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At least 163 records · Page 9

The Size Evolution of Passive Galaxies: Observations From the Wide-Field Camera 3 Early Release Science Program

We present the size evolution of passively evolving galaxies at z approximately 2 identified in Wide-Field Camera 3 imaging from the Early Release Science program. Our sample was constructed using an analog to the passive BzK galaxy selection criterion, which isolates galaxies with little or no ongoing star formation at z greater than approximately 1.5. We identify 30 galaxies in approximately 40 arcmin(sup 2) to H less than 25 mag. By fitting the 10-band Hubble Space Telescope photometry from 0.22 micrometers less than approximately lambda (sub obs) 1.6 micrometers with stellar population synthesis models, we simultaneously determine photometric redshift, stellar mass, and a bevy of other population parameters. Based on the six galaxies with published spectroscopic redshifts, we estimate a typical redshift uncertainty of approximately 0.033(1+z).We determine effective radii from Sersic profile fits to the H-band image using an empirical point-spread function. By supplementing our data with published samples, we propose a mass-dependent size evolution model for passively evolving galaxies, where the most massive galaxies (M(sub ∗) approximately 10(sup 11) solar mass) undergo the strongest evolution from z approximately 2 to the present. Parameterizing the size evolution as (1 + z)(sup - alpha), we find a tentative scaling of alpha approximately equals (−0.6 plus or minus 0.7) + (0.9 plus or minus 0.4) log(M(sub ∗)/10(sup 9 solar mass), where the relatively large uncertainties reflect the poor sampling in stellar mass due to the low numbers of highredshift systems. We discuss the implications of this result for the redshift evolution of the M(sub ∗)-R(sub e) relation for red galaxies.

fundamental parameters↗

2 Pallas - 1982 and 1983 lightcurves and a new pole solution

Photoelectric lightcurves of the asteroid 2 Pallas obtained in March 1982 and May 1983 display amplitudes of 0.04 and 0.10 mag respectively. The latter lightcurve shows that Pallas was at V(1.0) mag of 4.51 + or -0.02 when it occulted 1 Vulpeculae on May 29, 1983. A least-squares best fit to an amplitude-aspect relation for all available lightcurve observations of Pallas between 1951 and 1983 yields two solutions for its pole position: lambda = 200, beta = 40 and lambda = 220, beta = 15, where the uncertainty regions correspond to an overall error estimate of + or -10 deg. Use of phase angle bisector coordinates give lower residuals than geocentric coordinates. The (220, 15) pole position is favored since it is in very good agreement with an independent pole solution obtained by photometric astrometry. This pole position implies that the latitude of the sub-earth point at the time of occultation was 22 deg.

Binzel, R. P.↗

Estimation of Mass-Loss Rates from Emission Line Profiles in the UV Spectra of Cool Stars

The photon-scattering winds of cool, low-gravity stars (K-M giants and supergiants) produce absorption features in the strong chromospheric emission lines. This provides us with an opportunity to assess important parameters of the wind, including flow and turbulent velocities, the optical depth of the wind above the region of photon creation, and the star's mass-loss rate. We have used the Lamers et al. Sobolev with Exact Integration (SEI) radiative transfer code along with simple models of the outer atmospheric structure to compute synthetic line profiles for comparison with the observed line profiles. The SEI code has the advantage of being computationally fast and allows a great number of possible wind models to be examined. We therefore use it here to obtain initial first-order estimates of the wind parameters. More sophisticated, but more time-consuming and resource intensive calculations will be performed at a later date, using the SEI-deduced wind parameters as a starting point. A comparison of the profiles over a range of wind velocity laws, turbulence values, and line opacities allows us to constrain the wind parameters, and to estimate the mass-loss rates. We have applied this analysis technique (using lines of Mg II, 0 I, and Fe II) so far to four stars: the normal K5-giant alpha Tau, the hybrid K-giant gamma Dra, the K5 supergiant lambda Vel, and the M-giant gamma Cru. We present in this paper a description of the technique, including the assumptions which go into its use, an assessment of its robustness, and the results of our analysis.

