consistent picture in which FU Orionis outbursts occur in young stellar objects (YSOs) as the result of a large-scale, self-regulated, thermal ionization instability in the surrounding protostellar accretion disk. Although active accretion disks have long been postulated to be ubiqitous among low-mass YSOs, few constraints have until now been imposed on physical conditions in these disks. By fitting the results of time-dependent disk models to observed timescales of FU Orionis events, we estimate the magnitude of the effective viscous stress in the inner disk (r approximately less than 1 AU) to be, in accordance with an ad hoc 'alpha' prescription, the product of the local sound speed, pressure scale height, and an efficiency factor alpha of 10(exp -4) where hydrogen is neutral and 10(exp 3) where hydrogen is ionized. We hypothesize that all YSOs receive infall onto their outer disks which is steady (or slowly declining with time) and that FU Orionis outbursts are self-regulated, disk outbursts which occur only in systems which transport matter inward at a rate sufficiently high to cause hydrogen to be ionized in the inner disk. We estimate a critical mass flux of dm(sub crit)/dt = 5 x 10(exp 7) solar mass/yr independent of the magnitude of alpha for systems with one solar mass, three solar radius central objects. Infall accretion rates in the range of dm(sub in)/dt = 1-10) x 10(exp -6) solar mass/yr produce observed FU Orionis timescales consistent with estimates of spherical molecular cloud core collapse rates. Modeled ionization fronts are typically initiated near the inner edge of the disk and propogate out to a distance of several tens of stellar radii. Beyond this region, the disk transports mass steadily inward at the supplied constant infall rate. Mass flowing through the innermost disk annulus is equal to dm(sub in)/dt only in a time-averaged sense and is regulated by the ionization of hydrogen in the inner disk such that long intervals (approximately 1000 yr) of low-mass flux: (1-30) x 10(exp -8) solar mass/yr are punctuated by short intervals (approximately 100 yr) of high-mass flux: (1-30) x 10(exp -5) solar mass/yr. Timescales and mass fluxes derived for quiescent and outburst stages are consistent with estimates from observations of T Tauri and FU Orionis systems, respectively.

Bell, K. R.↗

Mechanically induced alterations in cultured skeletal muscle growth

Model systems are available for mechanically stimulating cultured skeletal muscle cells by passive tensile forces which simulate those found in vivo. When applied to embryonic muscle cells in vitro these forces induce tissue organogenesis, metabolic adaptations, and muscle cell growth. The mechanical stimulation of muscle cell growth correlates with stretch-induced increases in the efflux of prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2(alpha) in a time and frequency dependent manner. These prostaglandins act as mechanical 'second messengers' regulating skeletal muscle protein turnover rates. Since they also effect bone remodelling in response to tissue loading and unloading, secreted prostaglandins may serve as paracrine growth factors, coordinating the growth rates of muscle and bone in response to external mechanical forces. Cell culture model systems will supplement other models in understanding mechanical transduction processes at the molecular level.

Vandenburgh, H. H.↗

On the Feynman-alpha method for reflected fissile assemblies

The Feynman-alpha method is a neutron noise technique that is used to estimate the prompt neutron period of fissile assemblies. The method and quantity are of widespread interest including in applications such as nuclear criticality safety, safeguards and nonproliferation, and stockpile stewardship; the prompt neutron period may also be used to infer the k eff multiplication factor. The Feynman-alpha method is predicated on time-correlated neutron detections that deviate from a Poisson random variable due to multiplication. Traditionally, such measurements are diagnosed with one-region point kinetics, but two-region models are required when the fissile assembly is reflected. This paper presents a derivation of the two-region point kinetics Feynman-alpha equations based on a double integration of the Rossi-alpha equations, develops novel propagation of measurement uncertainty, and validates the theory. Validation is achieved with organic scintillator measurements of weapons-grade plutonium reflected by various amounts of copper to achieve k eff values of 0.83–0.94 and prompt periods of 5–75 ns. The results demonstrate that Feynman-alpha measurements should use the two-region model instead of the one-region model. The simplified one-region model deviates from the validated two-region models by as much as 10% in the estimate of the prompt neutron period, and the two-region model reduces to the one-region model for small amounts of reflector. The Feynman-alpha estimates of the prompt neutron period are compared to those of the Rossi-alpha approach. The comparative results demonstrate that the Feynman-alpha method is more precise than the Rossi-alpha method and more accurate for k eff < 0.92, whereas the Rossi-alpha method is generally more accurate for higher multiplications. Here, the uncertainty propagation developed in this work should be used for all Feynman-alpha measurements and will therein improve fitting accuracy and appropriate precision estimates.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Mg II and Ly-alpha fluxes in M dwarfs - Evaluation of an acoustic model

