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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Formation of mesosiderites by low-velocity impacts as a natural consequence of planet formation

It is argued here that, during the period of planet formation, mesosiderites originated by the low-velocity collisions of large metallic core fragments with the surface of a differentiated asteroid-size body. Relative velocities of the asteroids native to this region were low because it was distant from massive protoplanets. However, a few differentiated asteroids were destroyed by high-velocity collisions with interlopers perturbed by protoplanets into high eccentric orbits. These collisions reduced mantles and crusts to small silicate fragments, but left cores in the form of large, durable metal fragments. Mesosiderite-like pyroxenite-basalt-metal mixtures were formed when large core fragments accreted at low velocities to the regolith of an intact asteroid. Most of the olivine in mesosiderite and howardite breccias are attributed here to the mantles of the disrupted parent bodies. The low olivine contents indicate that the amount of debris accreted from disrupted asteroids was small relative to the volumes of the regoliths.

Wasson, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Planetary environments and the conditions of life

Geophysical models of the first 600 Ma ofthe earth's history following accretion and core formation point to a period of great environmental disequilibrium. In such an environment, the passage of energy from the earth's interior and from the sun through gas-liquid-solid domains and their boundaries with each other generated a dynamically interacting, complex hierarchy of self-organized structures ranging from bubbles at the sea-air interface to tectonic plates. The ability of a planet to produce such a hierarchy is speculated to be a prerequisite to the origin and sustenance of life. The application of this criterion to Mars argues against the origin of Martian life.

Chang, S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

On a thermonuclear origin for the 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul

The puzzling 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul is discussed in terms of a sequence of quasi-static evolutionary models of a hot, 0.5 solar mass white dwarf accreting H-rich matter at a rate 1 x 10 exp -8 solar mass/yr. On the basis of the morphological behavior of the models, it is suggested that the deep light minimum of PU Vul could have been the result of two successive, closely spaced, hydrogen shell flashes on an accreting white dwarf whose core thermal structure and accreted H-rich envelope was not in a long-term thermal 'cycle-averaged' steady state with the rate of accretion.

Sion, Edward M.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Isotopic And Geochemical Investigations Of Meteorites

The primary goals of our research over the past four years are to constrain the timing of certain early planetary accretion/differentiation events, and to constrain the proportions and provenance of materials involved in these processes. This work was achieved via the analysis and interpretation of long- and short-lived isotope systems, and the study of certain trace elements. Our research targeted these goals primarily via the application of the Re-187, Os-187, Pt-190 Os-186 Tc-98 Ru-99 and Tc-99 Ru-99 isotopic systems, and the determination/modeling of abundances of the highly siderophile elements (HSE; including Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pd, Pt, and maybe Tc). The specific events we examined include the segregation and crystallization histories of asteroidal cores, the accretion and metamorphic histories of chondrites and chondrite components, and the accretionary and differentiation histories of Mars and the Moon.

Walker, Richard J.↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Ancient Martian Climate System

Today Mars is a cold, dry, desert planet. The atmosphere is thin and liquid water is not stable. But there is evidence that very early in its history it was warmer and wetter. Since Mariner 9 first detected fluvial features on its ancient terrains researchers have been trying to understand what climatic conditions could have permitted liquid water to flow on the surface. Though the evidence is compelling, the problem is not yet solved. The main issue is coping with the faint young sun. During the period when warmer conditions prevailed 3.5-3.8 Gy the sun's luminosity was approximately 25% less than it is today. How can we explain the presence of liquid water on the surface of Mars under such conditions? A similar problem exists for Earth, which would have frozen over under a faint sun even though the evidence suggests otherwise. Attempts to solve the "Faint Young Sun Paradox" rely on greenhouse warming from an atmosphere with a different mass and composition than we see today. This is true for both Mars and Earth. However, it is not a straightforward solution. Any greenhouse theory must (a) produce the warming and rainfall needed, (b) have a plausible source for the gases required, (c) be sustainable, and (d) explain how the atmosphere evolved to its present state. These are challenging requirements and judging from the literature they have yet to be met. In this talk I will review the large and growing body of work on the early Mars climate system. I will take a holistic approach that involves many disciplines since our goal is to present an integrated view that touches on each of the requirements listed in the preceding paragraph. I will begin with the observational evidence, which comes from the geology, mineralogy, and isotopic data. Each of the data sets presents a consistent picture of a warmer and wetter past with a thicker atmosphere. How much warmer and wetter and how much thicker is a matter of debate, but conditions then were certainly different than what they are today. I will then discuss the origin and evolution of the early atmosphere from accretion and core formation to the end of the late heavy bombardment, including estimates of the volatile inventory, outgassing history, and potential escape mechanisms. This sets the stage for a comprehensive look at the climate system of early Mars and the attempts to solve the faint young sun problem. I will review the basic physics involved and then step through the different ideas highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. I will then conclude with a summary and a discussion of potentially promising avenues of future research