Carpenter, K. G.↗

Probe compensation in cylindrical near-field scanning: A novel simulation methodology

Probe pattern compensation is essential in near-field scanning geometry, where there is a great need to accurately know far-field patterns at wide angular range. This paper focuses on a novel formulation and computer simulation to determine the precise need for and effect of probe compensation in cylindrical near-field scanning. The methodology is applied to a linear test array antenna and the NASA scatterometer radar antenna. The formulation is based on representing the probe by its equivalent tangential magnetic currents. The interaction between the probe equivalent aperture currents and the test antenna fields is obtained with the application of a reciprocity theorem. This allows us to obtain the probe vector output pickup integral which is proportional to the amplitude and phase of the electric field induced in the probe aperture with respect to its position to the test antenna. The integral is evaluated for each probe position on the required sampling point on a cylindrical near-field surface enclosing the antenna. The use of a hypothetical circular-aperture probe with a different radius permits us to derive closed-form expressions for its far-field radiation patterns. These results, together with the probe vector output pickup, allow us to perform computer simulated synthetic measurements. The far-field patterns of the test antenna are formulated based on cylindrical wave expansions of both the probe and test antenna fields. In the limit as the probe radius becomes very small, the probe vector output is the direct response of the near-field at a point, and no probe compensation is needed. Useful results are generated to compare the far-field pattern of the test antenna constructed from the knowledge of the simulated near-field with and without probe pattern compensation and the exact results. These results are important since they clearly illustrate the angular range over which probe compensation is needed. It has been found that a probe with an aperture radius of 0.25(lambda), 0.5(lambda), and 1(lambda) needs a little probe compensation, if any, near the test antenna main beam. In addition, a probe with low directivity may provide a better signal-to-noise ratio than a highly directive one. This is evident in test antenna patterns without probe compensation at wide angles.

Hussein, Ziad A.↗

ROSAT survey of emission from Be stars

ROSAT pointed observations of bright, classical Be stars have demonstrated that detection of soft x-rays at a level expected for normal B stars of comparable T(sub eff) and luminosity is anti-correlated with the presence of episodes of enhanced mass ejection and formation of a dense, moderately ionized equatorial circumstellar disk. At epochs of lower than average disk column density, x-ray flaring has been detected in 2 Be stars, lambda Eri and pi Aqr.

Grady, Carol↗

Rare Earth Garnet Selective Emitter

Thin film Ho-YAG and Er-YAG emitters with a platinum substrate exhibit high spectral emittance in the emission band (epsilon(sub lambda) approx. = 0.75, sup 4)|(sub 15/2) - (sup 4)|(sub 13/2),for Er-YAG and epsilon(sub lambda) approx. = 0.65, (sup 5)|(sub 7) - (sup 5)|(sub 8) for Ho-YAG) at 1500 K. In addition, low out-of-band spectral emittance, epsilon(sub lambda) less than 0.2, suggest these materials would be excellent candidates for high efficiency selective emitters in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems operating at moderate temperatures (1200-1500 K). Spectral emittance measurements of the thin films were made (1.2 less than lambda less than 3.0 microns) and compared to the theoretical emittances calculated using measured values of the spectral extinction coefficient. In this paper we present the results for a new class of rare earth ion selective emitters. These emitters are thin sections (less than 1 mm) of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) single crystal with a rare earth substitutional impurity. Selective emitters in the near IR are of special interest for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion. The most promising solid selective emitters for use in a TPV system are rare earth oxides. Early spectral emittance work on rare earth oxides showed strong emission bands in the infrared (0.9 - 3 microns). However, the emittance outside the emission band was also significant and the efficiency of these emitters was low. Recent improvements in efficiency have been made with emitters fabricated from fine (5 - 10 microns) rare earth oxide fibers similar to the Welsbach mantle used in gas lanterns. However, the rare earth garnet emitters are more rugged than the mantle type emitters. A thin film selective emitter on a low emissivity substrate such as gold, platinum etc., is rugged and easily adapted to a wide variety of thermal sources. The garnet structure and its many subgroups have been successfully used as hosts for rare earth ions, introduced as substitutional impurities, in the development of solid state laser crystals. Doping, dependent on the particular ion and crystal structure, may be as high as 100 at. % (complete substitution of yttrium ion with the rare earth ion). These materials have high melting points, 1940 C for YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet), and low emissivity in the near infrared making them excellent candidates for a thin film selective emitter. As previously stated, the spectral emittance of a rare earth emitter is characterized by one or more well defined emission bands. Outside the emission band the emittance(absorptance) is much lower. Therefore, it is expected that emission outside the band for a thin film selective emitter will be dominated by the emitter substrate. For an efficient emitter (power in the emission band/total emitted power) the substrate must have low emittance, epsilon(sub S). This paper presents normal spectral emittance, epsilon(sub lambda), measurements of holmium(Ho) and erbium (Er) doped YAG thin film selective emitters at (1500 K), and compares those results with the theoretical spectral emittance.

