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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 145 records · Page 8

Effective mass of α-cluster in 12C nucleus

Based on the effective-mass concept, we perform the Faddeev calculations for a low-lying spectrum of 3[Formula: see text] states in [Formula: see text]C nucleus. A three-body potential is used to describe the known breaking of the 3[Formula: see text]-cluster structure in the nucleus. We show that the contribution of the three-body potential to the Hamiltonian can be compensated by increasing/decreasing the [Formula: see text]-particle free mass. The effective-mass values are adjusted to reproduce the experimental data for the [Formula: see text]C nucleus. The energy dependence of the effective mass and the correlation to a three-body potential are discussed. We show that the coupling between the [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) levels forms a specific picture of anti-crossing on the energy/effective-mass plane.

Physics↗

Inclusive and Inelastic Scattering in Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions

Neutrino-nucleus cross section measurements can provide both insights into nuclear physics and important data that can be used to improve model predictions used for neutrino oscillation physics. Two measurements of neutrino-nucleus cross sections were performed using data from the MINERvA experiment, each probing different classes of neutrino interactions. Double and single-differential flux-integrated measurements of inclusive charged current neutrino-nucleus cross sections at a peak neutrino energy of 3.5 GeV are presented as a function of the longitudinal and transverse momentum of the muon produced in the interaction. Additionally, an analysis of charged-current deep inelastic scattering (DIS) of muon neutrinos was performed in carbon, iron, lead and hydrocarbon in a neutrino beam with a peak energy of 6 GeV. Cross sections were measured in each material, and ratios were also taken between the cross sections of each of the materials and hydrocarbon, allowing for examination of nuclear dependencies of the neutrino cross section. Absolute DIS cross sections as a function of neutrino energy and flux integrated differential cross sections as a function of the Bjorken-x scaling variable were both measured.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Boson Fermion Nucleus Explanation for Violation of Parity in the Radioactive Decay of Cobalt-60: Monograph #12

In 1957, Chien-Shuing Wu subjected cobalt-60 to supercooled temperatures and a strong magnetic field while measuring radioactive decay. This experiment showed violation of parity— a long-held, fundamental precept in physics stating that nuclear radioactive-decay emission flux will not vary in the solid angle about the nucleus. During Wu’s experiment, beta particles (electrons) exhibited asymmetry, preferentially exiting the cobalt-60 nuclei in the polar region opposite the applied magnetic field. Gamma-ray emissions were anisotropic, preferring to exit the nucleus around the equatorial region. The boson fermion nucleus (BFN) explains the origins of these observed phenomena, where the nuclear structure is pinned in the strong magnetic field with minimal motion in supercooled conditions, while beta particles and gamma rays are emitted from specific locations within the nuclear structure.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering: Terrestrial and astrophysical applications

Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$\nu$NS) is a process in which neutrinos scatter on a nucleus which acts as a single particle. Though the total cross section is large by neutrino standards, CE$\nu$NS has long proven difficult to detect, since the deposited energy into the nucleus is $\sim$ keV. In 2017, the COHERENT collaboration announced the detection of CE$\nu$NS using a stopped-pion source with CsI detectors, followed up the detection of CE$\nu$NS using an Ar target. The detection of CE$\nu$NS has spawned a flurry of activities in high-energy physics, inspiring new constraints on beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics, and new experimental methods. The CE$\nu$NS process has important implications for not only high-energy physics, but also astrophysics, nuclear physics, and beyond. This whitepaper discusses the scientific importance of CE$\nu$NS, highlighting how present experiments such as COHERENT are informing theory, and also how future experiments will provide a wealth of information across the aforementioned fields of physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Optical image of a cometary nucleus: 1980 flyby of Comet Encke

The feasibility was investigated of obtaining optical images of a cometary nucleus via a flyby of Comet Encke. A physical model of the dust cloud surrounding the nucleus was developed by using available physical data and theoretical knowledge of cometary physics. Using this model and a Mie scattering code, calculations were made of the absolute surface brightness of the dust in the line of sight of the on-board camera and the relative surface brightness of the dust compared to the nucleus. The brightness was calculated as a function of heliocentric distance and for different phase angles (sun-comet-spacecraft angle).

Wells, W. C.↗

Rotational interpretation of recombination line widths in the galactic nucleus

The widths of the radio recombination lines observed in the direction of the galactic center are interpreted as due to pure rotation. This interpretation leads to a mass estimate for the inner 1.6-pc region of our Galaxy. It is noted that recent observations of M 31 suggest the existence of a distinct dynamic entity at its center - the nucleus. The rotational interpretation of the recombination line widths is shown to be consistent with the existence of a nucleus at the center of our own Galaxy which is similar in nature to the nucleus of M 31.