Surface fluxes of Mg II and Ly-alpha from a sample of M dwarfs have been reported by Panagi and Mathioudakis (PM, 1992). In order to determine if acoustic effects can reproduce the fluxes in the least active ('basal') stars in the PM sample, we have constructed steady state models of plane-parallel atmospheres with T(eff) = 3000 and 4000 K including heating by shock dissipation. The models incorporate radiative losses in the chromosphere by solving the transfer equation for two strong lines (Mg II k and Ly-alpha). Predictions of standard weak shock theory are expected to overestimate the rate of energy deposition in the chromospheres of M dwarfs compared to the rate of deposition in F, G, or K dwarfs. In order to incorporate this effect in M dwarfs, we compute a series of atmospheric models in which, for a given T(eff), the standard weak shock dissipation rate is reduced by a series of factors F(r). Although the input acoustic flux F(mech) may in principle be determined uniquely by T(eff) and log g, the correct value to use in any particular case is not well known. We therefore use F(mech) and F(r) as parameters to construct a family of M dwarf models at various T(eff) and g. Comparing with the observed fluxes in the least active M dwarfs of the PM sample, we find that our models reproduce the observed fluxes of both Mg II and Ly-alpha best if F(mech) is close to the value predicted by Bohn (1984) and if F(r) is approximately equal to 10-20.

Mullan, D. J.↗

Ab initio symmetry-adapted approaches to nuclear reactions

In this review, we discuss recent applications of the ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell-model (SA-NCSM) theory for study and prediction of structure and reactions of stable and unstable nuclei from light to medium mass range. We explore structure properties of neutron-rich He, Li, and Mg isotopes, with a focus on nuclear collectivity, clustering, and spectroscopic factors, as well as multi-particle excitations of utmost significance in the proximity of the drip lines. In addition, we present extensions of the SA-NCSM with continuum for determining the microscopic structure of reaction fragments, which enables calculations of reaction cross sections for targets from the lightest He to 40Ca, rooted in first principles. We illustrate this for neutron and proton elastic scattering, deuteron and alpha capture reactions, and alpha knock-out reactions. Furthermore, we discuss microscopic optical potentials with uncertainty quantification, a critical ingredient in many reaction models. As a result, we also discuss the impact of alpha clustering on reactions of significance to nuclear astrophysics, as well as on beta decays and beyond-the-standard-model physics.

