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NASA NTRS1980

Theoretical studies of massive stars. II - Evolution of a 15 solar-mass star from carbon shell burning to iron core collapse

The evolution of a Population I star of 15 solar masses is described from the carbon shell burning stage to the formation and collapse of an iron core. An unusual aspect of the evolution is that neon ignition occurs off-center and neon burning propagates inward by a series of shell flashes. The extent of the core burning is generally smaller than the Chandrasekhar mass, so that most of the nuclear energy generation occurs in shell sources. Because of degeneracy and the influence of rapid convective mixing, these shell sources are unstable and the core goes through large excursions in temperature and density. The small core also causes the shell sources to converge into a narrow mass region slightly above the Chandrasekhar mass. Thus, the final nucleosynthesis yields are generally small, with silicon being most strongly enhanced with respect to solar system abundances.

Sparks, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The structure and evolution of X-ray clusters

Observations of the structure of the X-ray emission from 12 nearby rich clusters of galaxies are presented and interpreted in terms of dynamic cluster evolution. X-ray structures revealed by the Einstein Observatory imaging proportional counter in the range 0.25 to 3.0 keV were analyzed and used to classify the clusters based on their X-ray morphologies. Four categories are observed, consisting of spiral-rich clusters with low X-ray temperatures and velocity dispersions with broad and highly clumped emission, spiral-poor clusters with high X-ray temperatures and velocity dispersions with smoothly varying emission broadly or sharply peaked around a dominant galaxy, and clusters with emission typical of a cD galaxy in a poor cluster or group. The broad, highly clumped cluster emission is interpreted as a result of an early evolutionary stage, while the cD and centrally enhanced emissions represent successive later stages in X-ray galactic cluster evolution.

Jones, C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A post-Viking view of Martian geologic evolution

The geologic evolution of Mars is reviewed on the basis of data obtained by the Viking and previous missions. Current knowledge of the mean density and moment of inertia factor of Mars are surveyed and the constraints these data place on the structure and composition of the interior are discussed. Inferences drawn about Martian surface composition and mineralogy from lava modeling studies, in situ analyses, remote sensing observations, flow morphometry and investigations of weathering under Martian conditions are presented, and data on the topography, gravity field and structural features are considered in relation to the structure and deformational history of the crust. The temporal and spatial distribution of volcanic units are considered as a constraint on the thermal evolution of the planet, and other constraints on Martian thermal history, such as magnetic field data, are reviewed. Finally, the volatile inventory of Mars is discussed based on elemental and isotopic atmospheric abundance data and geological constraints on H2O and CO2 abundances.

Arvidson, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Evolution of solar magnetic fields - A new approach to MHD initial-boundary value problems by the method of nearcharacteristics

A method of analysis for the MHD initial-boundary problem is presented in which the model's formulation is based on the method of nearcharacteristics developed by Werner (1968) and modified by Shin and Kot (1978). With this method, the physical causality relationship can be traced from the perturbation to the response as in the method of characteristics, while achieving the advantage of a considerable reduction in mathematical procedures. The method offers the advantage of examining not only the evolution of nonforce free fields, but also the changes of physical conditions in the atmosphere accompanying the evolution of magnetic fields. The physical validity of the method is demonstrated with examples, and their significance in interpreting observations is discussed.

Nakagawa, Y.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The structure and evolution of X-ray clusters of galaxies

Einstein Observatory observations of the structures of nearby X-ray clusters of galaxies are discussed in relation to dynamic cluster evolution. Examples of Virgo-type clusters, in which cool and hot gas associated with cluster members are presented and variations in surface brightness profile and the location of the cluster center are used to classify the observed clusters. The types of clusters observed are interpreted in terms of dynamic cluster evolution, with Virgo-type clusters with broad, highly clumped emission and low velocity dispersion representing early evolutionary stages, clusters containing a cD galaxy formed as the cluster evolves, and clusters with dominant galaxies and Coma-type clusters representing an equilibrium stage. X-ray emission from poor clusters of galaxies is also considered, and similarities between the presumably collisionally formed cD galaxies in rich and poor clusters are noted. Finally, observations of distant clusters are discussed, and it is noted that their analysis will lead to a better determination of the evolutionary sequence.

Jones, C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Nonlinear evolution of the sheet pinch

An incompressible, dissipative numerical code of the spectral type is used to follow the nonlinear evolution of a magnetohydrodynamic sheet pinch in two spatial dimensions. The evolution involves considerable turbulent activity in the electric current field, with the excited spatial scales ranging from the size of the containing volume down to the dissipation lengths of the magnetic and velocity fields. Strong current filamentation near magnetic X-points is observed, as is 'jetting', or expulsion of magnetofluid from the vicinity of the X-point parallel to the current sheet.

