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At least 163 records · Page 9

A Distant Mirror: Solar Oscillations Observed on Neptune by the Kepler K2 Mission

Starting in 2014 December, Kepler (K2) observed Neptune continuously for 49 days at a 1-minute cadence. The goals consisted of studying its atmospheric dynamics, detecting its global acoustic oscillations, and those of the Sun, which we report on here. We present the first indirect detection of solar oscillations in intensity measurements. Beyond the remarkable technical performance, it indicates how Kepler would see a star like the Sun. The result from the global asteroseismic approach, which consists of measuring the oscillation frequency at maximum amplitude max velocity and the mean frequency separation between mode overtones delta velocity, is surprising as the max velocity measured from Neptune photometry is larger than the accepted value. Compared to the usual reference max velocity of the sun equal to 3100 microhertz, the asteroseismic scaling relations therefore make the solar mass and radius appear larger by 13.8 plus or minus 5.8 percent and 4.3 plus or minus 1.9 percent, respectively. The higher max velocity is caused by a combination of the value of max velocity of the sun, being larger at the time of observations than the usual reference from SOHO/VIRGO/SPM (Variability of solar IRradiance and Gravity Oscillations / on board SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) / Sun PhotoMeters) data (3160 plus or minus 10 microhertz), and the noise level of the K2 time series, being 10 times larger than VIRGO's. The peak-bagging method provides more consistent results: despite a low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), we model 10 overtones for degrees iota equal 0, 1, 2. We compare the K2 data with simultaneous SOHO/VIRGO/SPM photometry and Bison (Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network) velocity measurements. The individual frequencies, widths, and amplitudes mostly match those from VIRGO and BiSON within 1 sigma, except for the few peaks with the lowest S/N.

planets and satellites: individual (Neptune) – s↗

Novel High Temperature Capacitive Pressure Sensor Utilizing SiC Integrated Circuit Twin Ring Oscillators

This paper describes initial development and testing of a novel high temperature capacitive pressure sensor system. The pressure sensor system consists of two 4H-SiC 11-stage ring oscillators and a SiCN capacitive pressure sensor. One oscillator has the capacitive pressure sensor fixed at one node in its feedback loop and varies as a function of pressure and temperature while the other provides a pressure-independent reference frequency which can be used to temperature compensate the output of the first oscillator. A two-day repeatability test was performed up to 500C on the oscillators and the oscillator fundamental frequency changed by only 1. The SiCN capacitive pressure sensor was characterized at room temperature from 0 to 300 psi. The sensor had an initial capacitance of 3.76 pF at 0 psi and 1.75 pF at 300 psi corresponding to a 54 change in capacitance. The integrated pressure sensor system was characterized from 0 to 300 psi in steps of 50 psi over a temperature range of 25 to 500C. The pressure sensor system sensitivity was 0.113 kHzpsi at 25C and 0.026 kHzpsi at 500C.

high temperature↗

Helioseismic Observations of Torsional Oscillations Inside the Sun and Their Potential for Predicting Solar Cycles

The helioseismic analysis of torsional oscillations of the Sun, obtained in 1996-2018 from SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) and SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), reveals the spatio-temporal dynamics associated with the dynamo process. The data reveal new relationships between the migrating magnetic field patterns observed in synoptic magnetograms and the dynamics of torsional oscillations near the surface and in the interior. In particular, it is found that the evolution of torsional oscillations in the deep convection zone is ahead of the surface magnetic evolution by several years, and that it is related to the extended solar cycle phenomenon previously observed in the solar corona. The data show substantial differences in the torsional oscillation properties between Cycles 23 and 24 indicating fundamental changes in the dynamo regime, and also reveal initiation of Cycle 25. The helioseismology observations of the torsional oscillations open new perspectives for understanding the global dynamo processes inside the Sun, and for predicting the next solar cycle.