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2013

Vertical Settling and Radial Segregation of Large Dust Grains in the Circumstellar Disk of the Butterfly Star

Circumstellar disks are considered as the environment for the formation of planets. The growth of dust grains in these disks is the first step in the core accretion-gas capture planet formation scenario. Indicators as well as evidence of disk evolution can be traced in spatially resolved images and the spectral energy distribution (SED) of these objects. Aims. We aim at developing a model for the dust phase of the edge-on orientated circumstellar disk of the Butterfly Star which allows one to fit observed multi-wavelength images as well as the SED simultaneously. Our model is based on spatially resolved high angular resolution observations at 1.3 mm, 894 μm, 2.07 μm, 1.87 μm, 1.60 μm and 1.13 μm as well as an extensively covered SED ranging from 12 μm to 2.7 mm, including a detailed spectrum obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope in the range from 12 μm to 38 μm. A parameter study based on a grid search method, involving the detailed analysis of every parameter, was performed to constrain the disk parameters and find the best-fit model for the independent observations. The individual observations were modeled simultaneously, using our continuum radiative transfer code MC3D. We derived a model that is capable of reproducing all of the observations of the disk at the same time. We find quantitative evidence for grain growth up to ~100 μm sized particles, vertical settling of larger dust grains toward the disk midplane, and radial segregation of the latter toward the central star. Our results are consistent with current theoretical models for the evolution of circumstellar disks and the early stages of planet formation.

Radiative transfer↗
NASA NTRS2018

New Formation Models for the Kepler-36 System

Formation of the planets in the Kepler-36 system is modeled by detailed numerical simulations according to the core-nucleated accretion scenario. The standard model is updated to include the dissolution of accreting rocky planetesimals in the gaseous envelope of the planet, leading to substantial enrichment of the envelope mass in heavy elements and a non-uniform composition with depth. For Kepler-36 c, models involving in situ formation and models involving orbital migration are considered. The results are compared with standard formation models. The calculations include the formation (accretion) phase, as well as the subsequent cooling phase, up to the age of Kepler-36 (7 Gyr). During the latter phase, mass loss induced by stellar XUV radiation is included. In all cases, the results fit the measured mass, 7.84 M, and radius, 3.68 R, of Kepler-36 c. Two parameters are varied to obtain these fits: the disk solid surface density at the formation location, and the "efficiency" factor in the XUV mass loss rate. The updated models are hotter and therefore less dense in the silicate portion of the planet and in the overlying layers of H/He, as compared with standard models. The lower densities mean that only about half as much H/He is needed to be accreted to fit the present-day mass and radius constraints. For Kepler-36 b, an updated in situ calculation shows that the entire H/He envelope is lost, early in the cooling phase, in agreement with observation.

planets and satellites:formation↗
NASA NTRS1973

Trapped solar and cosmogenic noble gas abundances in Apollo 15 and 16 deep drill samples

Abundances and isotopic compositions of all the stable noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) were measured at different depths of the Apollo 15 and Apollo 16 deep drill cores, and in several surface fines and breccias. All samples analyzed from both drill cores were found to contain large concentrations of solar wind implanted gases. This means that even the deepest layers of both cores have experienced a lunar surface history. The Apollo 15 core data are consistent with a combined accretion plus static time of a few hundred million years, and also indicate variable pre-accretion irradiation of core material. Depth profiles of cosmogenic gases in the Apollo 16 core show considerably larger concentrations of cosmic gases below 65 cm depth than above. This pattern may be interpreted either as an accretionary process, or by a more recent deposition of regolith to the upper 70 cm of the core.

Bogard, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the observed properties and long-term structure and evolution of white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables

An attempt is made to explain the observed surface temperatures and luminosities of cataclysmic variable white dwarfs based on the cooling physics and time-averaged structure of the white dwarf in response to accretion. The evolutionary changes in core temperature and core luminosity as an accreting white dwarf evolves quasi-statically are compared with the cooling evolution of a nonaccreting, one solar mass, pure C-12 core. Then, the evolutionary behavior of the white dwarf envelope in mass and temperature, in response to long-term accretion, is used to predict temperatures and luminosities of white dwarfs during quiescent intervals between nova outbursts. It is shown that the observed luminosities and effective temperatures of the bare white dwarfs detected in some cataclysmic variables are the expected intrinsic values associated with classical nova thermonuclear outburst cycles. Two alternate interpretations of their observed surface temperatures and luminosities are assessed.