Matthaeus, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Quasar number density evolution

A simple model of quasar number density evolution is presented based on the occurrence of quasar-like radio galaxies (i.e., strong optical emission lines and type 2 radio morphology) exclusively in regions of low galaxy and intergalactic medium (IGM) density. This suggests a limit for the IGM density of 10 to the -4th (+ or - 1) per cu cm below which quasars are allowed to form and above which they are not allowed. In the recent past (z not greater than 1), the inferred quasar environments are the outskirts of clusters and near the centers of groups of galaxies. However, models of rich cluster evolution consistent with current X-ray observations predict gas densities of less than 10 to the -4th per cu cm in cluster cores in the more distant past (z between 1 and 5). This suggests that quasars were allowed to form in the cores of rich clusters at those epochs, which explains both the rich absorption spectra of high-redshift quasars and the absence of clusters surrounding quasars at lower redshift.

Stocke, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Tectonic evolution of terrestrial planets

The tectonic style of each terrestrial planet, referring to the thickness and division of its lithosphere, can be inferred from surface features and compared to models of planetary thermal history. Factors governing planetary tectonic evolution are planet diameter, chemistry, and external and internal heat sources, all of which determine how a planet generates and rids itself of heat. The earth is distinguished by its distinct, mobile plates, which are recycled into the mantle and show large-scale lateral movements, whereas the moon, Mars, and Mercury are single spherical shells, showing no evidence of destruction and renewal of the lithospheric plates over the latter 80% of their history. Their smaller volume to surface area results in a more rapid cooling, formation, and thickening of the lithosphere. Vertical tectonics, due to lithospheric loading, is controlled by the local thickness and rheology of the lithosphere. Further studies of Venus, which displays both the craterlike surface features of the one-plate planets, and the rifts and plateaus of earth, may indicate which factors are most important in controlling the tectonic evolution of terrestrial planets.

Head, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Tidal evolution of the Galilean satellites - A linearized theory

The Laplace resonance among the Galilean satellites Io, Europa, and Ganymede is traditionally reduced to a pendulum-like dynamical problem by neglecting short-period variations of several orbital elements. However, some of these variations that can now be neglected may once have had longer periods, comparable to the 'pendulum' period, if the system was formerly in deep resonance (pairs of periods even closer to the ratio 2:1 than they are now). In that case, the dynamical system cannot be reduced to fewer than nine dimensions. The nine-dimensional system is linearized here in order to study small variations about equilibrium. When tidal effects are included, the resulting evolution is substantially the same as was indicated by the pendulum approach, except that evolution out of deep resonance is found to be somewhat slower than suggested by extrapolation of the pendulum results. This slower rate helps support the hypothesis that the system may have evolved from deep resonance.

Greenberg, R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Scale covariant gravitation. V - Kinetic theory. VI - Stellar structure and evolution

A scale covariant kinetic theory for particles and photons is developed. The mathematical framework of the theory is given by the tangent bundle of a Weyl manifold. The Liouville equation is derived, and solutions to corresponding equilibrium distributions are presented and shown to yield thermodynamic results identical to the ones obtained previously. The scale covariant theory is then used to derive results of interest to stellar structure and evolution. A radiative transfer equation is derived that can be used to study stellar evolution with a variable gravitational constant. In addition, it is shown that the sun's absolute luminosity scales as L approximately equal to GM/kappa, where kappa is the stellar opacity. Finally, a formula is derived for the age of globular clusters as a function of the gravitational constant using a previously derived expression for the absolute luminosity.

Hsieh, S.-H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

The stochastic evolution of asteroidal regoliths and the origin of brecciated and gas-rich meteorites

A model is constructed which views regolith evolution on asteroids as a stochastic process. Average values are shown to be poor descriptors of regolith depth. The utility of the average depth is not significantly increased by avoiding large craters or thick ejecta deposits, a procedure adopted in previous regolith studies. The statistical uncertainty associated with regolith depth severely limits the power of regolith models in predicting parent-body size for brecciated meteorites. A Monte Carlo algorithm was used to simulate the random walks and corresponding charged-particle irradiation histories of grains in regoliths. On rocky asteroids, only about 20 percent of the grains was exposed to solar cosmic ray ions. Results based on present-day conditions in the asteroid belt agree well with irradiation features observed in gas-rich meteorites. An origin during epochs of early solar system evolution is not required.

Housen, K. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Radial evolution of power spectra of interplanetary Alfvenic turbulence

The radial evolution of the power spectra of the MHD turbulence within the trailing edge of high speed streams in the solar wind was investigated with the magnetic field data of Helios 1 and 2 for heliocentric distance between 0.3 and 0.9 AU. In the analyzed frequency range (.00028 Hz to .0083 Hz) the computed spectra have, near the Earth, values of the spectral index close to that predicted for an incompressible hydromagnetic turbulence in a stationary state. Approaching the Sun the spectral slope remains unchanged for frequencies f or approximately .00 Hz, whereas at lower frequencies, a clear evolution toward a less steep fall off with frequency is found. The radial gradient of the power in Alfvenic fluctuations depends on frequency and it increases upon increasing frequency. For frequencies f or approximately .00 Hz, however, the radial gradient remains approximately the same. Possible theoretical implications of the observational features are discussed.