Lowe, Roland A.↗

The unusual dust-scattering properties in the reflection nebula CED 201

Spectrophotometric data available from ground-based and IUE observations of the reflection nebula CED 201 and its illuminating star BD + 69.1231 deg are analyzed to deduce the most likely star-nebula geometry and the wavelength dependence of the scattering characteristics of the nebular grains. The dust albedo is found to decline from 0.72 at V to probably less than 0.2 at lambda less than 2000 A, explaining the unusual red color of this reflection nebula. The wavelength dependence of the optical depth and of the phase function asymmetry in the visible suggests the existence of a narrow size distribution of grains, skewed toward larger than normal particle sizes. CED 201 is one of two reflection nebulae with positive evidence for enhanced scattering in the long-wavelength wing of the 2175 A dust extinction feature, also pointing toward larger than average grains.

Witt, A. N.↗

Gravity wave momentum flux in the lower stratosphere over convection

This work describes a method for estimating vertical fluxes of horizontal momentum carried by short horizontal scale gravity waves (lambda(sub x) = 10-100 km) using aircraft measured winds in the lower stratosphere. We utilize in situ wind vector and pressure altitude measurements provided by the Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) on board the ER-2 aircraft to compute the momentum flux vectors at the flight level above deep convection during the tropical experiment of the Stratosphere Troposphere Exchange Project (STEP-Tropical). Data from Flight 9 are presented here for illustration. The vertical flux of horizontal momentum these observations points in opposite directions on either side of the location of a strong convective updraft in the cloud shield. This property of internal gravity waves propagating from a central source compares favorably with previously described model results.

Alexander, M. Joan↗

Wind Variability of B Supergiants: The Rapid Rotator HD 64760 (B0.5 Ib) - No. 1

We present the results of a 6 day time series of observations of the rapidly rotating B0.5 Ib star HD 64760. We point out several reasons why such intermediate luminosity B supergiants are ideal targets for wind variability studies and then present our results that show the following: continuous wind activity throughout the 6 day run with the wind never in steady state for more than a few hr; wind variability very near nu = 0 km sec(exp -1) in the resonance lines from the lower ionization stages (Al III and C II); a distinct correlation between variability in the Si III ; lambda(lambda)1300 triplets, the strong C III (lambda)1247 singlet, and the onset of extremely strong wind activity, suggesting a connection between photospheric and wind activity; long temporal coherence in the behavior of the strong absorption events; evidence for large-scale spatial coherence, implied by a whole scale, simultaneous weakening in the wind absorption over a wide range in velocities; and ionization variability in the wind accompanying the largest changes in the absorption strengths of the wind lines. In addition, modeling of the wind lines provides the following information about the state the wind in HD 64760. The number of structures on the portion of a constant velocity surface occulting the stellar disk at a particular time must be quite small, while the number on the entire constant velocity surface throughout the wind must be large. The escape probability at low velocity is overestimated by a normal beta approx. 1 velocity law, perhaps due to the presence of low-velocity shocks deep in the wind or a shallow velocity gradient at low velocity. Estimates of the ionization structure in the wind indicate that the ionization ratios are not those expected from thermal equilibrium wind models or from an extrapolation of previous O star results. The large observed q(N V)/q(Si IV) ratio is almost certainly due to distributed X-rays, but the level of ionization predicted by distributed X-ray wind models is inconsistent with the predicted mass-loss rate. Thus, it is impossible to reconcile the observed ionization ratios and the predicted mass-loss rate within the framework of the available models.

