Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “EXPLOSIVE FORMING”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

From the Big Bang to the Nobel Prize and on to the James Webb Space Telescope

The history of the universe in a nutshell, from the Big Bang to now. and on to the future - John Mather will tell the story of how we got here, how the Universe began with a Big Bang, how it could have produced an Earth where sentient beings can live, and how those beings are discovering their history. Mather was Project Scientist for NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite, which measured the spectrum (the color) of the heat radiation from the Big Bang, discovered hot and cold spots in that radiation, and hunted for the first objects that formed after the great explosion. He will explain Einstein's biggest mistake, show how Edwin Hubble discovered the expansion of the univerre, how the COBE mission was built, and how the COBE data support the Big Bang theory. He will also show NASA's plans for the next great telescope in space, the Jarnes Webb Space Telescope. It will look even farther back in time than the Hubble Space Telescope, and will look inside the dusty cocoons where rtars and planets are being born today. Planned for launch in 2013, it may lead to another Nobel Prize for some lucky observer.

Mather, John C.↗

From the Big Bang to the Nobel Prize and on to James Webb Space Telescope

The history of the universe in a nutshell, from the Big Bang to now, and on to the future - John Mather will tell the story of how we got here, how the Universe began with a Big Bang, how it could have produced an Earth where sentient beings can live, and how those beings are discovering their history. Mather was Project Scientist for NASA s Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite, which measured the spectrum (the color) of the heat radiation from the Big Bang, discovered hot and cold spots in that radiation, and hunted for the first objects that formed after the great explosion. He will explain Einstein s biggest mistake, show how Edwin Hubble discovered the expansion of the universe, how the COBE mission was built, and how the COBE data support the Big Bang theory. He will also show NASA s plans for the next great telescope in space, the James Webb Space Telescope. It will look even farther back in time than the Hubble Space Telescope, and will look inside the dusty cocoons where stars and planets are being born today. Planned for launch in 2013, it may lead to another Nobel Prize for some lucky observer.

Mather, John C.↗

The Double-Peaked SN 2013ge: A Type Ib/c Sn with an Asymmetric Mass Ejection or an Extended Progenitor Envelope

We present extensive multiwavelength (radio to X-ray) observations of the Type Ib/c supernova (SN Ib c) SN 2013ge from -13 to +457 days relative to maximum light, including a series of optical spectra and Swift UV-optical photometry beginning 2-4 days post-explosion. This data set makes SN 2013ge one of the best-observed normal SNe Ib/c at early times-when the light curve is particularly sensitive to the progenitor configuration and mixing of radioactive elements -and reveals two distinct light curve components in the UV bands. The first component rises over 4-5 days and is visible for the first week post-explosion. Spectra of the first component have blue continua and show a plethora of moderately high velocity (approximately 15,000 km/s) but narrow (approximately 3500 km/s)spectroscopic features, indicating that the line-forming region is restricted. The explosion parameters estimated for the bulk explosion (M(sub ej) approximately 23 solar mass; E(subK) approximately (1-2) x 10(exp 51) erg) are standard for SNe Ib/c, and there is evidence forweak He features at early times-in an object that would have otherwise been classified as Type Ic. In addition,SN 2013ge exploded in a low-metallicity environment (approximately 0.5 atomic mass), and we have obtained some of the deepest radio and X-ray limits for an SN Ib/c to date, which constrain the progenitor mass-loss rate to be M less than 4 x 10(exp -6) solar mass/yr. We are left with two distinct progenitor scenarios for SN 2013ge, depending on our interpretation of the early emission. If the first component is cooling envelope emission, then the progenitor of SN 2013ge either possessed an extended (greater than or approximately 30 solar radius) envelope or ejected a portion of its envelope in the final less than or approximately 1 yr before core collapse. Alternatively, if the first component is due to outwardly mixed Ni-56, then our observations are consistent with the asymmetric ejection of a distinct clump of nickel-rich material at high velocities. Current models for the collision of an SN shock with a binary companion cannot reproduce both the timescale and luminosity of the early emission in SN 2013ge. Finally, the spectra of the first component of SN 2013ge are similar to those of the rapidly declining SN 2002bj.