Oscillations↗

Extension and Validation of the Pendulum Model for Longitudinal Solar Prominence Oscillations

Context. Longitudinal oscillations in prominences are common phenomena on the Sun. These oscillations can be used to infer the geometry and intensity of the filament magnetic field. Previous theoretical studies of longitudinal oscillations made two simplifying assumptions: uniform gravity and semicircular dips on the supporting flux tubes. However, the gravity is not uniform and realistic dips are not semicircular. Aims. Our aim is to understand the effects of including the nonuniform solar gravity on longitudinal oscillations and explore the validity of the pendulum model with different flux-tube geometries. Methods. We first derived the equation describing the motion of the plasma along the flux tube including the effects of nonuniform gravity, yielding corrections to the original pendulum model. We also computed the full numerical solutions for the normal modes and compared them with the new pendulum approximation. Results. We find that the nonuniform gravity introduces a significant modification in the pendulum model. We also found a cut-off period; i.e., the longitudinal oscillations cannot have a period longer than 167 min. In addition, considering different tube geometries, the period depends almost exclusively on the radius of curvature at the bottom of the dip. Conclusions. We conclude that nonuniform gravity significantly modifies the pendulum model. These corrections are important for prominence seismology, because the inferred values of the radius of curvature and minimum magnetic-field strength differ substantially from those of the old model. However, we find that the corrected pendulum model is quite robust and is still valid for noncircular dips.

Sun: corona↗

Some characteristics of low-frequency oscillations observed at ATS 1.

Analysis of low-frequency oscillations of the magnetic field at ATS 1 for the 25-month data interval from December 1966 to December 1968. Irregular oscillations and oscillations associated with magnetic storms were excluded from the analysis. Of the 222 events identified, 170 events were oscillating predominantly transverse to the background magnetic field. The oscillations were observed to occur most frequently in the early afternoon hours. They also seemed to occur more frequently during December, January, and February than at other times of the year. During a given individual event the frequency was fairly constant and it varied between .0015 and .02 Hz with a broad peak near .01 Hz. The event duration varied between a minimum of 10 min and a maximum of 14 hours and 26 min. During a given event the amplitude varied. The average maximum amplitude of an event was about 3 gamma.

Cummings, W. D.↗

Can oscillations grow in a sunspot umbra.

Umbral flashes and running penumbral waves have been attributed by Moore (1972) to overstable oscillations in the umbra. His numerical results were derived by inserting physical conditions at two particular depths beneath the umbral surface. Seven variables must be specified at each point. We have extended Moore's analysis to examine the depth-dependence of overstable oscillations in a recently computed umbral model. Electrical conductivity is evaluated taking full account of partial ionization and magnetic fields. In the surface layers, within 250 km of the top of the umbral convection zone, the conductivity is so low that Joule dissipation is more rapid than the growth rate of oscillations. In these layers, Moore's results are therefore not applicable. At greater depths, oscillations can grow and we agree with Moore that both umbral flashes and penumbral waves may be due to overstable oscillations. However, we suggest that both phenomena can arise at the same depth in the spot, and not in two layers, as Moore suggests.

Mullan, D. J.↗

Part 2: Oscillations of elastic systems

Problems of oscillations of linear systems are discussed, including systems with a fractional number of degrees of freedom as well as free oscillations of a cantilever in the field of centrifugal forces. Four methods of solving the problem of the action of periodic instantaneous impulses are presented. The Tacoma catastrophe is analyzed and used as an example of aeroelastic oscillations. Problems of nonlinear system oscillations include the vibration maintenance of rotation, the Sommerfeld effect, and self-oscillations of a quasi-system with dry friction.

Source record↗

The measurement of frequency and frequency stability of precision oscillators

The specification and performance of precision oscillators is discussed as a very important topic to the owners and users of these oscillators. This paper presents at the tutorial level some convenient methods of measuring the frequencies of precision oscillators -- giving advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Further it is shown that by processing the data from the frequency measurements in certain ways, one may be able to state more general characteristics of the oscillators being measured. The goal in this regard is to allow the comparisons of different manufacturers' specifications and more importantly to help assess whether these oscillators will meet the standard of performance the user may have in a particular application.

Allan, D. W.↗

H alpha oscillations in sunspot umbrae

Results are reported for direct measurement of intensity fluctuations and photographic subtractions of simultaneous Doppler filtergrams of H-alpha oscillations in sunspot umbrae. The observational techniques are described, and data are presented on the intensity variations, power spectra, and specific characteristics of the oscillations. Periods for the velocity oscillations are obtained by power spectrum analysis. It is found that the oscillations are apparently continuous, and that each umbra has its own characteristic period ranging from 145 to 180 plus or minus 10 sec and a duration of at least 8 cycles. A Doppler shift of 10 km/sec, an oscillating element size of 3 sec or less, and visibility to a radius vector of about 0.9 are also observed.