Ab initio approaches to nuclear reactions↗

The Role of Crack Formation in Chevron-Notched Four-Point Bend Specimens

The failure sequence following crack formation in a chevron-notched four-point bend 1 specimen is examined in a parametric study using the Bluhm slice synthesis model. Premature failure resulting from crack formation forces which exceed those required to propagate a crack beyond alpha (min) is examined together with the critical crack length and critical crack front length. An energy based approach is used to establish factors which forecast the tendency of such premature failure due to crack formation for any selected chevron-notched geometry. A comparative study reveals that, for constant values of alpha (1) and alpha (0), the dimensionless beam compliance and stress intensity factor are essentially independent of specimen width and thickness. The chevron tip position, alpha (0) has its primary effect on the force required to initiate a sharp crack. Small values for alpha (0) maximize the stable region length, however, the premature failure tendency is also high for smaller alpha (0) values. Improvements in premature failure resistance can be realized for larger values of alpha (0) with only a minor reduction in the stable region length. The stable region length is also maximized for larger chevron based positions, alpha (1) but the chance for premature failure is also raised. Smaller base positions improve the premature failure resistance with only minor decreases in the stable region length. Chevron geometries having a good balance of premature failure resistance, stable region length, and crack front length are 0.20 less than or equal to alpha (0) is less than or equal to 0.30 and 0.70 is less than or equal to alpha (1) is less than or equal to 0.80.

Calomino, Anthony M.↗

Spacelab Life Sciences flight experiments: an integrated approach to the study of cardiovascular deconditioning and orthostatic hypotension

The microgravity environment of spaceflight produces rapid cardiovascular changes which are adaptive and appropriate in that setting, but are associated with significant deconditioning and orthostatic hypotension on return to Earth's gravity. The rapidity with which these space flight induced changes appear and disappear provides an ideal model for studying the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of deconditioning and orthostatic hypotension, regardless of etiology. Since significant deconditioning is seen after flights of very short duration, muscle atrophy due to inactivity plays, at most, a small role. These changes in circulatory control associated with cephalad fluid shifts, rather than inactivity per se, are probably more important factors. In order to test this hypothesis in a systematic way, a multidisciplinary approach which defines and integrates inputs and responses from a wide variety of circulatory sub-systems is required. The cardiovascular experiments selected for Spacelab Life Sciences flights 1 and 2 provide such an approach. Both human and animal models will be utilized. Pre- and post-flight characterization of the payload crew includes determination of maximal exercise capacity (bicycle ergometry), orthostatic tolerance (lower body negative pressure), alpha and beta adrenergic sensitivity (isoproterenol and phenylephrine infusions), baroreflex sensitivity (ECG-gated, stepwise changes in carotid artery transmural pressure with a pneumatic neck collar), and responses to a 24 h period of 5 deg head-down tilt. Measurements of cardiac output (CO2 and C2H2 rebreathing), cardiac chamber dimensions (phased-array 2-dimensional echocardiography), direct central venous pressure, leg volume (Thornton sock), limb blood flow and venous compliance (occlusion plethysmography), blood and plasma volumes, renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rates, and various hormonal levels including catecholamines and atrial natriuretic factor will also be obtained. The central venous catheter will be inserted immediately pre-launch and monitored with heart rate and blood pressure in-flight until cardiac output, respiratory gas exchange and quantitative 2D echocardiography measurements can be performed. In-flight hemodynamic measurements will be repeated at rest and during submaximal exercise daily and also during maximal exercise midway through the flight to document the timecourse and extent of cardiovascular changes in the payload crew. Parallel studies are planned for the animals. In addition to measurements of right atrial and aortic pressures and cardiac output, a dorsal micro-circulatory chamber will allow determinations of changes in capillary and venular architecture and function in six of the rats. The techniques and findings from many of the SLS-1 and 2 supporting studies have already yielded significant information about circulatory regulation in patients with both hypo- and hypertension. The flight experiments themselves will provide new data to test the validity of both animal and human models currently used for simulating the fluid shifts of a micro-gravity environment. The development of effective countermeasures, not only for short and long duration space travellers, but also for Earth-bound medical patients can then be physiologically based on experimental data rather than anecdote.

