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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 163 records · Page 9
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NASA NTRS1994

ROSAT observations of the black hole candidate V404 Cygni in quiescence

V404 Cyg was detected with the ROSAT PSPC in a 16 ks observation 1265 days after the 1989 May outburst. This is the first unambiguous detection of a soft X-ray transient or X-ray nova black hole candidate in quiescence. The observed X-ray spectrum is extremely soft and can be described equally well by either a blackbody, power-law, or a thermal bremsstrahlung continuum. The best-fit blackbody spectrum is characterized by a temperature of 0.2 keV. A significant amount of absorption, both along the line of sight and intrinsic to the V404 Cyg system, is required to understand the observations. The 0.2-2.4 keV light curve of V404 Cyg exhibits substantial variability on timescales of less than a day. Assuming a distance of 3.5 kpc, the quiescent X-ray luminosity of V404 Cyg is 8 x 10(exp 33) ergs/s, nearly two orders of magnitude larger than the upper such as Cen X-4. The lack of a significant hard X-ray luminosity in quiescence, the presence of a large and cold neutral region in the accretion disk, and a low-mass accretion rate suggests that an accretion disk instability might account for the outburst of V404 Cyg.

Wagner, R. Mark↗
NASA NTRS1994

The organic surface of 5145 Pholus: Constraints set by scattering theory

No known body in the Solar System has a spectrum redder than that of object 5145 Pholus. We use Hapke scattering theory and optical constants measured in this laboratory to examine the ability of mixtures of a number of organic solids and ices to reproduce the observed spectrum and phase variation. The primary materials considered are poly-HCN, kerogen, Murchison organic extract, Titan tholin, ice tholin, and water ice. In a computer grid search of over 10 million models, we find an intraparticle mixture of 15% Titan tholin, 10% poly-HCN, and 75% water ice with 10-micrometers particles to provide an excellent fit. Replacing water ice with ammonia ice improves the fits significantly while using a pure hydrocarbon tholin, Tholin alpha, instead of Titan tholin makes only modest improvements. All acceptable fits require Titan tholin or some comparable material to provide the steep slope in the visible, and poly-HCN or some comparable material to provide strong absorption in the near-infrared. A pure Titan tholin surface with 16-micrometers particles, as well as all acceptable Pholus models, fit the present spectrophotometric data for the transplutonian object 1992 QB(sub 1). The feasibility of gas-phase chemistry to generate material like Titan tholin on such small objects is examined. An irradiated transient atmosphere arising from sublimating ices may generate at most a few centimeters of tholin over the lifetime of the Solar System, but this is insignificant compared to the expected lag deposit of primordial contaminants left behind by the sublimating ice. Irradiation of subsurface N2/CH4 or NH3/CH4 ice by cosmic rays may generate approximately 20 cm of tholin in the upper 10 m of regolith in the same time scale but the identity of this tholin to its gas-phase equivalent has not been demonstrated.

Wilson, Peter D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Temperature dependence of the transient photoconductive response in stretched trans-polyacetylene films with below-gap excitation

The temperature dependence of the picosecond photocurrent with below-gap excitation (1.06 microns) has been measured for a highly oriented form of transpolyacetylene. The one-dimensional picosecond photocurrent is independent of temperature. The three-dimensional picosecond photocurrent is temperature dependent with an activation energy of 63 meV. These results demonstrate the photoproduction of nonlinear charged carriers (solitons and polarons) at energies that are below the principal interband absorption edge.

Walser, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Transient ablation of Teflon in intense radiative and convective environments

On the basis of this investigation of the high-temperature behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the transient one-dimensional ablation of PTFE has been developed by taking into account the optical transmittance of both the amorphous zone and the crystalline zone of PTFE layer. Results show that although the exposed surface receded at an apparently steady state, both the internal temperature and the thickness of the gel layer increase continuously due to the internal absorption of radiation.

Arai, N.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Optical and ultraviolet activity in RT Lacertae during 1985 and 1986

Continued monitoring of optical spectra of RT Lac, a peculiar RS CVn system, showed a large range of activity in the H-alpha line. At times, there was no excess emission or absorption, and at others, much. During active times, the excess emission varied greatly with phase and seemed to come from an extended region. Two UV observations, taken contemporaneously with optical spectra, also showed strong variations in the emission-line strengths. The data are consistent with intermittent mass transfer and imply that RT Lac is similar to other objects which have transient disks.