Bavassano, B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Spectral evolution of active galactic nuclei: A unified description of the X-ray and gamma

A model for spectral evolution is presented whereby active galactic nuclei (AGN) of the type observed individually emerge from an earlier stage at z approx = 4 in which they are the thermal X-ray sources responsible for most of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB). The conjecture is pursued that these precursor objects are initially supermassive Schwarzschild black holes with accretion disks radiating near the Eddington luminosity limit. It is noted that after approx. 10 to the 8th power years these central black holes are spun-up to a canonical Kerr equilibrium state (A/M = 0.998; Thorne 1974) and shown how they then can lead to spectral evolution involving non-thermal emission extending to gamma rays, at the expense of reduced thermal disk radiation. That major portion of the CXB remaining after the contribution of usual AGN are considered, while a superposition of AGN sources at z 1 can account for the gamma ray background. Extensive X-ray measurements carried out with the HEAO 1 and 2 missions as well as gamma ray and optical data are shown to compare favorably with principal features of this model.

Leiter, D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The evolution of highly compact binary stellar systems

A new theoretical treatment of the evolution of highly compact binary systems is presented. The evolution is calculated until almost the entire mass of the secondary has been transferred to the primary or lost from the system. It is assumed that gravitational radiation from the system is the cause of mass transfer. It is found that the structure of the mass-losing star can be approximated by an n = 3/2 polytrope, and as a result a relatively large number of different cases can be explored and some general conclusions drawn. An explanation is found for the existence of a cutoff in the orbital period distribution among the cataclysmic variables and light is shed upon the possible generic relationships among cataclysmic variables, the low-mass X-ray binaries, and the spectrally soft transient X-ray sources.

Rappaport, S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Evolution of the Tharsis province of Mars - The importance of heterogeneous lithospheric thickness and volcanic construction

A new model for the origin and evolution of the Tharsis province that emphasizes that the topography of Tharsis may be produced largely by construction, rather than uplift, is proposed. Underlying the model is the premise that the elastic lithosphere of Mars was laterally heterogeneous early in Martian history; such heterogeneity is discernible later in Martian history from the variable tectonic response of the lithosphere to local surface loads. It is contended that the mechanism for the evolution of Tharsis described here led to permanent topographic and gravity highs and a greatly thickened crust in the Tharsis region. An important advantage of the model is that no anomalous dynamical or chemical properties need be sustained in the Martian mantle beneath Tharsis for billions of years. The mantle beneath Tharsis is thus seen as playing a passive rather than an active role in the regional volcanic and tectonic activity, much like the role of the mantle beneath major midocean ridges on earth.

Solomon, S. C.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Craters and basins on Ganymede and Callisto - Morphological indicators of crustal evolution

The morphologic characteristics of craters and palimpsests on Ganymede and Callisto are surveyed, and the crustal properties of these satellites and the evolution of the properties are studied. The morphology of bowl-shaped craters, smooth-floored craters, craters without central peaks, craters with central pits, chain craters on Callisto, the Gilgamesh and Western Equatorial Basins on Ganymede, crater palimpsests and penepalimpsests, multiring structures on Callisto, and the Galileo Regio rimmed furrow system on Ganymede are described individually. The crustal evolution is addressed by examining the development of the Galileo Regio system, the distribution of crater retention ages, the record of ray clusters, the thermal history of the lithosphere of Ganymede, and the origin of the central pits. It is suggested that as the lithosphere of each satellite cooled and thickened, crater retentivity spread as a wave from the polar regions and the antapex toward the apex; at any given location, progressively larger craters were retained with the passage of time.

Passey, Q. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Origin and evolution of the Jupiter satellite system

The current understanding of the history of the Jovian satellites is assessed, paying particular attention to the conditions in the early Jovian nebula that may have led to the formation of the regular satellites and the capture of the irregular satellites, and to the thermal and chemical development of the interiors of the planet-sized Galilean satellites. Relevant observational constraints are reviewed, dealing separately with groundbased and spacecraft data obtained prior to Voyager and then with the Voyager results. Theories of the origin of the Jovian system are discussed and used to investigate the origin of the satellite system. The subsequent evolution of the larger satellites is then considered. Finally, the present understanding of the origin and evolution of the Jovian satellites is summarized, and ways are considered in which future investigations can help to resolve areas of uncertainty.

Pollack, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The possible role of soluble salts in chemical evolution

A model for a prebiotic environment in which concentration, condensation, and chemical evolution of biomolecules could have occurred is proposed. The principal reactions expected of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and some of their precursors in this environment are discussed. The model is based on the concept of a fluctuating system in which hydration and dehydration processes occur in a cyclic manner, with allowance for high concentrations of soluble salts, such as chlorides and sulfates. It is concluded that the proposed prebiotic environment with its dynamical characteristics is a plausible model for the chemical evolution from biomonomers through random oligomers toward self-replicating chemical systems.

Lahav, N.↗