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At least 163 records · Page 9

X-Ray Production by V1647 Ori During Optical Outbursts

The pre-main-sequence (PMS) star V1647 Ori has recently undergone two optical/near-infrared (OIR) outbursts that are associated with dramatic enhancements in the stellar accretion rate. Our intensive X-ray monitoring of this object affords the opportunity to investigate whether and how the intense X-ray emission is related to PMS accretion activity. Our analysis of all 14 Chandra X-Ray Observatory observations of V1647 Ori demonstrates that variations in the X-ray luminosity of V1647 Ori are correlated with similar changes in the OIR brightness of this source during both (2003-2005 and 2008) eruptions, strongly supporting the hypothesis that accretion is the primary generation mechanism for the X-ray outbursts. Furthermore, the Chandra monitoring demonstrates that the X-ray spectral properties of the second eruption were strikingly similar to those of the 2003 eruption. We find that X-ray spectra obtained immediately following the second outburstduring which V1647 Ori exhibited high X-ray luminosities, high hardness ratios, and strong X-ray variabilityare well modeled as a heavily absorbed (N H 4 1022cm2), single-component plasma with characteristic temperatures (kT X 2-6keV) that are consistently too high to be generated via accretion shocks but are in the range expected for plasma heated by magnetic reconnection events. We also find that the X-ray absorbing column has not changed significantly throughout the observing campaign. Since the OIR and X-ray changes are correlated, we hypothesize that these reconnection events either occur in the accretion stream connecting the circumstellar disk to the star or in accretion-enhanced protostellar coronal activity.

Teets, William↗

X-ray Evolution of the Nova V959 Mon Suggests a Delayed Ejection and a Non-Radiative Shock

X-ray observations of shocked gas in novae can provide a useful probe of the dynamics of the ejecta. Here we report on X-ray observations of the nova V959 Mon, which was also detected in GeV gamma-rays with the Fermi satellite. We find that the X-ray spectra are consistent with a two-temperature plasma model with non-solar abundances. We interpret the X-rays as due to shock interaction between the slow equatorial torus and the fast polar outflow that were inferred from radio observations ofV959 Mon. We further propose that the hotter component, responsible for most of the flux, is from the reverse shock driven into the fast outflow. We find a systematic drop in the column density of the absorber between days 60 and 140, consistent with the expectations for such a picture. We present intriguing evidence for a delay of around 40 d in the expulsion of the ejecta from the central binary. Moreover, we infer a relatively small (a few times 10−6Msun) ejecta mass ahead of the shock, considerably lower than the mass of 104K gas inferred from radio observations. Finally, we infer that the dominant X-ray shock was likely notradiative at the time of our observations, and that the shock power was considerably higher than the observed X-ray luminosity. It is unclear why high X-ray luminosity, closer to the inferred shock power, is never seen in novae at early times, when the shock is expected to have high enough density to be radiative.

Thomas Nelson↗

Research activity at the shock tube facility at NASA Ames

The real gas phenomena dominate the relaxation process occurring in the flow around hypersonic vehicles. The air flow around these vehicles undergoes vibrational excitation, chemical dissociation, and ionization. These chemical and kinetic phenomena absorb energy, change compressibility, cause temperature to fall, and density to rise. In high-altitude, low density environments, the characteristic thicknesses of the shock layers can be smaller than the relaxation distances required for the gas to attain chemical and thermodynamic equilibrium. To determine the effects of chemical nonequilibrium over a realistic hypersonic vehicle, it would be desirable to conduct an experiment in which all aspects of fluid flow are simulated. Such an experiment is extremely difficult to setup. The only practical alternative is to develop a theoretical model of the phenomena and to compute the flow around the vehicle including the chemical nonequilibrium, and compare the results with the experiments conducted in the facilities under conditions where only a portion of the flow phenomena is simulated. Three types of experimental data are needed to assist the aerospace community in this model development process: (1) data which will enhance our phenomenological understanding of the relaxation process, (2) data on rate reactions for the relevant reactions, and (3) data on bulk properties, such as spectral radiation emitted by the gas, for a given set of aerodynamic conditions. NASA Ames is in a process of collecting such data by simulating the required aerothermochemical conditions in an electric arc driven shock tube.

