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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 181 records · Page 10
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NASA NTRS1976

X-ray evidence for the supernova origin of the North Polar spur

Soft X-ray observations during four scans across the North Polar radio continuum spur have provided additional evidence that the spur encircles an old supernova remnant. From the measured intensity of the X-ray emission, and the known diameter of the remnant, it is estimated that its age is several hundred thousand years and that the supernova was of Type II, with an energy between 10 to the 51st and 10 to the 53rd ergs.

Cruddace, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Satellite-observed latent heat release in a tropical cyclone

Data from the Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) are used to make calculations of the latent heat release (L.H.R.) and the distribution of rainfall rate in a tropical cyclone as it grows from a tropical disturbance to a typhoon. The L.H.R. (calculated over a circular area of 4 deg latitude radius) increases during the development and intensification of the storm from a magnitude of 2.7 X 10 to the 21st power ergs/s (in the disturbance stage) to 8.8 X 10 to the 21st power ergs (typhoon stage). The latter value corresponds to a mean rainfall rate of 2.0 mm hr/s. The more intense the cyclone and the greater the L.H.R., the greater the percentage contribution of the larger rainfall rates to the L.H.R. In the disturbance stage the percentage contribution of rainfall rates less than or minus 6 mm hr/s is typically 8%; for the typhoon stage, the value is 38%. The distribution of rainfall rate as a function of radial distance from the center indicates that as the cyclone intensifies, the higher rainfall rates tend to concentrate toward the center of the circulation.

Adler, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

OSO-8 X-ray observations of AM Herculis

Hard X-ray observations of the binary system AM Her were coincident with soft X-ray and ground-based optical measurements. In the 2-60 KeV band, variability was detected with an eclipse during phases 0.5 to 0.7 with respect to the 0. d 12892 period optical minima, synchronous with the known soft X-ray eclipse. The 2-60 KeV uneclipsed flux was 9.5 x 10 to the minus 10th power erg sq cm/sec, of which 86% lies above 10 keV. Thus AM Her contains a hard source located near the similarly eclipsed soft X-ray source. The X-ray data are interpreted in terms of thermal bremsstrahlung from accretion onto a white dwarf.

Swank, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Gravitational potential energy of the earth: A spherical harmonic approach

A spherical harmonic equation for the gravitational potential energy of the earth is derived for an arbitrary density distribution by conceptually bringing in mass-elements from infinity and building up the earth shell upon spherical shell. The zeroth degree term in the spherical harmonic equation agrees with the usual expression for the energy of a radial density distribution. The second degree terms give a maximum nonhydrostatic energy in the mantle and crust of -2.77 x 10 to the twenty-ninth power ergs, an order of magnitude. If the earth is assumed to be a homogeneous viscous oblate spheroid relaxing to an equilibrium shape, then a lower limit to the mantle viscosity of 1.3 x 10 to the twentieth power poises is found by assuming the total geothermal flux is due to viscous dissipation. If the nonequilibrium figure is dynamically maintained by the earth acting as a heat engine at one per cent efficiency, then the viscosity is ten to the twenty second power poises, a number preferred by some as the viscosity of the mantle.

Rubincam, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The cause of the nova outburst

A large number of models are evolved for thermonuclear runaways in the hydrogen-rich envelopes of 1.00-solar-mass carbon-oxygen white dwarfs. Models characterized by enhanced CNO abundances satisfy the observations of the common nova outburst, ejecting from 10 to the 27th to 10 to the 29th power g at velocities of 200 to 2400 km/s and kinetic energies of 10 to the 44th to 10 to the 45th power erg. The theoretical light curves are similar to the observed light curves of common novae during the early stages of the outbursts. Explanations are given for the continuous ejection of mass which is observed for long times after the initial outbursts, for the relationship between maximum magnitude and the decline to minimum, and for the constant luminosity phase of the outburst and the oval shapes of the ejected nebulae. The analysis is extended to models with extreme enhancements of C-12 and to models which include infalling material in the evolution. The extreme C-12 studies result in outbursts which reach near-supernova proportions, while the accretion models result in light curves which resemble observed light curves quite closely. The accretion studies also demonstrate the need for enhanced abundances.

