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At least 73 records · Page 4

X-ray emission from a complete sample of Abell clusters of galaxies

The Rosat all sky survey is used to investigate the X-ray properties of a sample of Abell clusters with measured redshifts and accurate positions. The sample comprises the 145 clusters within a 561 square degree region at high galactic latitude. The mean redshift is 0.17. The sample mean exposure time is higher than average and its mean galactic column density is very low. These together produce a flux limit of about 4.2 x 10(exp -13) erg/sq cm/s in the 0.5 to 2.5 keV energy band. By analyzing the excess of positive fluctuations of the X-ray flux at the cluster positions, compared with the fluctuations of randomly drawn background fields, it is possible to extend these results below the nominal flux limit. It is found that 80 of richness R equal to or greater than 0 and 86 of R equal to or greater than 1 clusters are X-ray emitters with fluxes above 1.10 to the power of minus 13 erg/sq cm/s. Nearly 90 of the clusters meeting the requirements to be in Abell's statistical sample emit above the same level. It is concluded that almost all Abell clusters are real clusters and the Abell catalogue is not strongly contaminated by projection effects. The Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator is used to calculate the cumulative X-ray luminosity function. It is shown that the shape of the luminosity functions are similar for different richness classes, but the characteristic luminosities of richness 2 clusters are about twice of those of richness 1 clusters which are in turn about twice of those of richness zero clusters. This result is another manifestation of the luminosity richness relation for Abell cluster.

Briel, Ulrich G.↗

X-ray emission from a complete sample of Abell clusters of galaxies

The ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) is used to investigate the X-ray properties of a complete sample of Abell clusters with measured redshifts and accurate positions. The sample comprises the 145 clusters within a 561 square degree region at high galactic latitude. The mean redshift is 0.17. This sample is especially well suited to be studied within the RASS since the mean exposure time is higher than average and the mean galactic column density is very low. These together produce a flux limit of about 4.2 x 10(exp -13) erg/sq cm/s in the 0.5 to 2.5 keV energy band. Sixty-six (46%) individual clusters are detected at a significance level higher than 99.7% of which 7 could be chance coincidences of background or foreground sources. At redshifts greater than 0.3 six clusters out of seven (86%) are detected at the same significance level. The detected objects show a clear X-ray luminosity -- galaxy count relation with a dispersion consistent with other external estimates of the error in the counts. By analyzing the excess of positive fluctuations of the X-ray flux at the cluster positions, compared with the fluctuations of randomly drawn background fields, it is possible to extend these results below the nominal flux limit. We find 80% of richness R greater than or = 0 and 86% of R greater than or = 1 clusters are X-ray emitters with fluxes above 1 x 10(exp -13) erg/sq cm/s. Nearly 90% of the clusters meeting the requirements to be in Abell's statistical sample emit above the same level. We therefore conclude that almost all Abell clusters are real clusters and the Abell catalog is not strongly contaminated by projection effects. We use the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator to calculate the cumulative X-ray luminosity function. We show that the shape of the luminosity functions are similiar for different richness classes, but the characteristic luminosities of richness 2 clusters are about twice those of richness 1 clusters which are in turn about twice those of richness 0 clusters. This result is another manifestation of the luminosity -- richness elation for Abell clusters.

Briel, Ulrich G.↗

Refinement of Objective Motion Cueing Criteria Investigation Based on Three Flight Tasks