Sharma, Surendra P.↗

Attenuation of stress waves in single and multi-layered structures

Analytical and experimental studies were made of the attenuation of the stress waves during passage through single and multilayer structures. The investigation included studies on elastic and plastic stress wave propagation in the composites and those on shock mitigating material characteristics such as dynamic stress-strain relations and energy absorbing properties. The results of the studies are applied to methods for reducing the stresses imposed on a spacecraft during planetary or ocean landings.

Yang, J. C. S.↗

Acoustic results of supersonic tip speed fan blade modification

A supersonic tip speed single stage fan was modified with the intent of reducing multiple pure tone (MPT) or buzz saw noise. There were three modifications to the blades from the original design. The modifications to the blade resulted in an increase in cascade throat area causing the shock to start at a lower corrected fan speed. The acoustic results without acoustically absorbing liners showed substantial reduction in multiple pure tone levels. However, an increase in the blade passing frequency noise at takeoff fan speed accompanied the MPT reduction. The net result however, was a reduction in the maximum 1000-foot (304.8 m) altitude level flyover PNL. For the case with acoustic treatment in the inlet outer wall, the takeoff noise increased relative to an acoustically treated baseline. This was largely due to the increased blade passing frequency noise which was not effectively reduced by the liner.

Jutras, R. R.↗

Development of a high temperature pyrolysis mechanism for cyclopentanone, a potential biofuel derived from biomass

Cyclopentanone (CPO) is a promising biofuel for spark-ignition engines due to its ring strain and high auto-ignition resistance. The Department of Energy has identified CPO as a potential biofuel candidate because of its unique chemical properties. Understanding CPO decomposition is crucial to building a high-temperature combustion model. In this study, we present a comprehensive kinetic model for high-temperature pyrolysis of CPO with verified results from high-pressure shock tube (HPST) measurements. The time histories of carbon monoxide (CO), ethylene (C2H4), and CPO absorbances over the temperature range of 1156-1416 K and 8.53-10.06 atm were measured. A corresponding kinetic model was generated using the Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) with the parameters of dominant pathways from either previous studies or quantum calculation within current work. The final model containing 821 species and 79,859 reactions exhibited a good agreement with the experimental results. In this study, the C2H4/CO ratio was used as an essential factor to validate the model and to prove that radical-involved bimolecular pathways were as significant as unimolecular decomposition of CPO. The rate of production (ROP) analysis showed that H radicals play major roles in both primary reactions and product pyrolysis. The insights from this work can be used to generate a better CPO combustion model and help evaluate CPO as a biofuel. Such understanding can also be helpful when proposing pyrolysis or combustion models for other biofuels.

cyclopentanone, reaction mechanism, pyrolysis, sho↗

Acoustic waves in the solar atmosphere. VII - Non-grey, non-LTE H(-) models

The propagation and shock formation of radiatively damped acoustic waves in the solar chromosphere are studied under the assumption that H(-) is the only absorber; the opacity is non-grey. Deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) are permitted. The results of numerical simulations show the depth dependence of the heating by the acoustic waves to be insensitive to the mean state of the atmosphere. After the waves have developed into shocks, their energy flux decays exponentially with a constant damping length of about 1.4 times the pressure scale height, independent of initial flux and wave period. Departures from LTE have a strong influence on the mean temperature structure in dynamical chromosphere models; this is even more pronounced in models with reduced particle density - simulating conditions in magnetic flux tubes - which show significantly increased temperatures in response to mechanical heating. When the energy dissipation of the waves is sufficiently large to dissociate most of the H(-) ions, a strong temperature rise is found that is reminiscent of the temperature structure in the transition zone between chromosphere and corona; the energy flux remaining in the waves then drives mass motions.