Huenemoerder, David P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A matrix-isolation-infrared spectroscopic study of the reactions of nitric oxide with oxygen and ozone

An investigation of the oxidation of NO to NO2 by trapping the products of the gas-phase reactions with excess oxygen and ozone identified the transient species by their infrared spectra. The primary products of the NO + NO2 reactions were NO2, N2O3(A), N2O3(B), N2O4, and peroxy nitrate (OONO). The primary products of the NO + O3 reactions were NO2 and peroxy NO3 with the higher nitric oxides in low concentrations compared with the NO + O2 reactions. Isotopic oxygen and ozone were used to identify the infrared absorption frequency of the peroxy nitrate.

Bhatia, S. C.↗
NASA NTRS2010

RXTE Observations of the 1A 1118-61 in an Outburst, and the Discovery of a Cyclotron Line

We present the analysis of RXTE monitoring data obtained during the January 2009 outburst of the hard X-ray transient IA 1118-61. Using these observations the broadband (3.5-120 keV) spectrum of the source was measured for the first time ever. We have found that the broadband continuum spectrum of the source is similar to other accreting pulsars and is well described by several conventionally used phenomenological models. We have discovered that regardless of the applied continuum model, a prominent broad absorption feature at approx. 55 keV is observed. We interpret this feature as a Cyclotron Resonance Scattering Feature (CRSF). The observed CRSF energy is one of the highest known and corresponds to a magnetic field of B approx. 4.8 x 10(exp 12) G in the scattering region. Furthermore, our data suggests an iron emission line presence, which was not reported previously for lA 1118-61 as well. Timing properties of the source, including a strong spin-up, were found to be similar to those observed by CGRO/BATSE during the previous outburst, however the broadband capabilities of RXTE reveal a more complicated energy dependency of the pulse-profile.

Doroshenko, V.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Prevention of Over-Pressurization During Combustion in a Sealed Chamber

The combustion of flammable material in a sealed chamber invariably leads to an initial pressure rise in the volume. The pressure rise is due to the increase in the total number of gaseous moles (condensed fuel plus chamber oxygen combining to form gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor) and, most importantly, the temperature rise of the gas in the chamber. Though the rise in temperature and pressure would reduce with time after flame extinguishment due to the absorption of heat by the walls and contents of the sealed spacecraft, the initial pressure rise from a fire, if large enough, could lead to a vehicle over-pressure and the release of gas through the pressure relief valve. This paper presents a simple lumped-parameter model of the pressure rise in a sealed chamber resulting from the heat release during combustion. The transient model considers the increase in gaseous moles due to combustion, and heat transfer to the chamber walls by convection and radiation and to the fuel-sample holder by conduction, as a function of the burning rate of the material. The results of the model are compared to the pressure rise in an experimental chamber during flame spread tests as well as to the pressure falloff after flame extinguishment. The experiments involve flame spread over thin solid fuel samples. Estimates of the heat release rate profiles for input to the model come from the assumed stoichiometric burning of the fuel along with the observed flame spread behavior. The sensitivity of the model to predict maximum chamber pressure is determined with respect to the uncertainties in input parameters. Model predictions are also presented for the pressure profile anticipated in the Fire Safety-1 experiment, a material flammability and fire safety experiment proposed for the European Space Agency (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). Computations are done for a range of scenarios including various initial pressures and sample sizes. Based on these results, various mitigation approaches are suggested to prevent vehicle over-pressurization and help guide the definition of the space experiment.