The objective of this paper is to refine objective motion cueing criteria for commercial transport simulators based on pilots' performance in three flying tasks. Actuator hardware and software algorithms determine motion cues. Today, during a simulator qualification, engineers objectively evaluate only the hardware. Pilot inspectors subjectively assess the overall motion cueing system (i.e., hardware plus software); however, it is acknowledged that pinpointing any deficiencies that might arise to either hardware or software is challenging. ICAO 9625 has an Objective Motion Cueing Test (OMCT), which is now a required test in the FAA's part 60 regulations for new devices, evaluating the software and hardware together; however, it lacks accompanying fidelity criteria. Hosman has documented OMCT results for a statistical sample of eight simulators which is useful, but having validated criteria would be an improvement. In a previous experiment, we developed initial objective motion cueing criteria that this paper is trying to refine. Sinacori suggested simple criteria which are in reasonable agreement with much of the literature. These criteria often necessitate motion displacements greater than most training simulators can provide. While some of the previous work has used transport aircraft in their studies, the majority used fighter aircraft or helicopters. Those that used transport aircraft considered degraded flight characteristics. As a result, earlier criteria lean more towards being sufficient, rather than necessary, criteria for typical transport aircraft training applications. Considering the prevalence of 60-inch, six-legged hexapod training simulators, a relevant question is "what are the necessary criteria that can be used with the ICAO 9625 diagnostic?" This study adds to the literature as follows. First, it examines well-behaved transport aircraft characteristics, but in three challenging tasks. The tasks are equivalent to the ones used in our previous experiment, allowing us to directly compare the results and add to the previous data. Second, it uses the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), the world's largest vertical displacement simulator. This allows inclusion of relatively large motion conditions, much larger than a typical training simulator can provide. Six new motion configurations were used that explore the motion responses between the initial objective motion cueing boundaries found in a previous experiment and what current hexapod simulators typically provide. Finally, a sufficiently large pilot pool added statistical reliability to the results.

motion simulation↗

Apollo experience report: Flight instrumentation calibration

Three types of instrumentation-calibration data were used in the Apollo Program to provide the correct engineering data for tests and mission support. The command and service module instrumentation-component procurement specifications required individual-component calibration, and calibration data for these individual components (conventional-calibration data) were always used for mission data support. A mean standard type of calibration data derived from a statistical sampling of conventional-calibration data was used for test and checkout during the latter part of the Apollo Program. The lunar module instrumentation procurement specification permitted the use of standard-calibration data. These data were applicable to similarly instrumented measurements. The definition, merit, and application of each type of data are discussed.

Demoss, J. F.↗

Geodetic and dynamical properties of planets

Data concerning planetary dynamics and geodesy are severely limited because, at present, only one planetary system in the universe can be studied. It is, therefore, impossible to base the study of planets on a significant statistical sample. The gravity fields of the planets are discussed, giving attention to the various space missions involved in the collection of the relevant data. Other subjects considered include planetary shape and topography, planetary rotations, and planetary interiors. The basic problem in finding an acceptable model for the planetary interior is to specify the chemical composition with depth and then to find a physically realistic equation for the material.

Anderson, J. D.↗

On the problem of radar effectiveness of discriminating thunderstorms and clouds

Data are presented on the effectiveness of detecting clouds (within a radius of 40 km) and thunderstorms (within a radius of 300 km) with the aid of instrumental (WR) and visual (weather station net) observations in the operational service of aviation. Data obtained on a large statistical sample confirm the very great effectiveness of the radar method of observations for thunderstorms and clouds with precipitation. The origin of certain probabilities for detecting stratiform clouds without precipitation which are small compared with the data of other authors is explained.

Allenov, P. A.↗

Asteroids - Spectral reflectance and color characteristics

We present visible and near-infrared spectral reflectance curves for 35 asteroids, making a total sample of 67 including our previous work. Several previously unknown spectral types have been discovered. Absorption bands and other features, from which information about the surface composition of the asteroids can be derived, continue to appear. Sampling statistics suggest we have observed about half of the significantly different mineralogical assemblages present in the asteroid belt. There is a general, but imperfect, correlation between spectral type and semimajor axis, which is consistent with the hypothesis that meteorites are derived from the asteroid belt. The color-frequency histogram for the 67 objects is bimodal, probably associated with 'stony' objects and 'carbonaceous' objects. Hirayama family pairs usually show disparate spectral types. 19 Fortuna may show strikingly different photometric properties on opposite sides.