supernovae: general – supernovae: individual (SN↗

Laboratory Scale Testing of Ignition Overpressure for Space Vehicle Launch Pad Environments

A scale model of a NASA representative space vehicle is used to develop a refined estimate of the transient pressure loads that are expected to form at the base of the vehicle in the event of a vapor cloud explosion. Flammable vapor clouds are known to form prior to engine startup due to the significant amount of unburned hydrogen that is ejected from the combustion chamber. In the event of a vapor cloud explosion, the vehicle and payload must be able to withstand the resulting overpressure waves. The study comprises an array of pressure sensors located along the base heat shield of the scale model space vehicle as well as the interior wall and throat plug plane of the solid rocket booster. A spark source generator is used to simulate the overpressure wave produced by a vapor cloud explosion while measurements are acquired with and without the effect of a mobile launcher. Time- resolved schlieren images of the simulated vapor cloud explosion reveal the path and impact of both the initial wave and several reflected waves on the various components at the base of the space vehicle. In some instances, the reflected waves superpose to create waves that are higher in amplitude than the initial overpressure wave. A time frequency analysis of the pressure waveforms measured inside the solid rocket booster reveal a ring down tone corresponding to a standing wave that is four times the length of the nozzle.

Tinney, Charles E.↗

Formation of bowl-shaped craters

High-explosive charges are used to form, in several types of granular media, laboratory-scale examples of the bowl-shaped craters that are found to be the largest and simplest class of impact structure on planetary and lunar surfaces. High-speed films of the experiments yield crater growth rate and particle displacement data, including quantitative stress, strain, displacement, and velocity data. These results are compared with the particle displacement and velocity data from large explosion experiments which have produced bowl-shaped craters. A time-sequence description of large, bowl-shaped impact crater formation is developed from the results of these comparisons, as well as those of the morphological features and structural deformations of large explosions and impact craters.

Piekutowski, A. J.↗

Some aspects of unsteady separation

Unsteady separation can be forced in a variety of ways and in this presentation two fundamental means will be considered: (1) the introduction of convected vorticular disturbances into the flow; and (2) the influence of a specific type of three-dimensional geometry. In both situations a response of the viscous flow near the wall is provoked wherein the fluid near the surface abruptly focuses into a narrow region that erupts from the surface into the mainstream. In two-dimensional flows, the eruption takes the form of a narrow, explosively-growing spike, while in three-dimensional situations, examples are presented which indicate that the eruption is along a narrow zone in the shape of a crescent-shaped plume. The nature of the three-dimensional flow near a circular cylinder, which is mounted normal to a flat plate, is also examined in this study. Here the three-dimensional geometry induces complex three-dimensional separations periodically. The dynamics of the generation process is studied experimentally in a water channel using hydrogen bubble wires and a laser sheet, and the main features of the laminar regime through to transition are documented.

Smith, C. R.↗

Observations in the vicinity of substorm onset: Implications for the substrom process

Multi-instrument data sets from the ground and satellites at both low and high altitude have provided new results concerning substorm onset and its source region in the magnetosphere. Twenty-six out of 37 substorm onset events showed evidence of azimuthally spaced auroral forms (AAFs) prior to the explosive poleward motion associated with optical substorm onset. AAFs can span 8 hours of local time prior to onset and generally propagate eastward in the morning sector. Onset itself is, however, more localized spanning only about 1 hour local time. AAF onset occur during time periods when the solar wind pressure is relatively high. AAFs brighten in conjunction with substorm onset leading to the conclusion that they are a growth phase activity casually related to substorm onset. Precursor activity associated with these AAFs is also seen near geosynchronous orbit altitude and examples show the relationship between the various instrumental definitions of substorm onset. The implied mode number (30 to 135) derived from this work is inconsistent with cavity mode resonances but is consistent with a modified flute/ballooning instability which requires azimuthal pressure gradients. The extended source region and the distance to the open-closed field line region constrain reconnection theory and local mechanisms for substorm onset. It is demonstrated that multiple onset substorms can exist for which localized dipolarizations and the Pi 2 occur simultaneously with tail stretching existing elsewhere. These pseudobreakups can be initiated by auroral streamers which originate at the most poleward set of arc systems and drift to the more equatorward main UV oval. Observations are presented of these AAFs in conjunction with low- and high-altitutde particle and magnetic field data. These place the activations at the interface between dipolar and taillike field lines probably near the peak in the cross-tail current. These onsets are put in the context of a new scenario for substorm morphology which employs individual modules which operate independently or couple together. This allows particular substorm events to be more accurately described and investigated.

