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At least 559 records · Page 31

Polar stratospheric optical depth observed between 1978 and 1985

Observations of the stratospheric optical depth at 1.0 micron obtained for high latitudes are presented for a 7-year period. Weekly averaged data determined from measurements made by the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement experiment from October 1978-1985 show that the overall yearly values in both polar regions are controlled by volcanic perturbations, with most volcanic effects being experienced in Arctic latitudes. Conservatively, peak values found in the Antarctic region were approximately 0.02 and in the Arctic region about 0.55. Probable values for these regions are estimated to be 0.26 and 0.11, respectively. The weekly averaged data also show the seasonal fluctuations due to microphysical and dynamical processes. Comparison of the optical depth record with a weekly averaged 50-mbar temperature record indicates that polar stratospheric clouds are present in the southern high latitudes each year near this level from early June to early September. A depression observed in the optical depth record each austral spring season is believed to be the result of the downward displacement of particles caused by subsidence and sedimentation during the course of winter. Following the breakup of the vortex, optical depth values increase as aerosol is transported poleward. These features are noted to be present in the Arctic region as well, but on a smaller scale because of the satellite sampling methodology and the averaging scheme employed.

Mccormick, M. P.↗

The ultraviolet and optical emission-line spectrum of III Zw 77

The high-ionization Seyfert I galaxy III Zw 77 has been simultaneously observed over the satellite ultraviolet to near-IR spectral regions. As in other AGN, the continuous energy distribution shows a roughly power-law decline across much of the optical region and a flatter-than-unity spectral index in the near-UV. The equivalent widths of the Balmer lines and Ly-alpha are very similar to those found in other AGN. The UV-to-optical emission-line spectrum for narrow lines is fairly similar to those deduced for Seyfert 2 galaxies. A surprising result is the detection of the semiforbidden O III 1661, 1666 A doublet with an intensity indicating high temperatures more suggestive of shock heating than photoionization equilibrium. An interpretation in terms of a multicomponent photoionized structure is proposed in which dense regions produce the UV lines and the lower density regions produce the optical lines.

Ferland, Gary J.↗

An analysis of satellite observations of the O I EUV dayglow

Observations of the latitudinal variation of the 1356-A, 1304-A, and 989-A O I earth dayglow, obtained with the USAF STP78-1 satellite at solar maximum on March 21, 1979, are reported and compared with the predictions of thermospheric models and published laboratory measurements of electron-impact excitation cross sections. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs and characterized in detail, with particular attention to the 1304-A solar flux and the 989-A branching ratio. The STP78-1 data (as well as simultaneous AE-E satellite measurements ) are shown to indicate exospheric temperatures that were 220-240-K higher, but varied significantly less with latitude, than those predicted by the MSIS-83 model (Hedin, 1983) for the day of the observations.

Link, R.↗

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of R Coronae Borealis

Observations of the hydrogen-deficient supergiant R CrB were obtained with the IUE over an interval of 54 days in order to study the nature of this star's irregular, small-amplitude variations in light. By chance, the series of observations coincided with a dip in the light intermediate between the normal fluctuations and the deep declines associated with the formation of an obscuring dust cloud. High-resolution spectra have been used to search for radial velocity variations, while low-resolution spectra yield ultraviolet light curves down to 1810 A. Both types of spectra have been analyzed for indications of temperature changes. It is found that a combination of photospheric temperature variation and variable extinction is necessary to account for the details of the observations. A simple, ad hoc, periodic model is presented in which the amount of obscuring dust varies in proportion to the drop in temperature, but at a later time, reproduces the wavelength dependence of both the amplitudes and phase shifts of the light curves. The radial velocities are consistent with pulsation being responsible for the temperature variation.