Mccord, T. B.↗

Geodetic and dynamical properties of planets

The study of planetary dynamics and geodesy is a difficult subject. This is so, not simply because of the complexity of the interactions between several scientific disciplines, including geophysics, geology, geochemistry, seismology, celestial mechanics, radar astronomy, and meteoritics, but perhaps more fundamentally, because of a lack of data. Although it is true that the space age has brought about important new observational techniques, which are responsible in large part for the rapid developments in planetary science over the past decade, and although we should expect to see significant progress in the field over the next few years, it is still a sad fact that data will be severely limited for an indefinite period of time in the future. The basic problem is that we can observe and study, at present, only one planetary system in the universe. This system, our solar system, contains only four major planets, five terrestrial planets, where we are inclined to include the moon but exclude Pluto, and a fairly limited collection of debris, presumably left over from some inadequately understood formation process. Thus it is impossible to base the study of planets on a significant statistical sample.

J. D.. Anderson↗

An evaluation of grease ball bearing lubricants in vacuum

Because many future spacecraft will require mechanisms to operate for long periods of time in environments which are inimical to most bearing lubricants, a series of tests has been started to evaluate 25 grease type lubricants in R-4 size bearings in vacuum at ambient temperature for a 1 year period. Four repetitions of each test are made to provide statistical samples. These tests will be used to select from two to five lubricants for 5 year tests in the same environment. At the present time fifteen test sets have been completed and five sets are being tested. The best results to date have been obtained with perfluoropolyether greases.

Demorest, K. E.↗

An evaluation of grease type ball bearing lubricants operating in various environments /Status report no. 2/

Because many future spacecraft or space stations will require mechanisms to operate for long periods of time in environments which are inimical to most bearing lubricants, a series of tests has been started to evaluate 25 grease type lubricants in R-4 size bearings in five different environments for a 1 year period. Four repetitions of each test are made to provide statistical samples. These tests will be used to select from two to five lubricants for 5 year tests in the same environments. At the present time, approximately 30 test sets have been completed and 25 sets are underway. To date, best results in all environments have been obtained with a high viscosity index perfluoropolyether grease.

Demorest, K. E.↗

Statistical model for asperity-contact time fraction in elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Relations for the asperity contact time fraction during elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication of a typical ball bearing are presented. The analysis is based on a two-dimensional random surface model, and actual profile traces of the bearing surfaces were used as statistical sample records. The results of the analysis show that transition from 90 percent contact to 1 percent contact occurs within a dimensionless film thickness range of approximately 4 to 5. This thickness ratio is several times larger than reported in the literature where one-dimensional random surface models were used.

Sidik, S. M.↗

Data analysis of the LPSP experiment on OSO-8

The first and statistically most reliable step in the data analysis - the computation of the vertical phase lag between photospheric and chromospheric oscillations - was completed. Unfortunately, the error associated with this calculated phase lag is so great that the result has no physical significance. Since the subsequent data analysis that was originally planned would have much larger associated errors, it was concluded that the data available is insufficient to allow any meaningful results to be derived. Accordingly, the project was terminated. The reasons for the failure of the data are discussed. There are two basic reasons for this failure; (1) the very low signal to noise ratio of the raw data, and (1) the small statistical sample that resulted from the very small number of usable orbits. The final phase of data analysis is described. Finally, some comments and recommendations of a general nature are made concerning this entire contract effort. It is hoped that at least some lessons can be learned from this particular Guest Investigator project, so that future Guest Investigator programs can be pursued more effectively, and with less risk.

Frazier, E. N.↗

LACIE (Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment) Programme

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment was a three year experiment conducted jointly by the United States Department of Agriculture, NASA, and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to determine if global wheat production can be forecast from LANDSAT data to within 90% of actual yield for each observed 9 years out of 10. Data for the third crop year (1976-1977) was compiled. The proportional area of cultivated land devoted to wheat was estimated based on a statistical sampling of LANDSAT data. Yield is presently estimated by NOAA using regression models developed from historical weather and yield information. Results are discussed.