Elphinstone, R. D.↗

The Circumstellar Medium of Cassiopeia A Inferred from the Outer Ejecta Knot Properties

We investigate the effect of the circumstellar medium density profile on the X-ray emission from outer ejecta knots in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant using the 1 Ms Chandra observation. The spectra of a number of radial series of ejecta knots at various positions around the remnant are analyzed using techniques similar to those devised in previous papers. We can obtain a reasonable match to our data for a circumstellar density profile proportional to r(sup -2) as would arise from the steady dense wind of a red supergiant, but the agreement is improved if we introduce a central cavity around the progenitor into our models. Such a profile might arise if the progenitor emitted a, fast tenuous stellar wind for a short period immediately prior to explosion. We review other lines of evidence supporting this conclusion. The spectra also indicate the widespread presence of Fe-enriched plasma that was presumably formed by complete Si burning during the explosion, possibly via alpha-rich freezeout. This component is typically associated with hotter and more highly ionized gas than the bulk of the O- and Si-rich ejecta.

Hwang, Una↗

Rootless Cones on Mars: A Consequence of Lava-Ground Ice Interaction

Fields of small cratered cones on Mars are interpreted to have formed by rootless eruptions due to explosive interaction of lava with ground ice contained within the regolith beneath the flow. Melting and vaporization of the ice, and subsequent explosive expansion of the vapour, act to excavate the lava and construct a rootless cone around the explosion site. Similar features are found in Iceland, where flowing lava encountered water-saturated substrates. The martian cones have basal diameters of c. 30-1000 m and are located predominantly in the northern volcanic plains. High-resolution Mars Orbiter Camera images offer significant improvements over Viking data for interpretation of cone origins. A new model of the dynamics of cone formation indicates that very modest amounts of water ice are required to initiate and sustain the explosive interactions that produced the observed features. This is consistent with the likely low availability of water ice in the martian regolith. The scarcity of impact craters on many of the host lava flows indicates very young ages, suggesting that ground ice was present as recently as less than 10 - l00 Ma, and may persist today. Rootless cones therefore act as a spatial and temporal probe of the distribution of ground ice on Mars, which is of key significance in understanding the evolution of the martian climate. The location of water in liquid or solid form is of great importance to future robotic and human exploration strategies, and to the search for extraterrestrial life.

Fagents, S. A.↗

Hydrogen Molecules in SN 1987A

The observations of CO and SiO in the infrared spectrum of SN 1987A clearly indicate that molecules can form in the debris of a supernova explosion. Since H2 is not easily observable we compute its abundance theoretically. For conditions typical of the inner (v less than 2500 km/s) envelope of SN 1987A, the fraction of H that is in molecular form rises to approx. 1% by t approx. 800 days. For t less than 500 days the formation is dominated by the gas-phase reactions H + H(+) yields H2(+) + hv; H2(+) + H yields H2 + H(+). Thereafter, the formation is dominated by the reactions H + e yields H(-) + hv; H(-) + H yields H2 + e. At early times the H(-) may absorb approx. 10%-30% of visible photons, contributing to the apparent paucity of H alpha emission. For t greater than 1000 days the abundance of H2 'freezes out' due to the slowing of all reactions. The opacity of the supernova envelope in the range 912 less than lambda less than or approx. equal to 1400 A (the upper limit depending on temperature) is dominated by resonance scattering in the Lyman and Werner bands of H2. The resulting fluorescence emission bands of H2 in the range 1150 less than lambda less than 1650 A may be observable in the UV spectra of supernovae at late times.