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Rise of SN 2014J in the Nearby Galaxy M 82

We report on the discovery of SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M 82. Given its proximity, it offers the best opportunity to date to study a thermonuclear supernova over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Optical, near-IR and mid-IR observations on the rising lightcurve, orchestrated by the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF), show that SN 2014J is a spectroscopically normal Type Ia supernova, albeit exhibiting high-velocity features in its spectrum and heavily reddened by dust in the host galaxy. Our earliest detections start just hours after the fitted time of explosion. We use high-resolution optical spectroscopy to analyze the dense intervening material and do not detect any evolution in the resolved absorption features during the lightcurve rise. Similarly to other highly reddened Type Ia supernovae, a low value of total-to-selective extinction, R (sub V) less than or approximately equal to 2, provides the best match to our observations. We also study pre-explosion optical and near-IR images from HST with special emphasis on the sources nearest to the SN location.

galaxy↗
NASA NTRS1993

The circumstellar gas surrounding 51 Ophiuchi - A candidate proto-planetary system similar to Beta Pictoris

Combined archival and recent International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of the star, 51 Oph, reveal the presence of variable, accreting gas with velocities as large as + 100 km/s relative to the system. The electron number density of the circumstellar gas is comparable to that observed around the candidate proto-planetary system, Beta Pic. In addition to the cooler gas, absorption from Al III, Si IV, and C IV is present over the velocity range of the accreting gas. The presence of Si IV and C IV in the spectrum of a B9.5 star provides evidence for collisional ionization of the circumstellar gas like that observed in Beta Pic. The combination of H-alpha profiles with double emission peaks to comparable strength, together with detection of transient mass ejection events similar to those observed in other Be stars, suggests that the inclination of the 51 Oph system is within 10-15 deg of the equatorial plane. Collectively these data imply that the 51 Oph system is similar to Beta Pic in both system constituents and orientation, and may be in a similar evolutionary state.

Grady, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

The Discovery Outburst of the X-Ray Transient IGR J17497-2821 Observed with RXTE and ATCA

We report the results of a series of RXTE and ATCA observations of the recently discovered X-ray transient IGR J17497-2821. Our 3-200 keV PCA+HEXTE spectral analysis shows very little variations over a period of approx.10 days around the maximum of the outburst. IGR J17497-2821 is found in a typical low-hard state (LHS) of X-ray binaries (XRBs), well represented by an absorbed Comptonized spectrum with an iron edge at about 7 keV. The high value of the absorption (approx.4 x 10(exp 22/sq cm suggests that the source is located at a large distance, either close to the Galactic center or beyond. The timing analysis shows no particular features, while the shape of the power density spectra is also typical of the LHS of XRBs, with apprrox.36% rms variability. No radio counterpart is found down to a limit of 0.21 mJy at 4.80 and 8.64 GHz. Although the position of IGR J17497-2821 in the radio to X-ray flux diagram is well below the correlation usually observed in the LHS of black holes, the comparison of its X-ray properties with those of other sources leads us to suggest that it is a black hole candidate.

Rodriquez, Jerome↗
NASA NTRS1988

IUE spectroscopy of U Cephei during the mass flow outburst of 1986 June

The interacting Algol-type binary U Cep underwent another of its irregularly occurring transient high-mass flow events during June 1986. For the first time, high-resolution ultraviolet spectroscopy of U Cep during such an event was possible. High-resolution spectra in the far-ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet were obtained with IUE. These spectra show that the ultraviolet continuum decreased by factors of 1.2 to 3.0 during the greatest activity. In addition, one or more narrow absorption components with radial velocities as high as -500 km/s appeared in association with a number of C, Si, Al, Fe, Zn, and Mg lines. The Mg II doublet developed a flat-bottomed appearance with a residual intensity of about 0.31 and a width of at least 800 km/s. These phenomena are interpreted in terms of high-velocity gas streams, mass loss from the system, and the formation of an optically thick equatorial bulge around the B star.

Mccluskey, George E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Two-Flux Method for Transient Radiative Transfer in a Semitransparent Layer

The two-flux method was used to obtain transient solutions for a plane layer including internal reflections and scattering. The layer was initially at uniform temperature, and was heated or cooled by external radiation and convection. The two-flux equations were examined as a means for evaluating the radiative flux gradient in the transient energy equation. Comparisons of transient temperature distributions using the two-flux method were made with results where the radiative flux gradient was evaluated from the exact radiative transfer equations. Good agreement was obtained for optical thicknesses from 0.5 to 5 and for refractive indices of 1 and 2. Illustrative results obtained with the two-flux method demonstrate the effect of isotropic scattering coupled with changing the refractive index. For small absorption with large scattering the maximum layer temperature is increased when the refractive index is increased. For larger absorption the effect is opposite, and the maximum temperature decreases with increased refractive index .