Schmitz, F.↗

X-ray Observations of Binary and Single Wolf-Rayet Stars with XMM-Newton and Chandra

We present an overview of recent X-ray observations of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars with XMM-Newton and Chandra. These observations are aimed at determining the differences in X-ray properties between massive WR + OB binary systems and putatively single WR stars. A new XMM spectrum of the nearby WN8 + OB binary WR 147 shows hard absorbed X-ray emission (including the Fe Ka line complex), characteristic of colliding wind shock sources. In contrast, sensitive observations of four of the closest known single WC (carbon-rich) WR stars have yielded only nondetections. These results tentatively suggest that single WC stars are X-ray quiet. The presence of a companion may thus be an essential factor in elevating the X-ray emission of WC + OB stars to detectable levels.

Skinner, Stephen↗

Soft Landing of Spacecraft on Energy-Absorbing Self-Deployable Cushions

A report proposes the use of cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) foam structures to cushion impacts of small (1 to 50 kg) exploratory spacecraft on remote planets. Airbags, which are used on larger (800 to 1,000 kg) spacecraft have been found to (1) be too complex for smaller spacecraft; (2) provide insufficient thermal insulation between spacecraft and ground; (3) bounce on impact, thereby making it difficult to land spacecraft in precisely designated positions; and (4) be too unstable to serve as platforms for scientific observations. A CHEM foam pad according to the proposal would have a glass-transition temperature (Tg) well above ambient temperature. It would be compacted, at a temperature above Tg, to about a tenth or less of its original volume, then cooled below Tg, then installed on a spacecraft without compacting restraints. Upon entry of the spacecraft into a planetary atmosphere, the temperature would rise above Tg, causing the pad to expand to its original volume and shape. As the spacecraft decelerated and cooled, the temperature would fall below Tg, rigidifying the foam structure. The structure would absorb kinetic energy during ground impact by inelastic crushing, thus protecting the payload from damaging shocks. Thereafter, this pad would serve as a mechanically stable, thermally insulating platform for the landed spacecraft.

Sokolowski, Witold↗

Revealing the critical role of radical-involved pathways in high temperature cyclopentanone pyrolysis

Cyclopentanone (CPO) is a promising biofuel for spark-ignition engines due to its ring strain and high auto-ignition resistance. Understanding CPO decomposition is crucial for building a high-temperature combustion model. Here we present a comprehensive kinetic model for high-temperature pyrolysis of CPO with verified results from high-pressure shock tube (HPST) measurements. The time- histories of carbon monoxide (CO), ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), and CPO absorbances over the temperature range of 1156-1416 K and pressure range of 8.53-10.06 atm were measured during current experiments. A corresponding detailed kinetic model was generated using the Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) with dominant unimolecular/radical-involved decomposition pathways from either previous studies or quantum calculations within the current work. The obtained model containing 821 species and 79,859 reactions exhibited a good agreement with the experimental results. In this study, the absorbance ratio between C 2 H 4 and CO was used as an important factor to validate models and to prove that radical-involved bimolecular pathways were as significant as unimolecular decomposition of CPO. The rate of production (ROP) analysis showed H radicals play a major role in the decomposition, and the whole decomposition process could be divided into three stages based on the H radical concentration. Finally, the insights from present work can be used to generate a better CPO combustion model and help evaluate CPO as an advanced biofuel.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Towards Perfectly Absorbing Boundary Conditions for Euler Equations

In this paper, we examine the effectiveness of absorbing layers as non-reflecting computational boundaries for the Euler equations. The absorbing-layer equations are simply obtained by splitting the governing equations in the coordinate directions and introducing absorption coefficients in each split equation. This methodology is similar to that used by Berenger for the numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations. Specifically, we apply this methodology to three physical problems shock-vortex interactions, a plane free shear flow and an axisymmetric jet- with emphasis on acoustic wave propagation. Our numerical results indicate that the use of absorbing layers effectively minimizes numerical reflection in all three problems considered.