Culhane, Michael↗

The Sudbury Structure (Ontario, Canada) and Vredefort Structure (South Africa): A comparison

Both the Sudbury Structure (SS) and the Witwatersrand Basin surrounding the Vredefort Structure (VS) host some of the most important base and precious metal deposits on earth. In both structures Precambrian igneous, sedimentary and volcanic rocks were affected by the structure forming process, either meteorite impact or endogenic explosion, or as some VS workers propose, by high strain tectonics. Besides these general features there are some geological and geophysical characteristics that are strikingly similar in both structures. There are, however, some obvious differences. Directly related to the structure forming processes are breccias in the footwall rocks of both structures. Pseudotachylite breccias occurring in both structures display great similarities. Chemical and physical characteristics of the pseudotachylites are similar in both structures. Both structures are characterized by overturned collar rocks, not evident everywhere around the SS. The VS is rimmed by an up or overturned collar of sediments and volcanics of the Witwatersrand, Ventersdorp and Transvaal Supergroups. Drilling information proved that the strata of the Witwatersrand Supergroup in the south of the VS are lying horizontally. Shockmetamorphic features such as planar microdeformations in rock forming minerals and shatter cones are present in both structures in the footwall rocks and in the SS also in the breccias of the OF. Both structures have large geophysical anomalies associated with them. In both structures the anomalies were interpreted as being caused by mafic-ultramafic complexes underlying the structures.

Dressler, B. O.↗

Explosive cord

Device, jetcord, is metal-clad linear explosive of sufficient flexibility to allow forming into intricate shapes. Total effect is termed ''cutting'' with jetcord consistently ''cutting'' a target of greater thickness than can be penetrated. Applications include sheet metal working, pipe cutting and fire-fighting.

Source record↗

Competition of neutrino and gravitational radiation in neutron star formation

An investigation is conducted concerning the possibility that neutrino radiation rather than gravitational radiation may be the dominant way by which nonradial pulsations are damped out in a collapsing star. The effects of neutrino radiation on the nonradial oscillations of such objects are examined and damping times corresponding to a particular neutrino production mechanism are evaluated. The obtained results imply that neutrino radiation, by more rapid damping of the nonradial oscillations of a newly formed neutron star in a supernova explosion, would hinder gravitational radiation, thus reducing the possibility of its detection.

Kazanas, D.↗

Terrestrial analogs to lunar sinuous rilles - Kauhako Crater and channel, Kalaupapa, Molokai, and other Hawaiian lava conduit systems

Two source vents, one explosive and one effusive erupted to form a cinder cone and low lava shield that together compose the Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai, Hawaii, A 50-100-m-wide channel/tube system extends 2.3 km northward from kauhako crater in the center of the shield. Based on modeling, a volume of up to about 0.2 cu km of lava erupted at a rate of 260 cu m/sec to flow through the Kauhako conduit system in one of the last eruptive episodes on the peninsula. Channel downcutting by thermal erosion occurred at a rate of about 10 micron/sec to help form the 30-m-deep conduit. Two smaller, secondary tube systems formed east of the main lava channel/tube. Several other lava conduit systems on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii were also compared to the Kauhako and lunar sinuous rille systems. These other lava conduits include Whittington, Kupaianaha, and Mauna Ulu lava tubes. Morphologically, the Hawaiian tube systems studied are very similar to lunar sinuous rilles in that they have deep head craters, sinuous channels, and gentle slopes. Thermal erosion is postulated to be an important factor in the formation of these terrestrial channel systems and by analogy is inferred to be an important process involved in the formation of lunar sinuous rilles.