Massa, Derck↗

Controlling Laser Spot Size in Outer Space

Three documents discuss a method of controlling the diameter of a laser beam projected from Earth to any altitude ranging from low orbit around the Earth to geosynchronous orbit. Such laser beams are under consideration as means of supplying power to orbiting spacecraft at levels of the order of tens of kilowatts apiece. Each such beam would be projected by use of a special purpose telescope having an aperture diameter of 15 m or more. Expanding the laser beam to such a large diameter at low altitude would prevent air breakdown and render the laser beam eyesafe. Typically, the telescope would include an adaptive-optics concave primary mirror and a convex secondary mirror. The laser beam transmitted out to the satellite would remain in the near field on the telescope side of the beam waist, so that the telescope focal point would remain effective in controlling the beam width. By use of positioning stages having submicron resolution and repeatability, the relative positions of the primary and secondary mirrors would be adjusted to change the nominal telescope object and image distances to obtain the desired beam diameter (typically about 6 m) at the altitude of the satellite. The limiting distance D(sub L) at which a constant beam diameter can be maintained is determined by the focal range of the telescope 4 lambda f(sup 2) where lambda is the wavelength and f the f/number of the primary mirror. The shorter the wavelength and the faster the mirror, the longer D(sub L) becomes.

Bennett, Harold E.↗

Statistics of pressure and pressure gradient in homogeneous isotropic turbulence

The statistics of pressure and pressure gradient in stationary isotropic turbulence are measured within direct numerical simulations at low to moderate Reynolds numbers. It is found that the one-point pdf of the pressure is highly skewed and that the pdf of the pressure gradient is of stretched exponential form. The power spectrum of the pressure P(k) is found to be larger than the corresponding spectrum P(sub G)(k) computed from a Gaussian velocity field having the same energy spectrum as that of the DNS field. The ratio P(k)/P(sub G)(k), a measure of the pressure-field intermittence, grows with wavenumber and Reynolds number as -R(sub lambda)(exp 1/2)log(k/k(sub d)) for k less than k(sub d)/2 where k(sub d) is the Kolmogorov wavenumber. The Lagrangian correlations of pressure gradient and velocity are compared and the Lagrangian time scale of the pressure gradient is observed to be much shorter than that of the velocity.

Gotoh, T.↗

Faint Object Camera imaging and spectroscopy of NGC 4151

We describe ultraviolet and optical imaging and spectroscopy within the central few arcseconds of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151, obtained with the Faint Object Camera on the Hubble Space Telescope. A narrowband image including (O III) lambda(5007) shows a bright nucleus centered on a complex biconical structure having apparent opening angle approximately 65 deg and axis at a position angle along 65 deg-245 deg; images in bands including Lyman-alpha and C IV lambda(1550) and in the optical continuum near 5500 A, show only the bright nucleus. In an off-nuclear optical long-slit spectrum we find a high and a low radial velocity component within the narrow emission lines. We identify the low-velocity component with the bright, extended, knotty structure within the cones, and the high-velocity component with more confined diffuse emission. Also present are strong continuum emission and broad Balmer emission line components, which we attribute to the extended point spread function arising from the intense nuclear emission. Adopting the geometry pointed out by Pedlar et al. (1993) to explain the observed misalignment of the radio jets and the main optical structure we model an ionizing radiation bicone, originating within a galactic disk, with apex at the active nucleus and axis centered on the extended radio jets. We confirm that through density bounding the gross spatial structure of the emission line region can be reproduced with a wide opening angle that includes the line of sight, consistent with the presence of a simple opaque torus allowing direct view of the nucleus. In particular, our modelling reproduces the observed decrease in position angle with distance from the nucleus, progressing initially from the direction of the extended radio jet, through our optical structure, and on to the extended narrow-line region. We explore the kinematics of the narrow-line low- and high-velocity components on the basis of our spectroscopy and adopted model structure.

