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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 559 records · Page 31

Chromospheric activity and stellar evolution

A study of stellar chromospheres based on the internal structure of particular stars is presented. Used are complex flow diagrams of the linkage paths between mass loss, angular momentum loss, magnetic field from the turbulent dynamo and its relations to differential rotations and the convection zone, and stellar evolution.

Kippenhahn, R.↗

Apollo/Saturn 5 postflight lunar impact trajectory - AS-511 S-4B/IU

The postflight trajectory is presented for the Apollo/Saturn V AS-511 spent S-IVB/IU stage from CSM separation to lunar impact. The lunar impact coordinates and conditions are included. Some combinations of small S-IVB/IU stage related forces are hypothesized to account for a significant angular momentum increase and small translational perturbations. Trajectory dependent parameters in geocentric and selenocentric inertial coordinates (PACSS4, reference epoch at mean nearest Besselian year) module separation to lunar impact. Data relating to the tracking residuals (observed minus model calculated (O-C)) are also given for the best-estimate trajectory.

Source record↗

Dissociation rate of bromine diatomics in an argon heat bath

The evolution of a collection of 300 K bromine diatomics embedded in a heat bath of argon atoms at 1800 K was studied by computer, and a dissociation-rate constant for the reaction Br2 + BR + Ar yields Br + Ar was determined. Previously published probability distributions for energy and angular momentum transfers in classical three-dimensional Br2-Ar collisions were used in conjunction with a newly developed Monte Carlo scheme for this purpose. Results are compared with experimental shock-tube data and the predictions of several other theoretical models. A departure from equilibrium is obtained which is significantly greater than that predicted by any of these other theories.

Razner, R.↗

A Module for Automatic Dock and Detumble (MADD) for orbital rescue operations

The module for automatic dock and detumble (MADD) is an automated device for bringing a passive, tumbling space base under control in an orbital rescue situation. The conceptual design of such a device resulted from a consideration of tumbling motion analyses and mission constraints. Specific topics of investigation include orbit and attitude dynamics and detumble profiles. Position and attitude control systems for the various phases of operation were developed. Dynamic motion of a passive vehicle with MADD attached is considered as an example application and to determine control requirements. Since time is a critical factor in rescue operations, it is essential to execute the detumbling maneuver in a minimum of time. Optimization of the MADD thrusting sequence has also been investigated. Results indicate the control torque must be directed opposite to the angular momentum vector for the assumption used here.

Snow, W. R.↗

Some effects of elasticity on lunar rotation

A general Hamiltonian function for a rotating moon in the field of the earth is expanded in terms of parameters orienting the spin angular momentum relative to the principal axes of the moon and relative to coordinate axes fixed in the orbit plane. The effects of elastic distortion are included as modifications of the moment of inertia tensor, where the magnitude of the distortion is parameterized by the Love number k sub 2.

Peale, S. J.↗

Diurnal polar motion

An analytical theory is developed to describe diurnal polar motion in the earth which arises as a forced response due to lunisolar torques and tidal deformation. Doodson's expansion of the tide generating potential is used to represent the lunisolar torques. Both the magnitudes and the rates of change of perturbations in the earth's inertia tensor are included in the dynamical equations for the polar motion so as to account for rotational and tidal deformation. It is found that in a deformable earth with Love's number k = 0.29, the angular momentum vector departs by as much as 20 cm from the rotation axis rather than remaining within 1 or 2 cm as it would in a rigid earth. This 20 cm separation is significant in the interpretation of submeter polar motion observations because it necessitates an additional coordinate transformation in order to remove what would otherwise be a 20 cm error source in the conversion between inertial and terrestrial reference systems.

Mcclure, P.↗

Deformed Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculations.

The renormalized Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) theory for many-body nuclear systems has been generalized to permit calculations for intrinsic states having permanent deformation. Both Hartree-Fock and Brueckner self-consistencies are satisfied, and details of the numerical techniques are discussed. The Hamada-Johnston interaction is used in a study of deformations, binding, size, and separation energies for several nuclei. Electromagnetic transition rates, moments, and electron scattering form factors are calculated using nuclear wave functions obtained by angular momentum projection. Comparison is made to experiment as well as to predictions of ordinary and density-dependent Hartree-Fock theory.