Phillis, G. L.↗

Electron plasma oscillations associated with type III radio emissions and solar electrons

Results of an extensive search for electron plasma oscillations associated with type III radio noise bursts are presented which were obtained by analyzing 87 type III bursts detected in plasma-wave and charged-particle measurements carried out by IMP 6, 7, and 8. Only one case is found for which plasma oscillations were associated with electrons of solar origin; at least eight events are identified in which no plasma oscillations were detected even though electrons from solar flares were clearly evident. The type III emissions are compared with similar radiation coming from upstream of earth's bow shock at the harmonic of the local electron plasma frequency, and quantitative calculations of the rate of conversion from plasma oscillatory energy to electromagnetic radiation are performed. The results show that electron plasma oscillations are seldom observed in association with solar electron events and type III radio bursts at 1.0 AU and that neither the type III emissions nor the radiation from upstream of the bow shock can be adequately explained by a current model for the coupling of electron plasma oscillations to electromagnetic radiation. Several possible explanations are considered for this discrepancy between theory and observations.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Surface acoustic wave stabilized oscillators

A number of 401.2 MHz surface acoustic wave (SAW) controlled oscillators were built and tested. The performance of these oscillators was evaluated for possible use as stable oscillators in communication systems. A short term frequency stability of better than 1 x 10 to the minus 9th power for one second was measured for the SAW oscillators. Long term frequency drift was measured and was found to be dependent on SAW design and packaging. Drift rates ranging from 15 ppm in twenty weeks to 2.5 ppm in twenty weeks were observed. Some further improvement was required. The temperature dependence of the saw oscillators was evaluated and it was concluded that some form of temperature compensation will be necessary to meet the requirements of some communication systems.

Parker, T. E.↗

Surface acoustic wave stabilized oscillators

Four areas of surface acoustic wave (SAW) controlled oscillators were investigated and a number of 401.2 MHz oscillators were constructed that showed improved performance. Aging studies on SAW devices packaged in HC36/U cold weld enclosures produced frequency drifts as low as 0.4 ppm in 35 weeks and drift rates well under 0.5 ppm/year. Temperature compensation circuits have substantially improved oscillator temperature stability, with a deviation of + or - 4 ppm observed over the range -45 C to + 40 C. High efficiency amplifiers were constructed for SAW oscillators and a dc to RF efficiency of 44 percent was obtained for an RF output of 25 mW. Shock and vibration tests were made on four oscillators and all survived 500 G shock pulses unchanged. Only when white noise vibration (20 Hz to 2000 Hz) levels of 20 G's rms were applied did some of the devices fail.

Parker, T. E.↗

Wind tunnel apparatus for translational oscillation experiments

A full-model translational oscillation apparatus has been developed for the wind-tunnel determination, in a wide speed range, of all three moment derivatives due to translational acceleration. The apparatus can be employed, in principle, for both vertical and horizontal oscillation experiments and can be used, therefore, to obtain moment derivatives due to alpha or beta, respectively. This information can be obtained directly if the model can be oscillated in the translational mode only, or indirectly - by utilizing some complementary information from angular oscillation experiments - if the model is allowed to also perform a small angular oscillation. The apparatus employs modern, fully digital instrumentation and an extensive use of auto and cross correlation techniques is made in the data reduction procedure

Orlik-Ruckemann, K. J.↗

The 2.2 GHz Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) oscillator development Ku-band frequency source development

Two 2.2 GHz SAW oscillators using aluminum nitride on sapphire (AlN/Al2O3) delay lines were fabricated. The oscillators were electronically temperature compensated and characterized. One of the oscillators was used as the frequency reference for the Ku band source; the second oscillator is available for continued evaluation. A 15 GHz frequency source was designed and fabricated. The 15 GHz source consists of a Ku band FET oscillator which is phase locked to the frequency multiplied (X7) output of the 2.2 GHz SAW reference source. The Ku band source was built using microstrip circuit designs, which are hybrid compatible. Two wafer runs of 2.2 GHz TED devices were fabricated and evaluated. The devices were mounted on microstrip test substrates and evaluated as 15 GHz divide by 7 circuits. The device evaluation indicated that in their present form the TED is not a practical circuit element.