Kellman, S. A.↗

Evidence for a supermassive object in the nucleus of the galaxy M87 from SIT and CCD area photometry

Results are presented for broadband three-color (BVR) photometric observations of the peculiar elliptical radio galaxy M87, which were obtained with digital two-dimensional SIT and CCD detector systems on the Palomar 60-in. and 200-in. telescopes. The observations and the reduction procedures for the digital data are outlined, the luminosity profile of M87 is given, and a nuclear luminosity spike is found to be centered within 0.02 arcsec of the center of M87. Attempts are made to fit various theoretical models to the luminosity profile, and a satisfactory fit is obtained between the observed profile and a model involving a massive black hole in the galactic nucleus. A model-independent dynamical analysis of the central regions is performed which indicates that the nucleus of M87 contains a supermassive object of about 5 billion solar masses with a radius of no more than 100 pc and an M/L ratio of at least 60. The possible nature of this object is considered, and it is concluded that M87 is probably the most plausible candidate for a massive black hole in a galactic nucleus.

Young, P. J.↗

The light curve of the nucleus of comet d'Arrest

This paper reports new photoelectric photometry of the nucleus of P/d'Arrest (1976e) during August 4, 5, and 6, 1976 (UT), just before perihelion passage. The comet appeared as a bright stellar nucleus with a faint surrounding coma. The average visual magnitude from the nuclear region (16-arcsec diaphragm) was 11.60. The visual brightness varies with an amplitude of 0.15 plus or minus 0.02 mag. There is evidence for a period of 5.17 plus or minus 0.01 hr. We interpret such a periodic variation as due to the rotation of the nucleus. The colors of the nuclear region are very similar to those of a solar-type star, and they do not vary significantly with aspect angle.

Fay, T. D., Jr.↗

Spectrophotometry of H II regions and the nucleus of NGC 1566

The paper presents spectrophotometric observations of the nucleus and nine H II regions in the spiral arms of the Sbc galaxy NGC 1566. The emission line spectra of the H II regions are characterized by a low grade of ionization, and most of the line intensities do not show radial gradients; the N II/O II forbidden line ratio appears to increase toward the nucleus, and the forbidden O III/H-beta ratio may decrease in the same direction. This is explained by the increase of the oxygen abundance and decrease of the electron temperature toward the nucleus; the spectra confirm the presence of the weak, broad emission wings at H-alpha, and the nuclear spectrum of NGC 1566 resembles that of a giant H II region rather than that of a Seyfert galaxy.

Hawley, S. A.↗

A model of a comet coma with interstellar molecules in the nucleus

The coma of a comet is modeled assuming the icy nucleus contains interstellar molecules. This composition overcomes discrepancies between observation and earlier model predictions for CN, C2, C3, and NH2 abundances. It is found that the abundances of CN, C2, and C3-bearing compounds in the nucleus must be constrained to trace amounts in order to account for the observed column densities. NH3 also cannot be abundant by more than about 1%. The model gives good agreement with observed relative ranges of neutral species in the coma as well as with their observed relative intensity dependence on heliocentric distance. The size of the nucleus and the heliocentric ranges considered are relevant to comet Halley.

Biermann, L.↗

VLBI observations of the nucleus and jet of M87

The nucleus and jet of M87 was mapped with an eight-station very long baseline interferometric array at 18 cm wavelength with high dynamic range. It was found that the nucleus of M87 consists of a core-jet structure with a peak brightness temperature greater than 10 to the 10th K. Emission is shown to extend for more than 50 milli-arcsec with a brightness temperature exceeding 10 to the 8th K along a position angle of 288 degrees, which precisely matches the position angle of the 20'' radio/optical/X-ray jet. In addition, the nucleus contains a significant structure of lower brightness at approximately the same position angle, although no counterjet is observed. By invoking relativistic beaming in order to enhance the jet and diminish the counterjet, it is shown that the jet must be aligned within about 60 degrees to our line of sight, and its flow velocity must exceed about 60% of the speed of light. The knots embedded in the 20'' jet contain no bright compact structures, and the sizes of the innermost knot (knot D) is between 0.1-0.3''.

Reid, M. J.↗

VLBI observations of the nucleus of Centaurus A

VLBI observations of the nucleus of Centaurus A made at 2.3 GHz on baselines with minimum fringe spacings of 0.15 and 0.0027 arcsec are presented. Results show that the nuclear component is elongated with a maximum extent of approximately 0.05 arcsec which is equivalent to a size of approximately 1 pc at the 5 Mpc distance of Centaurus A. The position angle of the nucleus is found to be 30 + or - 20 degrees, while the ratio of nuclear jet length to width is less than or approximately equal to 20. The nuclear flux density is determined to be 6.8 Jy, while no core component is found with an extent less than or approximately equal to 0.001 (less than or approximately equal to 0.02 pc) with a flux density of greater than or approximately equal to 20 mJy. A model of the Centaurus A nucleus composed of at least two components is developed on the basis of these results in conjunction with earlier VLBI and spectral data. The first component is an elongated source of approximately 0.05 arcsec (approximately 1 pc) size which contains most of the 2.3 GHz nuclear flux, while the second component is a source of approximately 0.0005 arcsec (approximately 0.01 pc) size which is nearly completely self-absorbed at 2.3 GHz but strengthens at higher frequencies.