Coombs, C. R.↗

Discovery of Be/x-ray stars in two supernova remnants in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We present ROSAT high resolution x-ray images of two previously cataloged supernova remnants in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): 0101-72.4 and 0104-72.3. These remnants were known to show optical, x-ray, and radio emission based on earlier observations: the present data show the first evidence for arcsecond-scale x-ray structure. There is no diffuse x-ray emission associated with the optically emitting shell in 0101-72.4; we set a 3 sigma upper limit of 7 x 10(exp 34) erg s(exp -1) on the 0.02-2 keV luminosity from the region. The x-ray emission comes instead from a weak pointlike object near the limb of the remnant. Optical observations of this source reveal a m(sub v) = 14.8 blue star with H alpha and H beta in emission; we identify this as a Be star in the SMC. No evidence for variability down to time scales of about 1 s was found in the ROSAT data; however, a comparison of the ROSAT and Einstein fluxes indicates possible long term variability by a factor of approximately 2 over several years. The other SNR, 0104-72.3, also contains a pointlike x-ray source with a blue optical counterpart (m(sub v) = 16.7) and H alpha emission. We tentatively identify this as a Be star as well. In addition to the point source there is weak diffuse x-ray emission from 0104-72.3 (L(sub x) approximately 1.4 x 10(exp 35) erg s(exp -1)), but the remnant's appearance in the x-ray band is considerably different from that in either the radio or optical band. We argue for a physical association between the supernova remnants (SNRs) and Be/x-ray stars. A large space velocity (greater than or approximately 100 km s(exp -1)) for the Be/x-ray binaries is required if the explosions that produced the remnants also formed the neutron stars in the binaries. Alternatively, the associations could be the result of common membership in OB associations in the SMC.

Hughes, John P.↗

X-ray sources in regions of star formation. 5: The low mass stars of the Upper Scorpius association

We report followup investigations of Einstein x-ray observations of the Upper Scorpius OB association. We identify 28 low mass pre-main sequence stars as counterparts of x-ray sources in the approximately = 7 square degrees of the OB association observed. Based on kinematics and lithium abundances, these stars are low mass members of the OB association. We use optical spectra and optical and near-IR photometry to determine the stellar luminosities, effective temperatures, masses, and ages. We show that the bolometric corrections and effective temperatures of the G and K stars are consistent with those of subgiants. The low mass stars have isochronal ages of 1-2 Myr, depending on the choice of evolutionary models, with very small dispersion (sigma approximately = 1 Myr). This age is significantly younger than the 5-6 Myr found for the more massive B stars. The small dispersion in stellar ages, less than 10% the sound-crossing time of the association, suggests that star formation was triggered. We present two scenarios for star formation in this association. In the two-episode scenario, formation of the low mass stars was triggered by a supernova explosion, and the low mass stars form quickly, with high efficiency. Alternatively, high and low mass star formation was all initiated at the same time, some 5-6 Myr ago, and the apparent systematic age difference is an artifact of how the isochrones are dated. The effect of the supernova is to terminate mass accretion and yield an apparently coeval population. We show that the incompleteness in the x-ray sampling is about 65%, and is strongly dependent on stellar mass. After correction for incompleteness, we estimate there are about 2000 low mass members (stellar mass less than 2 solar mass) of this association. The mass function in this association is indistinguishable from that of the field. The ratio of naked to classical T Tauri stars is much larger than in Tau-Aur, and may be attributable to the local environment. We also present observations of eight ROX sources associated with the rho Oph cloud, and observations of non-pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in our fields.

Walter, Frederick M.↗

Drops in Space: Super Oscillations and Surfactant Studies

An unprecedented microgravity observation of maximal shape oscillations of a surfactant-bearing water drop the size of a ping pong ball was observed during a mission of Space Shuttle Columbia as part of the second United States Microgravity Laboratory-USML-2 (STS-73, October 20-November 5, 1995). The observation was precipitated by the action of an intense sound field which produced a deforming force on the drop. When this deforming force was suddenly reduced, the drop executed nearly free and axisymmetric oscillations for several cycles, demonstrating a remarkable amplitude of nonlinear motion. Whether arising from the discussion of modes of oscillation of the atomic nucleus, or the explosion of stars, or how rain forms, the complex processes influencing the motion, fission, and coalescence of drops have fascinated scientists for centuries. Therefore, the axisymmetric oscillations of a maximally deformed liquid drop are noteworthy, not only for their scientific value but also for their aesthetic character. Scientists from Yale University, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Vanderbilt University conducted liquid drop experiments in microgravity using the acoustic positioning/manipulation environment of the Drop Physics Module (DPM). The Yale/JPL group's objectives were to study the rheological properties of liquid drop surfaces on which are adsorbed surfactant molecules, and to infer surface properties such as surface tension, Gibb's elasticity, and surface dilatational viscosity by using a theory which relies on spherical symmetry to solve the momentum and mass transport equations.

Apfel, Robert E.↗