Source record↗

Large amplitude drop shape oscillations

An experimental study of large amplitude drop shape oscillation was conducted in immiscible liquids systems and with levitated free liquid drops in air. In liquid-liquid systems the results indicate the existence of familiar characteristics of nonlinear phenomena. The resonance frequency of the fundamental quadrupole mode of stationary, low viscosity Silicone oil drops acoustically levitated in water falls to noticeably low values as the amplitude of oscillation is increased. A typical, experimentally determined relative frequency decrease of a 0.5 cubic centimeters drop would be about 10% when the maximum deformed shape is characterized by a major to minor axial ratio of 1.9. On the other hand, no change in the fundamental mode frequency could be detected for 1 mm drops levitated in air. The experimental data for the decay constant of the quadrupole mode of drops immersed in a liquid host indicate a slight increase for larger oscillation amplitudes. A qualitative investigation of the internal fluid flows for such drops revealed the existence of steady internal circulation within drops oscillating in the fundamental and higher modes. The flow field configuration in the outer host liquid is also significantly altered when the drop oscillation amplitude becomes large.

Trinh, E. H.↗

Interannual atmospheric angular momentum variability 1963-1973 and the Southern Oscillation

The Oort (1981) data set is used to determine the total angular momentum variability of the atmosphere below 75 mbar over the 120-month period from May 1963 to April 1973. These results are in turn compared with the observed length of day variations of the same period. When the mean, annual and semi-annual cycles are removed, the angular momentum displays an irregular oscillation with periods of three to four years and a corresponding relative change in the length of day of about + or - 0.2 x 10 to the -8th. This oscillation, which agrees with the observed interannual length of day variations for the period, appears to be related to the oscillation in tropical air and sea surface temperatures which lags behind the temperature oscillation by a few months. A relative change in the rotation of the earth on the order of 0.2 x 10 to the -8th can be produced by an observed tropical temperature oscillation of 1.0 C, according to a thermal wind argument.

Stefanick, M.↗

Analysis of shuttle oscillation in the Mach Number = 1.7 to Mach Number = 1.0 range

The first five flights of the Space Transportation System (STS) have exhibited unexpected lateral oscillations in the Mach Number = 1.7 to Mach Number = 1.0 region of the descent trajectory. These oscillations can be split into two parts: a predominantly rolling oscillation referred to as the quarter hertz motion and a long-priod, large-amplitude oscillation in sideslips, roll rate, and yaw rate. These motions are analyzed in this paper in order to determine their source and the mechanism driving them. They will first be examined to determine how much of the motion can be explained using the set of equations that contain linear aerodynamic parameters. Then differences between measured moments and those calculated using linear aerodynamics which are considered to be due to unmodeled moments will be exained. Possible error sources such as not inluding nonlinear aerodynamics in the vehicle model, measurement errors, and the effect of pressure gradients will be considered. Based on these analyses, conclusions as to the nature and cause of the Shuttle lateral oscillations will be drawn.

Suit, W. T.↗

Progress in optical parametric oscillators

It is pointed out that tunable coherent sources are very useful for many applications, including spectroscopy, chemistry, combustion diagnostics, and remote sensing. Compared with other tunable sources, optical parametric oscillators (OPO) offer the potential advantage of a wide wavelength operating range, which extends from 0.2 micron to 25 microns. The current status of OPO is examined, taking into account mainly advances made during the last decade. Attention is given to early LiNbO3 parametric oscillators, problems which have prevented wide use of parametric oscillators, the demonstration of OPO's using urea and AgGaS2, progress related to picosecond OPO's, a breakthrough in nanosecond parametric oscillators, the first demonstration of a waveguide and fiber parametric amplification and generation, the importance of chalcopyrite crystals, and theoretical work performed with the aim to understand the factors affecting the parametric oscillator performance.

Fan, Y. X.↗