Boksenberg, A.↗

Parallel O(log n) algorithms for open- and closed-chain rigid multibody systems based on a new mass matrix factorization technique

In this paper, parallel O(log n) algorithms for computation of rigid multibody dynamics are developed. These parallel algorithms are derived by parallelization of new O(n) algorithms for the problem. The underlying feature of these O(n) algorithms is a drastically different strategy for decomposition of interbody force which leads to a new factorization of the mass matrix (M). Specifically, it is shown that a factorization of the inverse of the mass matrix in the form of the Schur Complement is derived as M(exp -1) = C - B(exp *)A(exp -1)B, wherein matrices C, A, and B are block tridiagonal matrices. The new O(n) algorithm is then derived as a recursive implementation of this factorization of M(exp -1). For the closed-chain systems, similar factorizations and O(n) algorithms for computation of Operational Space Mass Matrix lambda and its inverse lambda(exp -1) are also derived. It is shown that these O(n) algorithms are strictly parallel, that is, they are less efficient than other algorithms for serial computation of the problem. But, to our knowledge, they are the only known algorithms that can be parallelized and that lead to both time- and processor-optimal parallel algorithms for the problem, i.e., parallel O(log n) algorithms with O(n) processors. The developed parallel algorithms, in addition to their theoretical significance, are also practical from an implementation point of view due to their simple architectural requirements.

Fijany, Amir↗

On the Lighthill relationship and sound generation from isotropic turbulence

In 1952, Lighthill developed a theory for determining the sound generated by a turbulent motion of a fluid. With some statistical assumptions, Proudman applied this theory to estimate the acoustic power of isotropic turbulence. Recently, Lighthill established a simple relationship that relates the fourth-order retarded time and space covariance of his stress tensor to the corresponding second-order covariance and the turbulent flatness factor, without making statistical assumptions for a homogeneous turbulence. Lilley revisited Proudman's work and applied the Lighthill relationship to evaluate directly the radiated acoustic power from isotropic turbulence. After choosing the time separation dependence in the two-point velocity time and space covariance based on the insights gained from direct numerical simulations, Lilley concluded that the Proudman constant is determined by the turbulent flatness factor and the second-order spatial velocity covariance. In order to estimate the Proudman constant at high Reynolds numbers, we analyzed a unique data set of measurements in a large wind tunnel and atmospheric surface layer that covers a range of the Taylor microscale based on Reynolds numbers 2.0 x 10(exp 3) less than or equal to R(sub lambda) less than or equal to 12.7 x 10(exp 3). Our measurements demonstrate that the Lighthill relationship is a good approximation, providing additional support to Lilley's approach. The flatness factor is found between 2.7 - 3.3 and the second order spatial velocity covariance is obtained. Based on these experimental data, the Proudman constant is estimated to be 0.68 - 3.68.

Zhou, YE↗

An experimental study of the sources of fluctuating pressure loads beneath swept shock/boundary-layer interactions

An experimental research program providing basic knowledge and establishing a database on the fluctuating pressure loads produced on aerodynamic surfaces beneath three dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interactions is described. Such loads constitute a fundamental problem of critical concern to future supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles. A turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate is subjected to interactions with swept planar shock waves generated by sharp fins at angle of attack. Fin angles from 10 to 20 deg at freestream Mach numbers of 3 and 4 produce a variety of interaction strengths from weak to very strong. Miniature Kulite pressure transducers flush-mounted in the flat plate are used to measure interaction-induced wall pressure fluctuations. The distributions of properties of the pressure fluctuations, such as their ring levels, amplitude distributions, and power spectra, are also determined. Measurements were made for the first time in the aft regions of these interactions, revealing fluctuating pressure levels as high as 160 dB. These fluctuations are dominated by low frequency (0-5 kHz) signals. The maximum ring levels in the interactions show an increasing trend with increasing interaction strength. On the other hand, the maximum ring levels in the forward portion of the interactions decrease linearly with increasing interaction sweep back. These ring pressure distributions and spectra are correlated with the features of the interaction flowfield. The unsteadiness of the off-surface flowfield is studied using a new, non-intrusive technique based on the shadow graph method. The results indicate that the entire lambda-shock structure generated by the interaction undergoes relatively low-frequency oscillations. Some regions where particularly strong fluctuations are generated were identified. Fluctuating pressure measurements are also made along the line of symmetry of an axisymmetric jet impinging upon a flat plate at an angle. This flow was chosen as a simple analog to the impinging jet region found in the rear portion of the shock wave/boundary layer interactions under study. It is found that a sharp peak in ring pressure level exists at or near the mean stagnation point. It is suggested that the phenomena responsible for this peak may be active in the swept interactions as well, and may cause the extremely high fluctuating pressures observed in the impinging jet region in the present experimental program.