Preston, R. A.↗

The function and response of an improved stratospheric condensation nucleus counter

An improved condensation nucleus counter (CNC) for use in the stratosphere is described. The University of Minnesota CNC (UMCNC) has a sequential saturator and condenser and uses n-butyl alcohol as the working fluid. The use of a coaxial saturator flow, with aerosol in the center and filtered, alcohol-laden air around it, speeds the response of this instrument and improves its stability as pressure changes. The counting efficiency has been studied as a function of particle size and pressure. The UMCNC provides an accurate measure of submicron aerosol concentration as long as the number distribution is not dominated by sub-0.02 micron diameter aerosol. The response of the UMCNC is compared with that of other stratospheric condensation nucleus counters, and the results of a (near) comparison with a balloon-borne condensation nucleus counter are presented. The UMCNC has operated 14 times on a NASA U-2 aircraft at altitudes from 8 to 21.5 km.

Wilson, J. C.↗

The nucleus of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

The thermal flux in the 20-micron Q filter band of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachman was measured some 77 days after the most recent previous eruption, and when the visual magnitude was abut 17.6. Considerations of the eruptive history of the comet, and in particular its tendency to fade to a minimum threshold brightness level between eruption, suggest that the measurement refers to an essentially bare nucleus. Using the standard photometric/radiometric technique for calculating the diameters and geometric albedos of asteroids and planetary satellites, and the assumption that the bare nucleus is measured, it is found that the diameter of the nucleus is 40 + or - 5 km, and the geometric albedo is 0.13 + or - 0.04.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗

New aspects in nucleon-nucleus collisions and EAS properties around 10(6) GeV

At energies higher than 2 x 10 to the 5 GeV, very little information exists on detailed properties of nucleon-nucleon collision; the rare elements are coming from jets, and, as nondirect improvements from gamma-ray families. The results exhibit some conflicting features, or, at least, very large fluctuations like copious production of gamma-rays in opposition to Centauro-like events, sometimes suggest that phase transition to quark gluon plasma occurs in nucleus-nucleus collisions and even in nucleon-nucleus collision. The multicluster phenomenological model (MPM) extrapolated for extensive air showers EAS simulation up to 5 x 10 to the 6 GeV to put in evidence some significant deviation between experimental data and prediction.

Capdevielle, J. N.↗

Photo nuclear energy loss term for muon-nucleus interactions based on xi scaling model of QCD

Extensive air showers (EMC) experiments discovered a significant deviation of the ratio of structure functions of iron and deuteron from unity. It was established that the quark parton distribution in nuclei are different from the corresponding distribution in the nucleus. It was examined whether these results have an effect on the calculation of photo nucleus energy loss term for muon-nucleus nuclear interaction. Though the EMC and SLAC data were restricted to rather large q sq region it is expected that the derivation would persist even in the low q sq domain. For the ratio of iron and deuteron structure function a rather naive least square fit of the form R(x) = a + bx was taken and it is assumed that the formula is valid for the whole q sq region the absence of any knowledge of R(x) for small q sq.

Roychoudhury, R.↗

Ice nucleus activity measurements of solid rocket motor exhaust particles

The ice Nucleus activity of exhaust particles generated from combustion of Space Shuttle propellant in small rocket motors has been measured. The activity at -20 C was substantially lower than that of aerosols generated by unpressurized combustion of propellant samples in previous studies. The activity decays rapidly with time and is decreased further in the presence of moist air. These tests corroborate the low effectivity ice nucleus measurement results obtained in the exhaust ground cloud of the Space Shuttle. Such low ice nucleus activity implies that Space Shuttle induced inadvertent weather modification via an ice phase process is extremely unlikely.

Keller, V. W.↗

High-resolution imaging studies of the near-nucleus regions of comets

High-resolution, calibrated images of the near-nucleus regions of Halley, Giacobini-Zinner (for ICE encounter) and additional comets displaying widely differing levels of activity were acquired with a CCD sensor at the Cassegrain focus of the 3.6 m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). The International Halley Watch designated interference filters were used. Successful correlation of ICE magnetic field data with the optical images obtained with the CFHT on the night of encounter (11 Sept. 1985) primarily through the H2O(+) and neighboring continuum passbands and with 300 km spatial resolution provokes reinterpretation of the observed structure of cometary ion tails. The observations of Halley, limited by bad weather, were made at significant periods of the apparition: the first, in December 1984 with the comet at 5.3 AU during the period of the onset of activity; and the last, in November 1985 with the comet near opposition. The December observations show evidence of residual activity. The 18 November data show a highly-condensed inner coma with an extreme falloff in brightness from the region of the nucleus. These data provide the basis for characterizing the gas and dust environment in the immediate vicinity of the active nucleus.

Goldberg, B. A.↗