Sion, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows

Numerical hydrodynamic simulations are used to determine the evolution of the condensation modes for thermal instabilities in 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 8th K gas. These simulations properly take into account the effects of nonequilibrium cooling below 10 to the 6th K. It is found that only perturbations greater than about 3 kpc develop shocks in the hot environment of cooling flows. These large perturbations evolve through three distinct phases: (1) the formation of a cold core, (2) a supersonic accretion phase onto the cold core which lasts for 10 to the 5th to 10 to the 6th yr with peak shock velocities about 120 km/s, and (3) a subsonic accretion phase. The X-ray emissivity and the optical-ultraviolet line emission associated with thermal instabilities are calculated. These calculations demonstrate that the optical emission from cooling flows probably does not arise from shocked condensations. The calculated optical emission lines are of a higher ionization level and a lower luminosity than the observations. Ultraviolet lines produced in the shocks may be detectable. The core must cool significantly after the shock has dissipated before star formation can commence.

David, Laurence P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Exploratory models of the earth's thermal regime during segregation of the core

Some simple exploratory theoretical models of the thermal effects of core segregation have been investigated, assuming an initially homogeneous earth and including convective heat transport through a 'parameterized convection' approximation. The results indicate that either (1) mantle temperatures 30% or more above present values may have resulted from the gravitational energy released during core segregation, (2) the earth retained very little of its accretional energy, (3) core segregation lasted for one billion years or more, or (4) the earth accreted heterogeneously. Option 3 seems to be precluded by terrestrial lead isotope data, and the alternatives each raise substantial questions concerning the mechanics, chemistry, and petrology of the earth's early history. There is no recognized evidence for the early hot phase of option 1, and option 4 implies, among other things, an analogous early hot phase. Although it has not been favored, option 2 may be viable.

Davies, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Is the kinematically distinct core in NGC 5982 necessarily the remnant of an accreted companion?

NGC 5982 is an elliptical galaxy with a 'kinematically distinct core' whose projected rotation axis is about 90 deg away from that of the galaxy's outer parts. Distinct cores in other ellipticals have been attributed to dynamically distinct subsystems that are the remnants of accreted companions. Here, a model for NGC 5982 is presented in which the kinematic twist in the core results simply from the projection of the major families of circulating orbits in a triaxial potential. Orbits in the model are populated smoothly, and the core is not a dynamical subsystem. The model predicts a complicated overall velocity field for the galaxy, with particularly low velocity amplitudes (15 km/s or less) along a direction 150 deg counterclockwise from the major axis, a direction not yet observed spectroscopically.

Statler, Thomas S.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Highly Sideophile Element Abundance Constraints on the Nature of the Late Accretionary Histories of Earth, Moon and Mars

The highly siderophile elements (HSE) include Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd. These elements are initially nearly-quantitatively stripped from planetary silicate mantles during core segregation. They then may be re-enriched in mantles via continued accretion sans continued core segregation. This suite of elements and its included long-lived radiogenic isotopes systems (Re-187 (right arrow) Os-187; Pt-190 (right arrow) Os-186) can potentially be used to fingerprint the characteristics of late accreted materials. The fingerprints may ultimately be useful to constrain the prior nebular history of the dominant late accreted materials, and to compare the proportion and genesis of late accretionary materials added to the inner planets. The past ten years have seen considerable accumulation of isotopic and compositional data for HSE present in the Earth's mantle, lunar mantle and impact melt breccias, and Martian meteorites. Here we review some of these data and consider the broader implications of the compiled data.

Walker, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Collapsar Black Holes Are Likely Born Slowly Spinning

Collapsing stars constitute the main black hole (BH) formation channel, and are occasionally associated with the launch of relativistic jets that power γ-ray bursts (GRBs). Thus, collapsars offer an opportunity to infer the natal (before spin-up/down by accretion) BH spin directly from observations. We show that once the BH saturates with a large-scale magnetic flux, the jet power is dictated by the BH spin and mass accretion rate. Core-collapse simulations by Halevi et al. and GRB observations favor stellar density profiles that yield an accretion rate of $\dot m\approx 10^{-2} M_{\odot}s^{-1}$, weakly dependent on time. This leaves the spin as the main factor that governs the jet power. By comparing the jet power to characteristic GRB luminosities, we find that the majority of BHs associated with jets are likely born slowly spinning with a dimensionless spin of a ≃ 0.2, or a ≃ 0.5 for wobbling jets, with the main uncertainty originating in the unknown γ-ray radiative efficiency. This result could be applied to the entire core-collapse BH population, unless an anticorrelation between the stellar magnetic field and angular momentum is present. In a companion paper, Jacquemin-Ide et al., we show that regardless of the natal spin, the extraction of BH rotational energy leads to spin-down to a ≲ 0.2, consistent with gravitational-wave observations. We verify our results by performing the first 3D general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of collapsar jets with characteristic GRB energies, powered by slowly spinning BHs. We find that jets of typical GRB power struggle to escape from the star, providing the first numerical indication that many jets fail to generate a GRB.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1992