Starrfield, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High-latitude nitric oxide in the lower thermosphere

High-latitude observations of fluorescent nitric oxide gamma bands were made before and during a strong magnetic storm with the Ogo 4 ultraviolet spectrometer. Brightness measurements of the (1-0) gamma band of nitric oxide indicate a slow buildup of NO during the disturbed period. The NO column density reaches a value as high as a factor of 8 greater than the midlatitude value and shows no correlation with the brightness of the instantaneous aurora. A time-dependent model calculation indicates that the ionization and dissociation of N2 by auroral electrons can increase the NO and N(4-S) densities. This increase is dependent on the intensity and duration of the auroral precipitation and on the branching ratio of N(2-D) production by dissociation of N2. A steady state is not reached for NO until 100,000 sec in an aurora characterized by an energy flux of 10 ergs per sq cm sec. Dissociation by the solar ultraviolet radiation competes with horizontal and vertical transport as a loss process for the nitric oxide produced by the aurora. A high NO(plus)/O2(plus) ratio is to be expected in the period following a strong auroral precipitation.

Gerard, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Coronal plasma parameters in a long-duration X-ray event observed by Skylab

Physical conditions in the solar coronal X-ray-emitting plasma are analyzed for an event observed by the S-056 X-ray telescope on Skylab in August 1973. The event was located at the west limb and consisted of a series of high looplike structures that underwent dramatic changes in structure and intensity for more than 50 hours. A total X-ray energy (8 to 20 A) of about 5 by 10 to the 28th power erg is obtained by integrating over the lifetime and is shown to be equivalent to that reported previously for a 'typical' flare. It is found that a first major peak in total X-ray flux and thermal energy density was due to an increase in temperature, a major secondary peak in these parameters corresponded to the time of maximum in density, and conductivity energy losses near maximum intensity were much greater than radiative losses. Models dealing with sources of heating and energy balance are evaluated.

Vorpahl, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Search for gamma-ray bursts with coincident balloon flights

Dual balloon experiments were flown at separations of over 1,500 km in an attempt to determine whether cosmic gamma-ray bursts could be detected in the size region of 10 to the -7th power to several times 10 to the -6th power erg per sq cm, that is, below the apparent bend in the size spectrum of Vela events as described by Strong and Klebesadel. Fluctuations of the counting rates of photons above 150 keV with temporal structures from microseconds to several minutes were compared in order to detect coincident or associated responses from the two instruments. No coincident gamma-ray burst events were detected. Associated counting rate increases were detected, presenting a background, event-confusing problem for any single gamma-ray burst instrument beneath the earth's trapped radiation.

Cline, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Observations of joule and particle heating in the auroral zone

Observational data from the Chatanika, Alaska incoherent scatter radar have been used to deduce atmospheric heating rates associated with particle precipitation and joule dissipation. During periods when Chatanika is in the vicinity of the auroral oval the height-integrated heat input to the lower thermosphere can be as large as 100 ergs per sq cm per sec with joule and particle heating rates of comparable magnitude. Altitude profiles of these heat inputs are also obtained, showing that the energy liberated by joule dissipation tends to peak at a substantially higher altitude (about 130 km) than that due to particles (100-120 km). As a consequence, it follows that joule heating can be expected to provide a rapid means for creating thermospheric disturbances. It is also pointed out that joule and particle heating are permanent features of the auroral oval and polar cap. As such, expansion of the auroral oval leads to an increase in the total global heating and, hence, to the close relationship between magnetic disturbances and thermospheric perturbation.

Banks, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Noncompressive density enhancements in the solar wind

When the bulk flow speed is nearly constant or falling, high densities are sometimes observed in the solar wind. These densities do not appear to be generated in interplanetary space. It is noted that the magnetic field is not enhanced within these events, and that the proton and/or electron temperatures are low, varying in opposition to the density. About 1/3 of these density events contains interplanetary magnetic field reversals, some of which are noisy and do not qualify as sector boundaries. It is estimated that the average event contains approximately 10 to the 16th g of material and 2.6 x 10 to the 31st ergs, so that aggregated events, when they are common, make a negligible contribution to the total mass and energy budget of the solar wind at 1 AU. It is suggested that there may be an association between density enhancements and solar coronal mass ejection events.

Gosling, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Evidence that cosmic gamma-ray bursts are galactic

Balloon observations registering scatter angles in a liquid scintillator have revealed gamma-ray bursts having energies as low as 10 to the -7th ergs per square cm. The burst distribution is graphed according to energy and frequency. The hypothesis that the bursts are galactic in origin is in good agreement with their small recorded energies and their predicted distribution on the graph.

White, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

New limits on gamma-ray bursts

Two balloon flights of large-area scintillation crystal detector arrays indicate that the rate of weak gamma-ray bursts is significantly below that expected from a uniform distribution of burst sources. This result, combined with the data from stronger bursts, gives strong evidence for a galactic confinement of burst sources. Reasonable models of confinement limit the intrinsic radiated energy per burst to the order of 10 to the (39th to 41st power) ergs.