Siegel, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1984

Design and performance analysis of gas sorption compressors

Compressor kinetics based on gas adsorption and desorption processes by charcoal and for gas absorption and desorption processes by LaNi5 were analyzed using a two-phase model and a three-component model, respectively. The assumption of the modeling involved thermal and mechanical equilibria between phases or among the components. The analyses predicted performance well for compressors which have heaters located outside the adsorbent or the absorbent bed. For the rapidly-cycled compressor, where the heater was centrally located, only the transient pressure compared well with the experimental data.

Chan, C. K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Some further observations on droplet combustion characteristics - NASA LeRC-Princeton results

Experimental and numerical studies are reviewed which are designed to examine the effects of droplet/gas motion, product-intermediate absorption, extinction, and sooting on droplet combustion. The experimental work at the NASA-Lewis Research Center involves a 2.2-s droptower for investigating microgravitational effects of droplet combustion over a relatively extended range. The droplet-gas velocities are very low because the spherosymmetrical nature of the major combustion processes produces a quiescent environment. The refined experimental results are combined with numerical modeling based on a technique that is fully transient, comprehensive, and has few empirical simplifications. The combination of techniques improves the present understanding of convection-induced effects, reducing soot formation, and promoting quiescent droplet combustion.

Choi, Mun Y.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Optical identification of A0620-00

The optical object corresponding to the transient X-ray source A0620-00 is identified. The position (1950) of this object is given to a precision of 2 sec as: right ascension 6 hr 20 min 11.2 sec, declination -0 deg 19 min 10 sec. It is noted that the object has undergone a substantial change in brightness since the X-ray source was first detected and that three low-dispersion spectra of it show no emission or absorption features. Similarities between the present object and Sco X-1 are discussed.

Boley, F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

1E 0104.2 + 3153 - A broad absorption-line QSO viewed through a giant elliptical galaxy

The optical identification of the X-ray source 1E 0104.2 + 3153 is complicated by the close projection of a broad absorption-line (BAL) QSO (z = 2.027) 10 arcsec from a giant elliptical galaxy (z = 0.111) at the center of a compact group of galaxies. At only 1.2 de Vaucouleur radii (16 kpc for H sub 0 = 100 km/s Mpc) this QSO-galaxy projection is the closest yet discovered. Based upon current observations, the source of the X-ray emission cannot be conclusively determined. Present in the BAL QSO spectrum are extremely strong Ca II H and K absorption lines due to the intervening galaxy, the first optical detection of the cold interstellar medium in an elliptical galaxy. The strength of these lines (EW = 2 and 1 A) requires observation through several interstellar clouds in the line of sight to the QSO. By its proximity to the central regions of the elliptical galaxy and the relative distances of the galaxy and QSO, this QSO is a particularly good candidate for observing dramatic transient gravitational lensing phenomena due to halo stars in the foreground galaxy.

Stocke, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Low-Energy Study of Gamma-Ray Bursts Having Spectral Line Features

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are energetic, short-duration emissions of gamma-rays. The Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) that was onboard NASA s Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory has done much to advance our understanding of GRBs. Perhaps foremost is to establish that GRBs originate from astronomical sources that exist well beyond our galaxy. Another area in which BATSE has been instrumental is to provide high-resolution data that can be used in spectral studies. Before BATSE, there were many reports of GRB spectra containing what appeared to be spectral absorption lines, whereas Briggs, after an extensive computer search of 117 bright BATSE GRBs, reported finding only one case that might be an absorption line and ten cases that might be emission lines. None of the eleven BATSE cases were definitively identified as spectral lines, and Briggs indicated reasons as to why the pre-BATSE reports should not be taken as conclusive. It remains an open question as to what these spectral-like features are, or if they are even real. The purpose of this work is, for the subset of the eleven BATSE GRBs for which low-energy data are available from two BATSE's Spectroscopy Detectors (SDs), to include these data in the spectral analysis. Such a study will provide additional constraints on the model spectral functions to better ascertain the reality of the line features. The spectral analysis program used was RMFIT. Of the six GRBs that met the selection criteria, the analysis was performed on only three of them due to a lack of time.

Pangia, Michael J.↗