Core formation by giant impacts

The present model for the timing and mechanisms of planetary core formation argues that once a planet reaches a certain minimum mass, the large impacts that are typical of late accretion can trigger core formation. This model circumvents the difficulties posed by the large-scale segregation of molten iron into diapirs, and the displacement of the cold, elastic interior of the planet by the iron. The analytical melting model used is based on the Hugoniot equations, the empirical relationship for the decline of particle velocity with distance, and the linear shock-particle velocity relationship.

Tonks, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Formation of the giant planets

The observed properties of giant planets, models of their evolution and observations of protoplanetary disks provide constraints on the formation of gas giant planets. The four largest planets in our Solar System contain considerable quantities of hydrogen and helium, which could not have condensed into solid planetesimals within the protoplanetary disk. All three (transiting) extrasolar giant planets with well determined masses and radii also must contain substantial amounts of these light gases. Jupiter and Saturn are mostly hydrogen and helium, but have larger abundances of heavier elements than does the Sun. Neptune and Uranus are primarily composed of heavier elements. HD 149026 b, which is slightly more massive than is Saturn, appears to have comparable quantities of light gases and heavy elements. HD 209458 b and TrES-1 are primarily hydrogen and helium, but may contain supersolar abundances of heavy elements. Spacecraft flybys and observations of satellite orbits provide estimates of the gravitational moments of the giant planets in our Solar System, which in turn provide information on the internal distribution of matter within Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Atmospheric thermal structure and heat flow measurements constrain the interior temperatures of planets. Internal processes may cause giant planets to become more compositionally differentiated or alternatively more homogeneous; high-pressure laboratory .experiments provide data useful for modeling these processes. The preponderance of evidence supports the core nucleated gas accretion model. According to this model, giant planets begin their growth by the accumulation of small solid bodies, as do terrestrial planets. However, unlike terrestrial planets, the growing giant planet cores become massive enough that they are able to accumulate substantial amounts of gas before the protoplanetary disk dissipates. The primary questions regarding the core nucleated growth model is under what conditions planets with small cores/total heavy element abundances can accrete gaseous envelopes within the lifetimes of gaseous protoplanetary disks.

Lissauer, Jack J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

High Pressure and Temperature Core Formation as an Alternative to the "Late Veneer" Hypothesis

The highly siderophile elements (HSE; Re, Au and the Platinum Group Elements - Pd Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os) are commonly utilized to constrain accretion processes in terrestrial differentiated bodies due to their affinity for FeNi metal [1]. These eight elements exhibit highly siderophile behavior, but nonetheless have highly diverse metal-silicate partition coefficients [2]. Therefore the near chondritic relative concentrations of HSEs in the terrestrial and lunar mantles, as well as some other bodies, are attributed to late accretion rather than core formation [1]. Evaluation of competing theories, such as high pressure metal-silicate partitioning or magma ocean hypotheses has been hindered by a lack of relevant partitioning data for this group of eight elements. In particular, systematic studies isolating the effect of one variable (e.g. temperature or melt compositions) are lacking. Here we undertake new experiments on all eight elements, using Fe metal and FeO-bearing silicate melts at fixed pressure, but variable temperatures. These experiments, as well as some additional planned experiments should allow partition coefficients to be more accurately calculated or estimated at the PT conditions and compositions at which core formation is thought to have occurred.

Righter, Kevin↗
NASA NTRS1980

Observation of the core of the Perseus cluster with the Einstein solid state spectrometer: Cooling gas and elemental abundances

Solid State Spectrometer observations of the core of the Perseus cluster have resulted in the detection of X-ray emission lines due to Si, S, and Fe. Analysis of the spectrum indicates that the X-ray emission has at least two characteristic temperatures. This is interpreted in the framework of radiative accretion in the core of the cluster. The derived parameters are a cooling time tc less than 2 x 109 yrs for the low temperature gas, a mass accretion rate of approximately 300 Mo/yr and a characteristic size of 10 to 20 Kpc for the cool gas. The Fe abundance in the core, approximately 0.4, is similar to the Fe abundance averaged over the whole cluster indicating that Fe emission is not strongly concentrated about NGC 1275. The Si and S abundances are consistent with solar values.

Mushotzky, R. F.↗