Holm, A. V.↗

Submillimeter and far-infrared line observations of M17 SW - A clumpy molecular cloud penetrated by ultraviolet radiation

Millimeter, submillimeter, and far-IR spectroscopic observations of the M17 SW star formation region are reported. Strong forbidden C II 158 micron and CO J = 7 - 6 line emission arises in an H II region/molecular cloud interface of several pc thickness. Weaker forbidden C II emission appears to be extended over 15 pc throughout the molecular cloud. CO J = 14 - 13 and forbidden O I 145 micron spectra indicate high temperatures and densities for both molecular and atomic gas in the interface. The results require the molecular cloud near the interface to be clumpy or filamentary. The extended forbidden C II emission throughout the molecular cloud has a level around 20 times higher than expected from a single molecular cloud interface exposed to an ultraviolet radiation field typical of the solar neighborhood. The high gas temperature of molecular material in the UV-illuminated interface region suggests that CO self-shielding and heating of CO by photoelectrons are important.

Stutzki, J.↗

Metamorphism of cordierite gneisses from Eastern Ghat Granulite Terrain, Andhra Pradesh, South India

Cordierite-bearing metapelites of the Eastern Ghat granulite terrain occur in close association of Khondalites, quartzites, calc-silicate rocks and charnockites. Rocks occurring between Bobbili in the north and Guntur in the south of Andhra Pradesh are studied. The association of the mineral and textural relationships suggest the following metamorphic reactions: Garnet + sillimanite + quartz = cordierite, hypersthene + sillimanite + quartz = cordierite, sillimanite + spinel = cordierite + corundum, and biotite + quartz + sillimanite = cordierite + K=feldspar. Generally the minerals are not chemically zoned except garnet-biotite showing zoning when they come in close contact with one another. The potential thermometers are provided by the Fe-Mg distribution of coexisting biotite-garnet and cordierite-garnet. Conflicting interpretation of the P/T dependence of these reactions involving cordierite are due to H2O in the cordierite. The presence of alkali feldspar-quartz assemblage which is common in these gneisses will be constrained from melting only if H2O activity is less than 0.5. The piezometric array inferred is convex towards the temperature array, indicating a rapid and isothermal crustal uplift probably aided by thrust tectonics.

Murthy, D. S. N.↗

The preparation of new perfluoro ether fluids exhibiting excellent thermal-oxidative stabilities

A series of low molecular weight perfluoroalkyl ethers (PFAEs) were synthesized by direct fluorination. Viscosity-temperature properties and oxidation stabilities were determined. Viscosity-temperature correlations indicated that increases in branching and increases in the size of the branching substituent caused a deterioration in viscometric properties (i.e., an increase in ASTM slope). In addition, increasing the ratio of carbon to oxygen in these compounds also increased the ASTM slope. Preliminary oxidation stability measurements indicated that highly branched PFAE fluids (i.e., those containing quaternary carbons) may be less stable than either those containing a single trifluoromethyl pendant group or those containing no branching at all.

Jones, William R., Jr.↗

Persistence of polar stratospheric clouds in the southern polar region

Observations of Antarctic polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) were examined using the 1-micron aerosol extinction ratio data from the SAM II satellite experiment for the years 1979-1982 and 1984-1987. PSCs were sighted between 10 and 25 km and were usually first observed by mid-June. Clouds disappeared earlier at higher altitudes (late August near 24 km, in most cases) and later at lower altitudes (late September or October near 16 km). It was found that PSCs persisted longer in 1985 and 1987 at 18 km and were more frequently observed in September and October 1987 than the other years. Inference of likely PSC formation regions from National Meteorological Center temperature data indicated that clouds would begin forming in late May and usually disappear in September. This analysis confirmed the persistence of colder conditions during the spring of 1987.

Mccormick, M. P.↗

Parametric amplification in AgGaSe2

AgGaSe2 has been grown, annealed, and characterized for the mid-IR. Characterization includes measurement of the average power-limiting factors including absorption and the variation of the refractive indices with temperature. Using specially annealed crystals 20 mm long and a Ho:YAG pump, parametric amplification at 3.39 microns has achieved a gain of 2.9 with a peak power input of only 8 MW/sq cm.

