Engineering topics

Mewaldt, R. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Mewaldt, R. A..

At least 73 records · Page 4

NASA NTRS1994

Observations of the remnants of the ultrarelativistic electrons injected by the strong SSC of 24 March 1991

Data from the Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) spacecraft has shown the presence near L = 1.9 of the remnants of the ultrarelativistic electrons (above 15 MeV) injected into the magnetosphere on 24 March 1991. The decay of the electrons has been tracked since July 1992. The electron e-folding lifetime is in the range of six to twelve months, and the location in L of the peak intensity moved inward by approximately 0.05 units in one year. The inferred electron lifetime is similar to that of approximately 0.5 MeV electrons, which is in agreement with extrapolation to higher energies of the theoretical estimates of Lyons and Thorne (1972).

Looper, M. D.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Relativistic electron acceleration and decay time scales in the inner and outer radiation belts: SAMPEX

High-energy electrons have been measured systematically in a low-altitude (520 x 675 km), nearly polar (inclination = 82 deg) orbit by sensitive instruments onboard the Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX). Count rate channels with electron energy thresholds ranging from 0.4 MeV to 3.5 MeV in three different instruments have been used to examine relativistic electron variations as a function of L-shell parameter and time. A long run of essentially continuous data (July 1992 - July 1993) shows substantial acceleration of energetic electrons throughout much of the magnetosphere on rapid time scales. This acceleration appears to be due to solar wind velocity enhancements and is surprisingly large in that the radiation belt 'slot' region often is filled temporarily and electron fluxes are strongly enhanced even at very low L-values (L aprroximately 2). A superposed epoch analysis shows that electron fluxes rise rapidly for 2.5 is approximately less than L is approximately less than 5. These increases occur on a time scale of order 1-2 days and are most abrupt for L-values near 3. The temporal decay rate of the fluxes is dependent on energy and L-value and may be described by J = Ke-t/to with t(sub o) approximately equals 5-10 days. Thus, these results suggest that the Earth's magnetosphere is a cosmic electron accelerator of substantial strength and efficiency.

Baker, D. N.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The return of the anomalous cosmic rays to 1 Au in 1992

New observations of low energy (approximately 1 to 200 MeV/nuc) cosmic rays measured by three newly launched experiments on Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) during 1992 and 1993 show the strong presence of anomalous cosmic ray (ACR) nitrogen and oxygen, well before the approaching solar minimum. When compared with ACR temporal variations over the past two solar cycles we find that the 1992-1993 fluxes are approximately 5 to 10 times their level at corresponding neutron monitor counting rates in 1969-1970 and 1985.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

New evidence for geomagnetically trapped anomalous cosmic rays

We report new observations of 15 MeV/nuc or greater trapped heavy ions with Z equal to or greater than 2, made on the polar-orbiting SAMPEX spacecraft in late 1992 and early 1993. A trapped population that includes He, N, O, and Ne is found to be located at L = 2. We conclude that the observed N, O, and Ne ions are 'anomalous' cosmic rays, trapped by the mechanism proposed by Blake and Friesen (1977). While it is not expected that this mechanism would also trap anomalous He, the characteristics of the trapped He population are generally consistent with those of N, O, and Ne.

Cummings, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The isotopic composition of cosmic-ray B, C, N, and O - Evidence for an overabundance of O-18

New observations of galactic cosmic rays at higher energies (about 400-780 MeV/nucleon) than obtained in previous direct mass measurements have resulted in determinations of the isotopic composition of B, C, N, and O. The derived cosmic-ray source abundances provide evidence for an enhancement of O-18/O-16 by a factor of 5.6 +/- 1.9 over the solar system value and give a C-13/C-12 ratio consistent with the solar system abundance ratio, but lower than some recent measurements of the local interstellar medium.

Gibner, P. S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The NASA cosmic ray program for the 1990's and beyond

The interim report of the 1989 NASA Cosmic Ray Program Working Group is presented. The report summarizes the cosmic ray program for the 1990's, including the recently approved ACE, Astromag, HNC, POEMS, and SAMPEX missions, as well as other key elements of the program. New science themes and candidate missions are identified for the first part of the 21st century, including objectives that might be addressed as part of the Human Exploration Initiative. Among the suggested new thrusts for the 21st century are: an Interstellar Probe into the nearby interstellar medium; a Lunar-Based Calorimeter to measure the cosmic ray composition near 10 exp 16 eV; high-precision element and isotope spectroscopy of ultraheavy elements; and new, more sensitive studies of impulsive solar flare events.

Ahlen, S. P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

SAMPEX mission overview

The Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer SAMPEX will carry out energetic particle studies of outstanding scientific questions in the fields of space plasma physics, solar physics, magnetospheric and middle atmospheric physics, and cosmic ray physics. SAMPEX will measure the electron and ion composition of energetic particle populations from about 0.4 MeV/nucleon to hundreds of MeV/nucleon from a zenith-pointing small satellite in near-polar orbit. While over the magnetic poles, the instruments will study the composition of anomalous cosmic rays, solar energetic particles, and Galactic cosmic rays. At lower magnetic latitudes, geomagnetic cutoff effects will allow determination of the ionization state of these particles at energies much higher than can be studied from interplanetary spacecraft. At subauroral latitudes, SAMPEX will also observe precipitating relativistic magnetospheric electrons, which undergo important intertactions within the middle atmosphere.