Settles, G. S.↗

Numerical simulation of laminar-turbulent transition in a spatially-developing flat plate wake

Laminar-turbulent transition of an incompressible flat-plate wake is investigated by direct numerical integration of the Navier-Stokes equations. For the numerical integration, a combination of finite-difference and spectral methods along with an ADI/Crank-Nicolson/Adams-Bashforth time integration scheme is employed. Subject to 2D forcing, the wake exhibited a rapidly-growing fundamental disturbance that quickly saturated. This saturation was due partly to the stabilizing effect of the mean flow distortion. Downstream of the saturation point, disturbance energy was concentrated in the fundamental disturbance, the second harmonic, and the mean flow distortion component. At large amplitude levels, a Karman vortex street formed. Variations in the 2D forcing level did not alter the qualitative behavior of the disturbances. Simulations of 3D breakdown indicates that the presence of large-amplitude, 2D disturbances tends to initially suppress small-amplitude 3D disturbance growth. Following this initial suppression, a resumption of 3D growth is observed that may have been due to a secondary instability mechanism. For high levels of 3D disturbance energy, lambda-shaped vortical structures formed between adjacent Karman vortices.

Dratler, D. I.↗

Study of gravity and magnetic anomalies using MAGSAT data

The results of modeling satellite-elevation magnetic and gravity data using the constraints imposed by near surface data and seismic evidence shows that the magnetic minimum can be accounted for by either an intracrustal lithologic variation or by an upwarp of the Curie point isotherm. The long wavelength anomalies of the NOO's-vector magnetic survey of the conterminous U.S. were contoured and processed by various frequency filters to enhance particular characteristics. A preliminary inversion of the data was completed and the anomaly field calculated at 450 km from the equivalent magnet sources to compare with the POGO satellite data. Considerable progress was made in studing the satellite magnetic data of South America and adjacent marine areas. Preliminary versions of the 1 deg free-air gravity anomaly map (20 m gal contour interval) and the high cut (lambda approximately 8 deg) filtered anomaly maps are included.

Braile, L. W.↗

The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope: The Final Archive

The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) was a 0.9 m telescope and moderate-resolution (Delta)lambda equals 3 A) far-ultraviolet (820-1850 Å) spectrograph that flew twice on the space shuttle, in 1990 December (Astro-1, STS-35) and 1995 March (Astro-2, STS-67). The resulting spectra were originally archived in a nonstandard format that lacked important descriptive metadata. To increase their utility, we have modified the original datareduction software to produce a new and more user-friendly data product, a time-tagged photon list similar in format to the Intermediate Data Files (IDFs) produced by the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer calibration pipeline. We have transferred all relevant pointing and instrument-status information from locally-archived science and engineering databases into new FITS header keywords for each data set. Using this new pipeline, we have reprocessed the entire HUT archive from both missions, producing a new set of calibrated spectral products in a modern FITS format that is fully compliant with Virtual Observatory requirements. For each exposure, we have generated quicklook plots of the fully-calibrated spectrum and associated pointing history information. Finally, we have retrieved from our archives HUT TV guider images, which provide information on aperture positioning relative to guide stars, and converted them into FITS-format image files. All of these new data products are available in the new HUT section of the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST), along with historical and reference documents from both missions. In this article, we document the improved data-processing steps applied to the data and show examples of the new data products.

Hopkins↗