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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Particle and flow field holography: A critical survey

A brief background is provided for the fields of particle and flow visualization holography. A summary of methods currently in use is given, followed by a discussion of more recent and unique applications. The problem of data reduction is discussed. A state of the art summary is then provided with a prognosis of the future of the field. Particle and flow visualization holography are characterized as powerful tools currently in wide use and with significant untapped potential.

Trolinger, James D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Magnetic field and particle pressure in the plasma sheet of Jupiter

The results of an analysis of the energetic particle and magnetic field data acquired by the Voyager 2 spacecraft at distances of about 40-70 Jupiter radii on the nightside of the planet are reported. As in a previous study of similar data at distances of greater than about 80 Jupiter radii, the energy densities of ions (primarily protons) is found to be sufficient to provide the diamagnetic depressions measured in the magnetic field intensity as the spacecraft made successive encounters with the nightside plasma sheet. There is some evidence that the percent contribution of the protons to the energy balance decreases with increasing distance from the planet over this radial interval, although this conclusion is dependent upon the assumption that the proton and heavier ion (oxygen) energy spectra are similar.

Lanzerotti, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Particle and field characteristics of the high-latitude plasma sheet boundary layer

Particle and field data obtained by eight ISEE spacecraft experiments are used to define more precisely the characteristics of the high-latitude boundary region of the plasma sheet. A region immediately adjacent to the high-latitude plasma sheet boundary has particle and field characteristics distinctly different from those observed in the lobe and deeper in the central plasma sheet. Electrons over a broad energy interval are 'field-aligned' and bidirectional, whereas in the plasma sheet the distributions are more isotropic. The region supports intense ion flows, large-amplitude electric fields, and enhanced broad-band electrostatic noise.

Parks, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1973

High-latitude dayside electric field and particle measurements

Two rockets carrying electric field and low energy particle instrumentation were launched near noon at 80 deg magnetic latitude. One flight encountered polar cap conditions only while the other traversed part of the polar cusp. Although weak particle precipitation was measured on both flights, bursts of intense magnetosheath-type electron fluxes were detected on the latter. Strong electric fields such as would result from anti-sunward convection were observed during both flights. The measurements are compared with results obtained by other types of space craft and interpreted in the light of those data.

Maynard, N. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

High-latitude day side electric field and particle measurements

Two rockets carrying electric field and low-energy particle instrumentation were launched near noon at 80 deg magnetic latitude. One flight encountered polar cap conditions only, whereas the other traversed part of the polar cusp. Although weak particle precipitation was measured on both flights, bursts of intense magnetosheath-type electron fluxes were detected on the latter. Strong electric fields such as would result from antisunward convection were observed during both flights. The measurements are compared with results obtained by other types of spacecraft and are interpreted in the light of those data. It is concluded that direct access of magnetosheath electrons is very variable and occurs in small regions within a larger overall region.-

Maynard, N. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A review of electron bombardment thruster systems/spacecraft field and particle interfaces

This paper collates and summarizes information on the field and particle interfaces of electron bombardment ion thruster systems. Major areas discussed are the nonpropellant particles, neutral propellant, ion beam, low energy plasma, and fields. Spacecraft functions and subsystems reviewed are solar arrays, thermal control systems, optical sensors, communications, science, structures and materials, and potential control. An appendix is included to facilitate identification of specific interaction areas.

Byers, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Apollo 15 and 16 Particles and Fields Subsatellites, 1969-1975

A historical account of how the Particles and Field Subsatellites came to be carried on the Apollo 15 and 16 lunar missions written by one of the principal investigators of the project Kinsey Anderson. Topics covered include: A discussion of general scientific issues surrounding the mission, A summary of research being carried out in the mid to late 1960s regarding lunar particle shadows and magnetotail electric fields, and The development of the subsatellites and their successful releases on the Apollo 15 and 16 missions.

Anderson, Kinsey A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Particles and fields subsatellite program

The development and characteristics of the Particles and Fields Lunar Subsatellite are discussed. The basic mission is to investigate two problems in space physics: (1) the formation and dynamics of the earth's magnetosphere and (2) the boundary layer of the solar wind as it flows over the lunar surface. Illustrations of the subsatellites and the mission concepts are included.

Horn, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields and particle precipitation as observed by dynamics Explorer-2

The relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle fluxes are determined using observations from the polar orbiting low-altitude satellite Dynamics Explorer-2. It is shown that the north-south electric field and the east-west magnetic field components are usually highly correlated in the field-aligned current regions. This proportionality observationally proves that the field-aligned current equals the divergence of the height-integrated ionospheric Pedersen current in the meridional plane to a high degree of approximation. As a general rule, in the evening sector the upward field-aligned currents flow in the boundary plasma sheet region and the downward currents flow in the central plasma sheet region. The current densities determined independently from the plasma and magnetic field measurements are compared. Although the current densities deduced from the two methods are in general agreement, the degree and extent of the agreement vary in individual cases.

Sugiura, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle precipitation as observed by Dynamics Explorer-2

The relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle fluxes are determined using observations from the polar orbiting low-altitude satellite Dynamics Explorer-2. It is shown that the north-south electric field and the east-west magnetic field components are usually highly correlated in the field-aligned current regions. This proportionality observationally proves that the field-aligned current equals the divergence of the height-integrated ionospheric Pedersen current in the meridional plane to a high degree of approximation. As a general rule, in the evening sector the upward field-aligned currents flow in the boundary plasma sheet region and the downward currents flow in the central plasma sheet region. The current densities determined independently from the plasma and magnetic field measurements are compared. Although the current densities deduced from the two methods are in general agreement, the degree and extent of the agreement vary in individual cases.

Sugiura, M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The particles and fields subsatellite magnetometer experiment

It is reported that the objectives of the particles and fields subsatellite (PFS) magnetometer experiment are to calculate the interior electrical conductivity of the moon, to survey the remanent magnetization of the lunar surface, and to study the interaction of the moon with its plasma environment. The magnetometers also support the PFS particle experiment by providing onboard magnetic sectoring and a posteriori pitch angle data and plasma diagnostics.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The ICE project

The International Cometary Explorer (ICE) spacecraft passed through the plasma tail of Comet Giacobini-Zinner (G/Z) on Sept. 11, 1985, and made in situ measurements of particles, fields, and waves. The scientific results indicate that Alfven's magnetic-field capture and draping model is correct; that the comet/solar-wind interaction produces energetic ions (probably by the pick-up process), and that the bow wave, as seen on the flanks, is not a shock but an extended interaction region. It is concluded that the ICE spacecraft survived the encounter virtually unscathed and made field and particle measurements upstream of Comet Halley, actually detecting the comet via plasma wave and energetic particle measurements.

Brandt, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Two-dimensional quasi-neutral description of particles and fields above discrete auroral arcs

Models are presented for particle distributions, electric fields and currents in an adiabatic treatment of auroral electrostatic potential distributions in order to describe the quiet-time evening auroral arcs featuring both upward and return currents. The models are consistent with current continuity and charge balance requirements for particle populations controlled by adiabatic invariants and quasi-neutrality in the magnetosphere. The effective energy of the cool electron population is demonstrated to have a significant effect on the latitudinal breadth of the auroral electrostatic potential structure and the extent of the penetration of the accelerating potential into the ionosphere. Another finding is that the energy of any parallel potential drop in the lowest few thousand kilometers of the field line is of the same order of magnitude as the thermal energy of the cool electrons. Additional predictions include density cavities along field lines that support large potential drops, and density enhancements along field lines at the edge of an inverted V with a small potential drop.

Newman, A. L.↗