Mason, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Large Isotope Spectrometer for Astromag

The Large Isotope Spectrometer for Astromag (LISA) is an experiment designed to measure the isotopic composition and energy spectra of cosmic rays for elements extending from beryllium through zinc. The overall objectives of this investigation are to study the origin and evolution of galactic matter; the acceleration, transport, and time scales of cosmic rays in the galaxy; and search for heavy antinuclei in the cosmic radiation. To achieve these objectives, the LISA experiment will make the first identifications of individual heavy cosmic ray isotopes in the energy range from about 2.5 to 4 GeV/n where relativistic time dilation effects enhance the abundances of radioactive clocks and where the effects of solar modulation and cross-section variations are minimized. It will extend high resolution measurements of individual element abundances and their energy spectra to energies of nearly 1 TeV/n, and has the potential for discovering heavy anti-nuclei which could not have been formed except in extragalactic sources.

Binns, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Cosmic ray studies with an Interstellar Probe

Among the NASA mission concepts that have been suggested for the 21st century is an Interstellar Probe that might be accelerated to a velocity of about 10 to 20 AU/yr, allowing it to leave the heliosphere, ultimately reaching a radial distance of about 500 to 1000 AU in about 50 years. Previous studies of such a mission, and its potential significance for cosmic ray studies, both within the heliosphere, and beyond, in interstellar space are discussed.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Research in cosmic and gamma ray astrophysics

Research activities in cosmic rays, gamma rays, and astrophysical plasmas are covered. The activities are divided into sections and described, followed by a bibliography. The astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays, gamma rays, and of the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the Earth and other planets are investigated. These investigations are performed by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons.

Stone, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Isotope abundances of solar coronal material derived from solar energetic particle measurements

Coronal isotopic abundances for the elements He, C, N, O, Ne, and Mg are derived from previously published measurements of the isotopic composition of solar energetic particles by first measuring, and then correcting for, the charge-to-mass-dependent fractionation due to solar flare acceleration and propagation processes. The resulting coronal composition generally agrees with that of other samples of solar system material, but the previously noted difference between the solar flare and solar wind Ne-22/Ne-20 ratios remains unresolved.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The abundances of isotopes in the cosmic radiation

Studies of the isotopic composition of nuclei in the cosmic radiation are reviewed, including abundances of the isotopes of elements from H to Ni, together with their implications for cosmic ray origin, acceleration, and transport in the Galaxy. The review focuses on determinations of the composition of cosmic ray source material, and the extent to which the isotopic composition of this material is different from, or similar to, typical solar system material and other samples of Galactic matter. Theoretical models that have been advanced to explain the observed overabundance of neutron-rich isotopes in cosmic rays are described. Also discussed are studies of various radioactive clocks that record the time-scales associated with the nucleosynthesis, acceleration, and transport of cosmic ray nuclei, and studies of the so-called anomalous cosmic ray component, thought to represent a sample of the neutral interstellar medium.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Research in particle and gamma-ray astrophysics

Research activities in cosmic rays, gamma rays, and astrophysical plasmas are covered. Each activity is described, followed by a bibliography. The research program is directed toward the investigation of the astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays and gamma rays and of the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the earth and other planets. These investigations were performed by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons.

Stone, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Research in particle and gamma-ray astrophysics

This research program is directed toward the investigation of the astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays and gamma rays and of the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the Earth and other planets. The emphasis was on precice measurements with high resolution in charge, mass and energy. These investigations were carried out by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons.

Stone, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Toward a descriptive model of galactic cosmic rays in the heliosphere

Researchers review the elements that enter into phenomenological models of the composition, energy spectra, and the spatial and temporal variations of galactic cosmic rays, including the so-called anomalous cosmic ray component. Starting from an existing model, designed to describe the behavior of cosmic rays in the near-Earth environment, researchers suggest possible updates and improvements to this model, and then propose a quantitative approach for extending such a model into other regions of the heliosphere.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Elemental composition and energy spectra of galactic cosmic rays

A brief review is presented of the major features of the elemental composition and energy spectra of galactic cosmic rays. The requirements for phenomenological models of cosmic ray composition and energy spectra are discussed, and possible improvements to an existing model are suggested.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Research in particles and fields

Discussed are the research activities in Cosmic Rays, Gamma Rays, and Astrophysical Plasmas supported under NASA Grant NGR 05-002-160. The report is divided into sections which describe the activities, followed by a bibliography. This research program is directed toward the investigation of the astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays and gamma rays and of the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the Earth and other planets. These investigations are carried out by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons.

Stone, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Research in particles and fields

The astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays and gamma rays and the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the Earth and other planets are investigated. These investigations are carried out by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons. Particle astrophysics is directed toward the investigation of galactic, solar, interplanetary, and planetary energetic particles and plasmas. The emphasis is on precision measurements with high resolution in charge, mass, and energy. Gamma ray research is directed toward the investigation of galactic, extragalactic, and solar gamma rays with spectrometers of high angular resolution and moderate energy resolution carried on spacecraft and balloons.

Stone, E. C.↗