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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Structure of Saturn's rings: Optical and dynamical considerations

The photometric phase curves of Saturn's rings are considered, as well as a conflict between dynamical and photometric models of the rings. The dependence of ring brightness on angular separation of the earth and sun as viewed from Saturn is discussed. The nonlinear brightness surge is interpreted. Some quantitative calculations were carried out for bodies in and near the asteroidal belt. Predicted density profiles of the ring obtained with Mimas in an eccentric orbit and in a circular orbit are also included.

Franklin, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Collision mechanics and the structure of planetary ring edges

The present numerical simulation of collisional evolution, in the case of a hypothetical ring whose parameters are modeled after those of Saturn's rings, gives attention to changes in radial structure near the ring edges and notes that when random motion is in equilibrium, the rings tend to spread in order to conserve angular momentum while energy is dissipated in collisions. As long as random motion is damped, ring edges may contract rather than spread, producing a concentration of material at the ring edges. For isotropic scattering, damping dominates for a coefficient of restitution of velocity value of up to 0.83.

Spaute, Dominique↗
NASA NTRS1989

Radiative transfer modeling of Saturn's outer B ring

The present investigation of Voyager images of the Saturn outer B ring's light-scattering behavior gives attention to the four radial regions formed by brighter and darker areas within and outside the 'spokes'. The B-ring particles are found to have a strongly backscattering phase function and a large-particle scattering albedo of 0.54 in the dark regions and 0.58 in the bright ones; these albedos are interpretable as due to multiple scattering among very pure ice grains covering the ring particle surfaces. It is shown that dark micrometeoroid impacts into the B ring would have darkened the particles to their current spherical albedo in as little as 100 to 200 million years.

Doyle, Laurance R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Small orbital debris measurement: Recent advances and future problems

New measurements of the small orbital debris environment during the past three years have greatly expanded our knowledge of the population of orbital debris at sizes from 10 cm down to 100 microns. The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) has provided new data for micro-debris at sizes below 1 mm. Telescope and radar measurements have provided new data for sizes in the range from about 2 mm to 10 cm., and have verified the predictions of Kessler's debris environment model. 'Clumps' or 'rings' of small debris, that are not accounted for in any environment models, have been detected both by LDEF and by the radars. Significant measurement problems remain. The relation between optical and radar measurements of debris is not understood. We have almost no information about the debris population in geosynchronous, Molniya and low-inclination orbits, and we lack evidence for the prediction of debris environments. Models of collisions in space between debris objects are beginning to be developed.

Potter, Andrew E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Ring Current Ion Coupling with Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves

A new ring current global model has been developed that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes wave evolution of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves (EMIC). The coupled model is able to simulate, for the first time self-consistently calculated RC ion kinetic and evolution of EMIC waves that propagate along geomagnetic field lines and reflect from the ionosphere. Ionospheric properties affect the reflection index through the integral Pedersen and Hall conductivities. The structure and dynamics of the ring current proton precipitating flux regions, intensities of EMIC global RC energy balance, and some other parameters will be studied in detail for the selected geomagnetic storms.

Khazanov. G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

On the radial structure of planetary rings

Viscous shear stress of a ring of particles in orbit about a planet due to the radial gradient of orbital velocity is discussed. This stress tends to spread the ring with time. At low optical depth (t) and at high t, the shear stress is an increasing function of t. In the intermediate range stress may decrease with increasing t, leading to a diffusive instability which tends to break an initially uniform ring into ringlets of high and low optical depths. According to the shepherd satellite model of narrow ring confinement, the viscous shear stress is opposed by tidal torques from neighboring shepherds, so that radial spreading does not occur. By requiring that the gradient of the viscous shear stress (i.e., angular momentum deposited) be equal to the shepherd satellite torque density at all radii in the rings, equilibrium radial density profiles of a confined ring were constructed. The most noteworthy feature of these profiles is a narrow, high density ringlet surrounded by a low optical density halo of greater width.

Harris, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Ring Current Ion Coupling with Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves

A new ring current global model has been developed for the first time that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes wave evolution of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves (EMIC). The coupled model is able to simulate, for the first time self-consistently calculated RC ion kinetic and evolution of EMIC waves that propagate along geomagnetic field lines and reflect from the ionosphere. Ionospheric properties affect the reflection index through the integral Pedersen and Hall coductivities. The structure and dynamics of the ring current proton precipitating flux regions, intensities of EMIC, global RC energy balance, and some other parameters will be studied in detail for the selected geomagnetic storms. The space whether aspects of RC modelling and comparison with the data will also be discussed.

Khazanov, George V.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A global analytical representation of the magnetic field produced by the region 2 Birkeland currents and the partial ring current

A quantitative model is developed of the magnetic field produced by the electric current system of region 2 Birkeland currents, closed via the partial ring current. The distribution of j-perpendicular is computed from a given axially asymmetric spatial distribution of hot isotropic magnetospheric plasma over an infinitely thin L shell in an axisymmetric purely dipolar geomagnetic field, while the field-aligned current density is found from the continuity of the net electric current. The magnetic field distribution is derived by a Biot-Savart integral over the electric current system. An assumed cosine dependence of the plasma pressure on local time makes it possible to reduce the problem of analytical representation of the B field to two dimensions. The obtained numerical fits for the partial ring current/region 2 Birkeland current magnetic field are relatively simple, continuous, and valid throughout the whole extraterrestrial space from ionospheric heights up to tens of earth radii.