Whitman, R. I.↗

A measurement of the isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray carbon, nitrogen and oxygen

The paper reports the results of an investigation of the isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray carbon, nitrogen and oxygen (80-230 MeV/amu) made using the U.C. Berkeley HKH instrument aboard the ISEE-3 spacecraft. The combination of high mass resolution and a large statistical sample makes possible a precise determination of the relative isotopic abundances for these elements. In local interplanetary space the following values are found: C-13/C = 0.067 + or - 0.008, N-15/N = 0.54 + or - 0.03, O-17/O less than 0.027, and O-18/O - 0.019 + or - 0.003.

Wiedenbeck, M. E.↗

Abundances of argon, sulfur, and neon in six galactic H II regions from infrared forbidden lines

Airborne measurements of the Ar II (6.99 micron) and S III (18.71 micron) forbidden lines for six compact H II regions are presented, as well as ground-based 2-4 micron and 8-13 micron spectroscopy if not already published. From these data and radio data, lower limits to the elemental abundances of Ar, Ne, and S are deduced. G29.9-0.0, at 5 kpc from the galactic center, is overabundant in all these elements. The other five regions (at distances 6-13 kpc from the center) mainly appear to be consistent with standard abundances, with the exception of G75.84 + 0.4 at 10 kpc from the galactic center, which is overabundant in S. However, preliminary results on G12.8-0.2 at 6 kpc from the galactic center suggest a possible underabundance. A large statistical sample of H II regions is required in order to determine if there is a radial gradient in the heavy element abundances of the Galaxy.

Herter, T.↗

CROP type analysis using Landsat digital data

Classification and statistical sampling techniques for crop type discrimination using Landsat digital data have been developed by the University of California in cooperation with NASA and the California Department of Water Resources. Ratioed bands (MSS 7/5 and 5/4) and a sun-angle corrected Euclidean albedo band were prepared from data for the Sacramento Valley for five different dates. The test area was stratified into general crop groupings based on the particular patterns of irrigation timing for each crop. Data classified within each stratum were used to produce a crop type map. Comparison with ground data indicates that certain crops and crop groups are discernable. Small grains and rice are easily identifiable, as are deciduous fruit varieties as a group. However, it is not feasible to separate various fruit and nut varieties, or separate vegetable crops with these techniques at present.

Brown, C. E.↗

Lagged average forecasting, an alternative to Monte Carlo forecasting

A 'lagged average forecast' (LAF) model is developed for stochastic dynamic weather forecasting and used for predictions in comparison with the results of a Monte Carlo forecast (MCF). The technique involves the calculation of sample statistics from an ensemble of forecasts, with each ensemble member being an ordinary dynamical forecast (ODF). Initial conditions at a time lagging the start of the forecast period are used, with varying amounts of time for the lags. Forcing by asymmetric Newtonian heating of the lower layer is used in a two-layer, f-plane, highly truncated spectral model in a test forecasting run. Both the LAF and MCF are found to be more accurate than the ODF due to ensemble averaging with the MCF and the LAF. When a regression filter is introduced, all models become more accurate, with the LAF model giving the best results. The possibility of generating monthly or seasonal forecasts with the LAF is discussed.

Hoffman, R. N.↗

Non-nulling seven-hole probes for high angle flow measurement

This paper illustrates a method for calibrating seven-hole probes to measure local total and static pressures and relative flow angles of up to 70 degrees in subsonic compressible flows. The method of Latin Squares was used to statistically sample a large and otherwise unmanageable data set, thereby reducing to a minimum the number of data points required to construct a polynomial curve fit to the data. Calibration produces three-variable third order polynomials which permit all of the desired flow properties to be found explicitly from probe measured pressures. This method determines the flow angles to within 2 degrees and Mach number to within 0.04 with 95 percent certainty.

Gerner, A. A.↗