Fishman, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Shock effects from a large impact on the moon

The paper calculates the shock and shear deformation-induced internal energy distribution associated with a major basin-forming hypervelocity meteorite impact on the moon. The Hageman and Walsh formulation of the axisymmetric two-dimensional conservation equations in finite difference form is used, and the flow field induced upon impact of an iron meteorite traveling at 15 km/sec with a gabbroic anorthosite lunar crust is calculated for sequential time steps over a grid of hoop-shaped zones fixed in space. If an energy of 5 times 10 to the 32nd power ergs for the projectile energy is required to excavate a basin of Imbrium size, than a flow field of approximately 210 km in radius approximately 19 seconds after impact is indicated. The meteorite residue, the melt, and the ejecta are discussed, and the results are compared with the Gault and Heitowit (1963) formulation.

Okeefe, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Seismically induced modification of lunar surface features

The formation of large impact craters and basins produced not only large volumes of ejecta but also catastrophic seismic waves. Theoretical models, extrapolation of terrestrial explosion data, and extrapolation of lunar impact data suggest surface displacements of 1-10 m at four crater radii from a Copernicus-size impact (4 x 10 to the 30th power ergs). Independent estimates of impact-generated stresses indicate that regions within 4 crater radii of an impact will receive shock waves with pressures exceeding 1 kbar. Greater areas also may receive shock effects as elastic waves following deep ray paths transform into shock waves near the surface. Additional seismic energy will be generated by impacts from secondary ejecta. The resulting large and long-lasting surface movement may contribute to the subdued appearance of the continuous ejecta blanket and secondary craters around large impact craters and to the degradation of small craters outside these zones.

Schultz, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optical emission from a fast shock wave - The remnants of Tycho's supernova and SN 1006

The faint optical filaments in Tycho's supernova remnant appear to be emission from a shock front moving at 5600 km/s. The intensity of the hydrogen lines, the absence of forbidden lines of heavy elements in the spectrum, and the width of the filaments are explained by a model in which a collisionless shock wave is moving into partially neutral gas. The presence of the neutral gas can be used to set an upper limit of approximately 5 x 10 to the 47th power ergs to the energy in ionizing radiation emitted by a Type I supernova. The patchy neutral gas is probably part of the warm neutral component of the interstellar medium. The existing information on the remnant of SN 1006 indicates that its emission is similar in nature to that from Tycho's remnant.

Chevalier, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The thermal phase of a large solar flare

EUV and X-ray observations are used to derive the differential emission measures, temperatures, densities, radiative and conductive cooling rates, and thermal energy content of a class 2B flare that occurred on September 7, 1973. The results of the analysis indicate that (1) most of the flare plasma was at temperatures between 3 and 10 million degrees; (2) the peak temperature decreased with time from about 8 million K to 5 million K over a period of 3.5 hours; (3) the differential emission measure steadily decreased with time at nearly all temperatures; (4) both radiation and conduction were important cooling mechanisms for the plasma at temperatures above 100,000 K; and (5) a substantial amount of energy, of the order of 3 x 10 to the 31st power ergs, was deposited in the flare loops after flare maximum. The empirically determined flare parameters are compared with similar parameters derived from a simple theoretical loop model.

Withbroe, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

CNO abundances and hydrodynamic studies of the Nova outburst. V - 1.00-solar-mass models with small mass envelopes

The paper reports on an investigation into the consequences of thermonuclear runaways in accreted hydrogen envelopes of 100 millionths of a solar mass on 1-solar-mass white dwarfs. These evolutionary sequences predict that from 10 to 50 millionths of a solar mass will be ejected with speeds from 300 to 3800 km/s (kinetic energies of 10 to the 44th-45th power ergs). Absolute visual magnitudes as high as -8.1 are attained, well within the observed range for fast novae. In addition, the shapes of the theoretical light curves are more reminiscent of an observed fast-nova light curve than those in earlier studies. The ejected material is strongly enhanced in the products of incomplete CNO burning; the most abundant of the ejected nuclei is C-13, followed by N-14 and C-12. The differences from previous studies are attributable to the lower peak temperatures reached in these sequences. These models also produce a large overabundance of Li-7, suggesting that novae may represent significant contributors to the galactic enrichment of this nucleus.

Starrfield, S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The EUV continuum emission /1400-1960 A/ in a solar flare observed from Skylab

The total radiative output in the EUV continuum (1400-1960 A) from the 5 September 1973 flare has been obtained from the EUV spectra of the flare observed with the NRL slit spectrograph (SO82B) on Skylab. The radiative energy in the EUV continuum is of the order of 10 to the 29th ergs, which is more than a factor of 2 greater than those radiated in soft X-rays (8-20 A) and in H-alpha for the flare. Thus, the EUV continuum emission is an important radiative energy loss, and should be included in the consideration of the energy balance of the flare.

Cheng, C.-C.↗