Hayder, M. Ehtesham↗

Collisional Histories of Comets and Trojan Asteroids: Diopside, Magnesite, and Fayalite Impact Studies

Comets and asteroids have weathered dynamic histories, as evidenced by their rough surfaces. The Nice model describes a violent reshuffling of small bodies during the Late Heavy Bombardment, with collisions acting to grind these planetesimals away. This creates an additional source of impact material that can re-work the surfaces of the larger bodies over the lifetime of the solar system. Here, we investigate the possibility that signatures due to impacts (e.g. from micrometeoroids or meteoroids) could be detected in their spectra, and how that can be explained by the physical manifestation of shock in the crystalline structure of minerals. All impact experiments were conducted in the Johnson Space Center Experimental Impact Laboratory using the vertical gun. Impact speeds ranged from approx.2.0 km/s to approx.2.8 km/s. All experiments were conducted at room temperature. Minerals found in comets and asteroids were chosen as targets, including diopside (MgCaSi2O6, monoclinic pyroxene), magnesite (MgCO3, carbonate), and fayalite (FeSiO4, olivine). Impacted samples were analyzed using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Absorbance features in the 8-13 m spectral region demonstrate relative amplitude changes as well as wavelength shifts. Corresponding TEM images exhibit planar shock dislocations in the crystalline structure, attributed to deformation at high strain and low temperatures. Elongating or shortening the axes of the crystalline structure of forsterite (Mg2SiO4, olivine) using a discrete dipole approximation model (Lindsay et al., submitted) yields changes in spectral features similar to those observed in our impacted laboratory minerals.

Lederer, S. M.↗

A Deep X-Ray View of the Synchrotron-Dominated Supernova Remnant G330.2+1.0

We present moderately deep (125 ks) XMM-Newton observations of supernova remnant G330.2+1.0. This remnant is one of only a few known that fall into the "synchrotron-dominated" category, with the emission almost entirely dominated by a nonthermal continuum. Previous X-ray observations could only characterize the spectra of a few regions. Here, we examine the spectra from 14 regions surrounding the entire rim, finding that the spectral properties of the nonthermal emission do not vary significantly in any systematic way from one part of the forward shock to another, unlike several other remnants of this class. We confirm earlier findings that the power-law index, Γ, ranges from about 2.1-2.5, while the absorbing column density is generally between (2.0-2.6) × 10(exp 22) cm(exp -2). Fits with the srcut model find values of the roll-off frequency in the range of 10(exp 17.1)-10(exp 17.5) Hz, implying energies of accelerated electrons of approximately 100 TeV. These values imply a high shock velocity of approximately 4600 km s(exp -1), favoring a young age of the remnant. Diffuse emission from the interior is nonthermal in origin as well, and fits to these regions yield similar values to those along the rim, also implying a young age. Thermal emission is present in the east, and the spectrum is consistent with approximately 650 km s(exp -1) shock wave encountering interstellar or circumstellar material with a density of approximately 1 cm(exp -3).

Williams, Brian J.↗

Submillimeter observations of OH and CH in M42

The (sup 2) pi sub 1/2 (J = 3/2 to 1/2) transitions of OH at 163.12 and 163.40 micro m have been detected and upper limits have been obtained for the (sup 2) pi sub 3/2 (J = 3/2 to 1/2) transitions of CH at 149.09 and 149.39 micro m, in observations of the Kleinmann-Low Nebula of Orion. All four flux levels lie between 1 and 1.2 x 10 to the 17th power/sq.cm. The OH lines are bright when compared to the lower, (sup 2) pi sub 3/2 (J = 5/2 to 3/2) fluxes reported and imply that the 119 micro m emission observed is partially self-absorbed. The combined results provide strong constraints. Taken together with existing data on molecular hydrogen and CO and recent data on other OH transition, they suggest OH emission from post-shock regions at temperatures T approx 1000 k, densities approx. 7 x 10 to the 6th powr/cu cm N sub OH approx 80/cu cm optically thick for the (sup 2) pi sub 3/2 (J = 5/2 to 3/2), 119 micro m but only partially self-absorbing in the (J = 7/2 to 3/2), 84 micro m transitions over a Doppler velocity bandwidth of 30 km/sec. The OH column density is N sub OH approx 4 x 10 to the 16th powr/sq cm. in the emitting regions which occupy a fraction of approx 0.1 of a 1' x 1' field of view centered on the Becklin-Neugebauer source. The CO (J = 31 to 30), 84 micro m transition appears to lie sufficiently close to one of the 84 micro m OH line components to be partially absorbed as well, through a Bowen-type mechanism.