Non-NASA Center↗

Observational constraints on the multiphase nature of outflows using large spectroscopic surveys at z ∼ 0

ABSTRACT Mass outflow rates and loading factors are typically used to infer the quenching potential of galactic-scale outflows. However, these generally rely on observations of a single gas phase that can severely underestimate the total ejected gas mass. To address this, we use observations of high mass (≥1010 M⊙), normal star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 0 from the MaNGA, xCOLD GASS, xGASS, and ALFALFA surveys and a stacking of Na d, Hα, CO(1–0), and H i 21 cm tracers with the aim of placing constraints on an average, total mass outflow rate, and loading factor. We find detections of outflows in both neutral and ionized gas tracers, with no detections in stacks of molecular or atomic gas emission. Modelling of the outflow components reveals velocities of |vNa d| = 131 km s−1 and |vHα| = 439 km s−1 and outflow rates of $\dot{M}_{\rm {Na\,\small{D}}}$ = 7.55 M⊙ yr−1 and $\dot{M}_{\text{H}\alpha }$ = 0.10 M⊙ yr−1 for neutral and ionized gas, respectively. Assuming a molecular/atomic outflow velocity of 200 km s−1, we derive upper limits of $\dot{M}_{\text{CO}}\lt 19.43$ M⊙ yr−1 and $\dot{M}_{\rm {H\,\small {I}}}\lt $ 26.72 M⊙ yr−1 for the molecular and atomic gas, respectively. Combining the detections and upper limits, we find average total outflow rates of $\dot{M}_{\text{tot}}\lesssim$27 M⊙ yr−1 and a loading factor of ηtot ≲ 6.39, with molecular gas likely contributing ≲72 per cent of the total mass outflow rate, and neutral and ionized gas contributing ∼28 and <1 per cent, respectively. Our results suggest that, to first order, a degree of quenching via ejective feedback could occur in normal galaxies when considering all gas phases, even in the absence of an active galactic nucleus.

Roberts-Borsani, G. W.↗

Models of transition regions in hybrid stars

Models for the transition regions of six hybrid stars, four bright giants and two supergiants, are calculated. The models include mass loss and prescribe Alfven waves as the source of mechanical energy. The momentum and energy deposition rates required at each level of the atmosphere are evaluated. The final models for all six stars have mass loss rates lying below the current VLA upper limits by factors of two to ten, and have densities which agree with those derived by density-sensitive line ratios. The density vs. temperature structure in Alpha TrA agree well with that derived by Hartmann et al. (1985). Wave amplitudes and magnetic field strengths are derived as functions of height, and the amplitudes are found to agree well with the observed line widths in Alpha TrA.

Brosius, J. W.↗

Measurements of striae in CR+ doped YAG laser crystals

Striations in Czochralski (CZ) grown crystals have been observed in materials such as GaAs, silicon, photorefractive crystals used for data storage, potassium titanyl phosphate crystals and LiNbO3. Several techniques have been used for investigating these defects including electron microscopy, laser scanning tomography, selective photoetching, X-ray diffuse scattering, interference orthoscopy, laser interferometry and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy mapping. A 2mm thick sample of the material to be investigated is illuminated with light that is absorbed and non-absorbed by the ion concentration to be observed. The back surface of the sample is focused onto a solid-state image detector and images of the input beam and absorbed (and diffracted) beams are captured at two wavelengths. The variation of the coefficient of absorption asa function of distance on the sample can be derived from these measurements. A Big Sky Software Beamcode system is used to capture and display images. Software has been written to convert the Beamcode data files to a format that can be imported into a spreadsheet program such as Quatro Pro. The spreadsheet is then used to manipulate and display data. A model of the intensity map of the striae collected by the imaging system has been proposed and a data analysis procedure derived. From this, the variability of the attenuation coefficient alpha can be generated. Preliminary results show that alpha may vary by a factor of four or five over distances of 100 mu m. Potential errors and problems have been discovered and additional experiments and improvements to the experimental setup are in progress and we must now show that the measurement techniques and data analysis procedures provide 'real' information. Striae are clearly visible at all wavelengths including white light. Their basic spatial frequency does not change radically, at least when changing from blue to green to white light. Further experimental and theoretical work can be done to improve the data collection techniques and to verify the data analysis procedures.

Cady, Fredrick M.↗