Barnes, Norman P.↗

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) for the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS)

MODIS is intended to provide daily global surveys for the oceans, the atmosphere, and land. To achieve this capability, this instrument requires at least a 1700 km swath width and provides geometric-instantaneous-fields-of-view that are either 214 m, 428 m, or 856 m in size with reference to a 705 km satellite altitude. The range of products to be supported by MODIS includes ocean chlorophyll concentration, ocean primary productivity, dissolved organic matter in the oceans, global SST, total suspended solids, land cover type, land surface temperatures, vegetation indices, and volcanic and fire events. Details of the MODIS-N and MODIS-T instrument concepts are discussed.

Thompson, Leslie L.↗

Effects of elevated temperature on the viscoplastic modeling of graphite/polymeric composites

To support the development of new materials for the design of next generation supersonic transports, a research program is underway at NASA to assess the long term durability of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC's). One of main objectives of the program was to explore the effects of elevated temperature (23 to 200 C) on the constitutive model's material parameters. To achieve this goal, test data on the observed nonlinear, stress-strain behavior of IM7/5260 and IM7/8320 composites under tension and compression loading were collected and correlated against temperature. These tests, conducted under isothermal conditions using variable strain rates, included such phenomena as stress relaxation and short term creep. The second major goal was the verification of the model by comparison of analytical predictions and test results for off axis and angle ply laminates. Correlation between test and predicted behavior was performed for specimens of both material systems over a range of temperatures. Results indicated that the model provided reasonable predictions of material behavior in load or strain controlled tests. Periods of loading, unloading, stress relaxation, and creep were accounted for.

Gates, Thomas S.↗

High power GaInAs lasers with distributed Bragg reflectors

Single-mode strained-layer lasers have been fabricated which use buried second-order gratings for distributed Bragg reflectors. The lasers contain a strained GaInAs quantum well in the active region and operate in an edge emitting fashion with CW powers in excess of 110 mW. Single longitudinal and transverse mode operation is maintained at about 971.9 nm up to 42 mW. Total power conversion efficiencies as high as 28 percent have been observed. The longitudinal and transverse mode behavior is stable under 90 percent amplitude modulation with 50 percent duty cycle pulses at 10 kHz and 10 MHz. Preliminary life-test data at 40 C also indicate room temperature lifetimes in excess of 45,000 hours.

O'Brien, S.↗

Variable frequency pulsed phase-locked loop method for measuring material nonlinearity

The design of a pressure vessel with an isothermal volume to measure changes in the natural velocities of material continuously over a wide temperature range is reported. Highly sensitive pulsed phase-locked loop technology is used to measure the natural velocity of fatigued aluminum 2024-T4 as a function of pressure at different temperatures. Second derivative variations with respect to pressure and temperature are found to exhibit order-of-magnitude changes at a gauge pressure near 950 kPa at room temperature. This indicates a significant change in certain combinations of second-order and higher-order elastic constants at relatively low pressures. Fractional frequency change as a function of applied pressure for aluminum 2024-T4 with fatigue damage is illustrated.

Yost, William T.↗

Detection of CO emission from massive molecular clouds in the inner disk of M31

Faint emission in the CO(1-0) and CO(2-1) spectral lines at mm wavelengths has been discovered from dark dust clouds in the inner disk of M31. These dust clouds are located in regions of the galaxy where there is little evidence of star-forming activity. The CO emission from these clouds is resolved, and comes from roughly the same area covered by the dust clouds. The line profile widths and cloud sizes imply cloud masses typical for giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in the Galaxy, but the observed surface brightnesses are only a few tenths of a K, and the typical CO(1-0) luminosities are a factor of about 10 smaller than those of Galactic GMCs of the same size and velocity line width. The CO(2-1)/CO(1-0) line ratios are very low, suggesting subthermal excitation, and precluding use of this ratio alone to determine the kinetic temperature. However, there are indications that the kinetic temperatures are significantly lower than the values of 10-30 K typical for Galactic GMCs, and may be close to the 2.7 K cosmic background.