Viscuso, P. J.↗

Pressure variable orifice for hydraulic control valve

Hydraulic valve absorbs impact energy generated in docking or joining of two large bodies by controlling energy release to avoid jarring shock. The area of exit porting presented to the hydraulic control fluid is directly proportional to the pressure acting on the fluid.

Ammerman, R. L.↗

Interaction of the solar wind with the moon.

During its orbit about the earth, the moon is located in the interplanetary medium or in the geomagnetosheath-geomagnetotail formed by the solar wind interaction with earth. In the tail, no evidence is found for a lunar magnetic field. In the interplanetary medium, no evidence exists for a bow shock or a trailing shock, although a well defined plasma wake region is observed in the anti-solar wind direction. The moon absorbs the solar wind plasma that strikes its surface and creates a void region or cavity in the flow. The observed lunar Mach cone gives evidence for the anisotropic propagation of waves in the magnetized collisionless warm plasma of the solar wind. The transmission of microstructural discontinuities in the interplanetary medium past the moon shows little distortion, indicating a low effective electrical conductivity of the lunar body. Fluctuations of the interplanetary magnetic field upstream from the plasma wake are stimulated by the disturbed conditions in that region. The moon behaves like a cold, nonmagnetic, fully absorbing dielectric sphere in the solar wind flow.

Ness, N. F.↗

Shock revival in core-collapse supernovae assisted by heavy axionlike particles

We report axionlike particles (ALPs) are a class of hypothetical pseudoscalar particles which feebly interact with ordinary matter. The hot plasma of core-collapse supernovae is a possible laboratory to explore physics beyond the standard model including ALPs. Once produced, some of the ALPs can be absorbed by the supernova matter and affect energy transfer. In this study, we calculate the ALP emission in core-collapse supernovae and the backreaction on supernova dynamics consistently. It is found that the stalled bounce shock can be revived if the coupling between ALPs and photons is as high as $g_{aγ}$ ~ 10 -9 GeV -1 and the ALP mass is 40–400 MeV. Most of the models result in more energetic explosions than the average observed supernova. While this can be used to place constraints on those ALPs, long-term simulations across multiple progenitors need to be further investigated to place robust limits.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

The origin of the soft X-ray excess in the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 2110

We present and discuss an X-ray image and a medium-resolution X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 2110 obtained with the high-resolution imager (HRI) on ROSAT (0.1-2.4 keV) and Goddard's Broad Band X-ray Telescope (BBXRT; 0.3-11 keV), respectively. Spatially resolved soft X-ray emission, which peaks 4 arcsecs to the north of the nucleus and near the position of the highest excitation optical emission line gas is seen in the HRI observation. The extent has a flux of approximately 3 x 10(exp -13) ergs/sq cm/s and accounts for 11% +/- 3% of the total 0.1-2.4 keV flux. To model the BBXRT spectrum, a soft excess component is required which has a flux of approximately 3.5 x 10(exp -13) ergs/sq cm/s and accounts for approximately 14% +/- 6% of the total 0.1-2.4 keV flux. In addition, BBXRT confirms the presence of an approximately 175 eV equivalent width Fe K alpha flourescence line in NGC 2110. Because of the good agreement between their fluxes, we propose that the soft excess in NGC 2110 is due to leakage of the X-ray continuum through a patchy absorber. The temperature of the gas responsible for the soft excess is too high to be accounted for by local shock heating. In order to explain the soft excess and extent as either scattered continuum X-rays or flourescence from gas photoionized by the nuclear source, the hard X-rays must be emitted anisotropically. However, the soft excess and extent can be well modeled as thermal emission from a hot, outflowing wind, which may also be responsible for confirming at least some portion of the optical narrow line-emitting clouds.

Weaver, K. A.↗