Ford, W. F.↗

Primordial turbulence and the formation of galaxies.

The development of turbulence at early epochs in a Friedmann universe is studied, giving primary attention to the density fluctuations generated by vortical turbulence. Aspects of turbulence theory in a cosmogonical context are discussed together with a theory of turbulence in an expanding universe. It is suggested that small-amplitude density fluctuations generated by primordial turbulence before decoupling, rather than by the onset of supersonic turbulence after decoupling, can best account for the formation of galaxies. On the other hand, the requisite amount of angular momentum per unit mass to account for the rotation of galaxies is well explained by the turbulence parameters.

Silk, J.↗

New laser technique for the identification of molecular transitions.

A laser technique is proposed which may be useful for the assignment of molecular spectra in the visible and infrared regions. The method is based on the resonant interaction of two monochromatic fields with a Doppler-broadened three-level system. Under the appropriate conditions the absorption line shape of one of the transitions shows a complex structure over a narrow section of the Doppler profile, and for sufficiently high laser power the line shape splits into a number of narrow peaks. Analysis of the resulting intensity pattern leads to unambiguous assignment of the angular momentum quantum numbers of the three levels involved. A simple set of rules is given to facilitate interpretation of spectra. The line shapes discussed are also relevant to monochromatic optical pumping of gases and unidirectional laser amplifiers.

Skribanowitz, N.↗

Liapunov stability analysis of spinning flexible spacecraft.

The attitude stability of a class of spinning flexible spacecraft in a force-free environment is analyzed. The spacecraft is modeled as a rigid core having attached to it a flexible appendage idealized as a collection of elastically interconnected particles. Liapunov stability theorems are employed with the Hamiltonian of the system, constrained through the angular momentum integral so as to admit complete damping, used as a testing function. The Hamiltonian is written in terms of modal coordinates as interpreted by the hybrid coordinate formulation, thus allowing truncation to a level amenable to literal stability analysis. Testing functions are constructed for a spacecraft with an arbitrary (discretized) appendage, and closed form stability criteria are generated for the first mode of a restricted appendage model lying in a plane which contains the center of mass and is orthogonal to the spin axis. The criteria are (except for idealized cases on the stability boundary line in the parameter space) both necessary and sufficient for stability for any spacecraft characterized by the planar appendage model, such as a spacecraft containing solar panels and/or radial booms.

Barbera, F. J.↗

Primordial random motions and angular momenta of galaxies and galaxy clusters.

We study the decay of primordial random motions of galaxies and galaxy clusters in an expanding universe by solving a kinetic equation for the relaxation of differential energy spectra N(E, t). Systematic dissipative energy losses are included, involving gravitational drag by, and accretion of, intergalactic matter, as well as the effect of collisions with other systems. Formal and numerical solutions are described for two distinct modes of galaxy formation in a turbulent medium, corresponding to formation at a distinct epoch and to continuous formation of galaxies. We show that any primordial random motions of galaxies at the present epoch can amount to at most a few km/sec, and that collisions at early epochs can lead to the acquisition of significant amounts of primordial angular momentum.

Silk, J.↗

Observed properties of interplanetary rotational discontinuities.

In a prior study, discontinuities were identified as tangential or rotational principally on the basis of the existence or absence of a magnetic field component perpendicular to the plane of the discontinuity. The observed properties of the rotational discontinuities are described in this paper. The normals to the discontinuities were subjected to a variance analysis and did not exhibit a statistically significant anisotropy. These normals appear to be randomly oriented. Since rotational discontinuities are large-amplitude Alfven waves, the transverse perturbation in the magnetic field implies a corresponding jump in the solar wind velocity that is often only slightly less than the Alfven speed. The rotational discontinuities identified are all circularly polarized and transport vorticity and angular momentum.