Allen, Ronald J.↗

Effects of climate and lifeform on dry matter yield (epsilon) from simulations using BIOME BGC

An ecosystem process simulation model, BIOME-BGC, is used in a sensitivity analysis to determine the factors that may cause the dry matter yield (epsilon) and annual net primary production to vary for different ecosystems. At continental scales, epsilon is strongly correlated with annual precipitation. At a single location, year-to-year variation in net primary production (NPP) and epsilon is correlated with either annual precipitation or minimum air temperatures. Simulations indicate that forests have lower epsilon than grasslands. The most sensitive parameter affecting forest epsilon is the total amount of living woody biomass, which affects NPP by increasing carbon loss by maintenance respiration. A global map of woody biomass should significantly improve estimates of global NPP using remote sensing.

Hunt, E. R., Jr.↗

Ozone and temperature trends in the lower stratosphere

It is shown that the pattern of temperature trend with height in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere is consistent with that calculated from a model incorporating the observed ozone changes. The magnitude of the observed temperature decrease is less than that determined from the numerical model. It is found that the obverse ozone-temperature relationship does not hold. If the temperature at 20 km decreases, this by itself would result in an increase in the ozone values through the inverse temperature sensitivity of the chemical reactions. In the lower stratosphere a positive correlation between ozone and temperature tends to exist through the dynamics. Ozone-rich air moving downward undergoes an increase in temperature through adiabatic compression and vice-versa. That the temperature trends indicate no apparent variation with latitude suggests a nondynamic cause.

Miller, A. J.↗

Preliminary investigation of the compressive strength and creep lifetime of 2024-T3 (formerly 24S-T3) aluminum-alloy plates at elevated temperatures

The results of elevated-temperature compressive strength and creep tests of 2024-T3 (formerly 23S-T3) aluminum-alloy plates supported in V-grooves are presented. For determining elevated-temperature strength, where creep effects are negligible, a relation previously developed for predicting plate compressive strength at room temperature was satisfactory. Creep-lifetime results are presented for the plates in the form of master creep-lifetime curves by using a time-temperature parameter that is convenient for summarizing tensile creep-rupture data. A comparison is made between tensile and compressive creep lifetime for the plates, and the magnitude by which the design stress is decreased because of material creep and loss of strength due to exposure at elevated temperatures is indicated.

Mathauser, Eldon E↗

Fragments of ancient lunar crust: Ferroan noritic anorthosites from the descartes region of the Moon

Noritic anorthosite clasts from breccia 67016 have bulk compositions similar to that of the upper crust of the Moon and petrogenetic affinities with pristine ferroan anorthosites. Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of mineral separates from one of these clasts suggest very old (greater than or = 4.4 Ga) ages, but interpretation of these data is complicated by the multi-stage history of the clasts which involved magmatic crystallization, brecciation, subsolidus recrystallization, and sulfide metasomatism. These clasts record some of the earliest events on the Moon, including early crust formation, accretionary bombardment, and degassing of the lunar interior. Modal analyses of these clasts show they are now composed of about 70 percent plagioclase, 28 percent pyroxene, 2 percent troilite, and minor amounts of ilmenite and chromite. No metallic iron, phosphates, or other trace phases were observed. Olivine is very rare, occurring only as relicts within secondary troilite+pyroxene intergrowths which may reflect reaction of olivine with sulfurous vapors. PIXE proton microprobe analyses of the sulfides show that the metasomatism was accompanied by enrichments of Cu, Zn, Ni, Se, and Sb. The clasts have been only mildly shocked since the observed texture was established. Major and minor element mineral compositions are very homogeneous and strikingly similar to those of pristine ferroan anorthosites. Pyroxene compositions indicate equilibration temperatures of 850-900 C. Except for the sulfide and chalcophile element metasomatism, these clasts appear to be essentially monomict and probably represent a noritic member of the ferroan anorthosite suite. Their low Ni contents and Ni/Co ratios are consistent with the interpretation of these clasts as igneous rocks which have escaped mixing with meteoritic material.

Norman, M. D.↗