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Wilson, C. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Wilson, C. A..

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

Long-term variability in bright hard X-ray sources: 5+ years of BATSE data

The operation of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO)/burst and transient source experiment (BATSE) continues to provide data for inclusion into a data base for the analysis of long term variability in bright, hard X-ray sources. The all-sky capability of BATSE provides up to 30 flux measurements/day for each source. The long baseline and the various rising and setting occultation flux measurements allow searches for periodic and quasi-periodic signals with periods of between several hours to hundreds of days to be conducted. The preliminary results from an analysis of the hard X-ray variability in 24 of the brightest BATSE sources are presented. Power density spectra are computed for each source and profiles are presented of the hard X-ray orbital modulations in some X-ray binaries, together with amplitude modulations and variations in outburst durations and intensities in recurrent X-ray transients.

Robinson, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1997

High energy survey of supernova remnants with BATSE

The burst and transient source experiment (BATSE) survey of the high energy emission from supernova remnants is reported on. The ability of BATSE to continuously monitor the entire sky in the 20 keV to 2 MeV energy range enables a large group of remnants to by studied at high energies. Preliminary analysis indicates the likely detection of several supernova remnants other than the Crab nebula. Among these are MSH 15-52, Vela, Cas A and possibly HB 9. The techniques employed are discussed together with the status of the survey and its limitations.

McCollough, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Observations of 4U 1700-37 with BATSE

The eclipsing binary X-ray source 4U 1700-37 has been continually monitored by the BATSE experiment on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory since the spring of 1991. Using source measurements at times of Earth occultation, we observe an average (uneclipsed) flux of 0.23 crab in the 20-120 keV band. The flux is highly variable, with occasional flaring behavior on timescales from hundreds of seconds to several hours and intensities as bright as 1 crab. The uneclipsed spectrum is well represented by an optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung model with a temperature of 25 keV independent of source intensity or orbital phase. An upper limit of 4% on the pulse fraction has been obtained for pulse periods between 2 and 700 s. Average orbital light curves from almost 1000 days of occultation measurements have been constructed. These profiles are used to measure: (1) the eclipse semiangle, Theta(sub E) = 28.6 deg +/- 2.1 deg in the 20-120 keV band, and (2) the decrease in orbital period, P(dot)/P = -(3.3 +/- 0.6) x 10(exp -7) 1/ yr. Estimates of system physical parameters are obtained using Monte Carlo simulations to propagate errors in measured and assumed parameters. For the X-ray source mass we find M(sub x) = 2.6(sub -1.4)(sup +2.3) solar mass, and for the mass and radius of the optical companion, M(sub 0) = 30(sub -7)(sup +11) solar mass and R(sub 0) = 18(sub -2)(sup +2) solar radius.

Rubin, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Observation of GX 339-4 hard state outbursts in 1991 and 1992

Two hard state (X-ray low state) outbursts in the GX 339-4 system in 1991 June-October and 1992 September-1993 January were detected and monitored by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO). The outbursts were remarkably similar in both temporal and spectral aspects. The spectrum in the 20-300 keV band evolves from a hard, Comptonized shape to a steeper (alpha approximately equals -3) power law during each outburst.

Harmon, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Channel to energy calibration results for the BATSE large area detectors

Continuum 16 channel spectra obtained from in flight data are used to identify and correct for nonlinearities in the channel-to-energy conversion algorithm for the BATSE large area detectors. The Crab Nebula spectra obtained by the BATSE earth occultation technique are used to characterize any nonlinearities inherent in the low energy channel bin widths on a detector by detector basis. The bin widths are optimized to remove distortions from observed gamma ray spectra. The recalibrated bin edges are used in an analysis of Crab Pulsar data to verify the improvements in the calibration.

Pendleton, Geoffrey N.↗
NASA NTRS1994

BATSE observations of 3C273

The quasar 3C273 has been detected by all instruments on CGRO. The emission from this source is monitored continuously by BATSE using Earth occultation. We present results of a preliminary analysis of BATSE data, including light curves of the 3C273 flux covering approximately 150 days in the interval April-August 1991 and approximately 350 days in the interval July 1992-April 1993. The source intensity in the energy range 50-300 keV is typically approx. 0.002 ph cm(exp -2)s(exp -1). We find weak evidence for variations of as much as a factor of 3 in the intensity. We derive spectral parameters of 3C273 during the intervals TJD 8422-8435 (15-28 June 1991) and TJD 8532-8546 (3-17 October 1991) for comparison with other CGRO instruments.

Paciesas, W.S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

BATSE observations of Nova Muscae 1991

The Compton Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) detected hard x-ray flux from Nova Muscae 1991 (GS/GRS 1124-68) during an interval of approximately 100 days beginning approximately 130 days after the January 1991 main outburst. The light curve during this secondary outburst is roughly symmetric, reaching a maximum around mid-July 1991 at an intensity of approximately 15 percent of the peak intensity during the main outburst. The hard x-ray spectrum displays a soft-to-hard evolution during the rise to maximum; the post-maximum spectral evolution is less well determined. We compare our observations with those of the GRANAT/SIGMA experiment, which covered the initial outburst well but missed most of the secondary outburst.

Paciesas, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

YF 102 in-duct combustor noise measurements with a turbine nozzle, volume 1

The internal noise generated by an Avco Lycoming YF-102 engine combustor installed in a test rig was recorded. Two configurations were tested one with and one without the first stage turbine nozzle installed. Acoustic probes and accessories were used. Internal dynamic pressure level measurements were made at ten locations within the combustor. The combustor rig, the test procedures, and data acquisition and reduction systems are described. Tables and plots of narrow band and one third octave band pressure level spectra are included.

Wilson, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Avco Lycoming quiet clean general aviation turbofan engine

A fan module was developed using an existing turboshaft engine. The fan was designed using the latest in large engine noise control technology. A mixer was added to reduce the already low exhaust gas velocity. A nacelle incorporating sound treatment was provided for the test engine. A noise prediction model was used through the design process to evaluate the various design alternatives. Acoustic tests were then made to verify the prediction and identify the noise characteristics of the fan, core, jet, and sound treatment. Analysis of the recorded data yielded close agreement with the expected results. Core noise, as was expected, was the predominant source of noise for the quiet clean general aviation turbofan (QCGAT) engine. Flyover noise predictions were made which indicated that the Avco Lycoming QCGAT engine would meet the goals set for the QCGAT program.

Wilson, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

YF 102 in-duct combustor noise measurement, volume 1

The combustion chamber from a YF 102 gas turbine engine was instrumented with semi-infinite acoustic wave guide probes and installed in a test rig to complement the combustor noise test. These combustor rig tests are described and the recorded data are listed. Internal dynamic pressure level measurements were made at the same locations and at the same operating conditions of the NASA YF 102 test. In addition, the combustor was operated at various off-designed points where one parameter at a time was varied. Background noise recordings were made to determine the magnitude of facility or test rig noise present.

Wilson, C. A.↗