Smith, E. J.↗

Models for compact pulsing X-ray sources.

Development of a model of a neutron star (Cen X-3) which releases the infall energy of accreted matter. Some general remarks are made on the possibility of accretion as a source of energy. It is shown that overflow of the Roche lobe is neither necessary as a source of mass nor probable in view of the observed stellar line widths of the two identified X-ray companions. While not excluding the possibility that tidal forces may drive some mass outflow, a number of models are investigated in which the material to be accreted appears in the form of a stellar wind. The behavior of the accreted gas near the accreting object is discussed, as well as the transfer of angular momentum near the accreting object. It is concluded that a relatively simple stellar wind driven accretion model appears to satisfactorily account, in a quantitative but not precise way, for most of the observed features of Cen X-3.

Ostriker, J. P.↗

2-SPEED, a single-gimbal control moment gyro attitude control system.

In 2-SPEED (Two Scissored Pair Ensemble, Explicit Distribution) four single-gimbal control moment gyros (SGCMGs) configured into two scissored pairs are combined with an explicit distribution of angular momentum between pairs to produce a system relatively insensitive to the singularity problems which have plagued other SGCMG concepts. In this system, the singularity surfaces in momentum space degenerate to discrete curves. Further, the system permits a smooth passage through these remaining singularities with, at worst, a temporary delay while momentum redistribution takes place. Finally, CMG-out operation is possible within the full volume of the reduced momentum envelope.

Crenshaw, J. W.↗

The moon as a high temperature condensate.

The accretion during condensation mechanism, if it occurs during the early over-luminous stage of the sun, can explain the differences in composition of the terrestrial planets and the moon. An important factor is the variation of pressure and temperature with distance from the sun, and in the case of the moon and captured satellites of other planets, with distance from the median plane. Current estimates of the temperature and pressure in the solar nebula suggest that condensation will not be complete in the vicinity of the terrestrial planets, and that depending on location, iron, magnesium silicates and the volatiles will be at least partially held in the gaseous phase and subject to separation from the dust by solar wind and magnetic effects associated with the transfer of angular momentum just before the sun joins the Main Sequence. Many of the properties of the moon, including the 'enrichment' in Ca, Al, Ti, U, Th, Ba, Sr and the REE and the 'depletion' in Fe, Rb, K, Na and other volatiles can be understood if the moon represents a high temperature condensate from the solar nebula.

Anderson, D. L.↗

Accumulation processes in the primitive solar nebula.

Particle accumulation processes are discussed for a variety of physical environments, ranging from the collapse phase of an interstellar cloud to the different parts of the models of the primitive solar nebula constructed by Cameron and Pine (1973). The interstellar collapse phase, the settling of particles to the control plane, processes in the convective zone, the accumulation of planetary bodies, and gas accretion are discussed. Attention is given to the formation of satellites, angular momentum aspects of star formation, the formation of comets, the formation of Mercury, the T Tauri solar wind, the evolution of the terrestrial planets, the radial distances of the planets, and the dissipation of excess solids.

Cameron, A. G. W.↗

Electrical conductivity of condensed molecular hydrogen in the giant planets

Theoretical interpretation of several phenomena concerning Jupiter and Saturn depends upon the electrical conductivity of molecular hydrogen which, according to present models, forms the outermost layer of both planets. The layer starts at the transition pressure between the metallic and the molecular form of hydrogen, that is around 1 Mbar, and extends to the outside limits of the atmosphere. Whether at the highest pressures (and temperatures) this layer is a solid or a dense fluid is not certain. In any case, the fluid is in supercritical condition so that there is only a gradual transition from dense liquid to a gaseous form. The two theories which require specific values of the conductivity of the condensed molecular hydrogen are those pertaining to the generation of a magnetic field in the liquid hydrogen rather than in the deep metallic interior (HIDE, 1967), and those concerned with the electromagnetic coupling and exchange of angular momentum between the liquid core and the solid molecular hydrogen mantle.

Smoluchowski, R.↗