Tsyganenko, N. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Uranian ring orbits from earth-based and Voyager occultation observations

A novel kinematical model of the Uranian rings has been derived from Voyager occultation timings and earth-based observations of the occultations of U23, U25, and U28, to yield an improved orbit solution that is accurate to about 1 km in the ring plane; this allows a critical comparison to be conducted between ring locations and suspected resonances. The gamma ring is noted to have a peculiar orbit that combines a precessing elliptical ring with a radially-oscillating normal mode. The kinematical model confirms the suspected association of resonances between the 1986U7 and 1986U8 satellites with some of the rings.

French, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

First Voyager view of the rings of Saturn

Voyager 1 imaging data of the Saturn rings, taken at a resolution of 1000 km/line pair between September 3 and October 13, 1980 are discussed. It is pointed out that as the spacecraft approached Saturn, finer radial structure in the rings between and within the major divisions became apparent, together with extensive azimuthal structure in the B ring. It is shown that the fine structure observed in the rings cannot, for the most part, be attributed to classical resonances with the known inner satellites. Preliminary model calculations of ring brightness based on photometry data indicate that the particles of the A and B rings are characterized by a greater degree of diffuse backscattering ability than previously suspected, behaving like Lambert spheres, while those of the C ring are either darker or more highly forward scattering than the A or B ring particles.

Collins, S.A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

A Model For the Limiting Time in Vortex Ring Formation

In another presentation, Gharib et at provide experimental results to show that when a vortex ring is created from a pipe by a piston, there is a limiting time or piston stroke length beyond which multiple rings appear. This time appeared to be insensitive to piston velocity history and Reynolds number. Nature might exploit such a. limit in different contexts to coherently deliver mass or momentum flux with the least number of strokes. Here, a simple hypothesis is considered: the limiting time occurs when the apparatus is no longer able to deliver energy at a rate compatible with the requirement, due to Kelvin, that a steady vortex ring have maximum energy given circulation and impulse. More specifically, the limit is expected to occur when the quantity alpha = E/square root of Gamma(sup 3)I delivered by the piston drops below the value, alpha(sub lim) for a limiting steady vortex ring solution. The resulting predictions agree very well with the experiments (after using alpha(sub lim) measured using the experimental flow fields). The insensitivity to piston history also emerges from the model. Finally, piston histories are designed that may extend the limiting time somewhat.

Shariff, Karim↗
NASA NTRS2010

NEXT Ion Thruster Thermal Model

As the NEXT ion thruster progresses towards higher technology readiness, it is necessary to develop the tools that will support its implementation into flight programs. An ion thruster thermal model has been developed for the latest prototype model design to aid in predicting thruster temperatures for various missions. This model is comprised of two parts. The first part predicts the heating from the discharge plasma for various throttling points based on a discharge chamber plasma model. This model shows, as expected, that the internal heating is strongly correlated with the discharge power. Typically, the internal plasma heating increases with beam current and decreases slightly with beam voltage. The second is a model based on a finite difference thermal code used to predict the thruster temperatures. Both parts of the model will be described in this paper. This model has been correlated with a thermal development test on the NEXT Prototype Model 1 thruster with most predicted component temperatures within 5 to 10 C of test temperatures. The model indicates that heating, and hence current collection, is not based purely on the footprint of the magnet rings, but follows a 0.1:1:2:1 ratio for the cathode-to-conical-to-cylindrical-to-front magnet rings. This thermal model has also been used to predict the temperatures during the worst case mission profile that is anticipated for the thruster. The model predicts ample thermal margin for all of its components except the external cable harness under the hottest anticipated mission scenario. The external cable harness will be re-rated or replaced to meet the predicted environment.

VanNoord, Jonathan L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Gravity survey of the Mount Toondina impact structure, South Australia

Gravity and seismic reflection data, together with geologic mapping, indicate that the Mount Toondina feature in South Australia is best interpreted as an eroded 4-km-diameter impact structure consisting of a ring structural depression surrounding a pronounced central uplift. Beds at the center of the structure within the central uplift have been raised as much as 200 m from depth and deformed by convergent flow. Seismic reflection data indicate that deformation extends to depths of only approximately = 800 m; at greater depths the reflectors are nearly flat lying, indicating little or no deformation. Gravity data show residual anomalies of +1.0 mGal coincident with the central uplift and a -0.5 Mgal low associated with the ring structural depression. Modeling of the gravity data indicates that relatively high-density material occurs within the central uplift, whereas the ring depression is filled with low-density material. The deformation at Mount Toondina is typical of a complex impact crater; the 4-km diameter is consistent with the expected threshold size for complex craters formed in weak to moderate strength sedimentary rocks.

Plescia, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Gravity Survey of the Mt. Toondina Impact Structure South Australia

Gravity and seismic reflection data, together with geologic mapping, indicate that the Mt. Toondina feature in South Australia is best interpreted as an eroded 4-km-diameter impact structure consisting of a ring structural depression surrounding a pronounced central uplift. Beds at the center of the structure within the central uplift have been raised as much as 200 m from depth and deformed by convergent flow. Seismic reflection data indicate that deformation extends to depths of only about 800 m; at greater depths the reflectors are nearly flat lying indicating little or no deformation. Gravity data show residual anomalies of +1.0 mGal coincident with the central uplift and a -0.5 mGal low associated with the ring structural depression. Modeling of the gravity data indicates that relatively high-density material occurs within the central uplift, whereas the ring depression is filled with low-density material. The deformation at Mt. Toondina is typical of a complex impact crater; the 4-km diameter is consistent with the expected threshold size for complex craters formed in weak to moderate strength sedimentary rocks.

Mt. Toondina Australia↗
NASA NTRS1980

Interferometry of Saturn and its rings at 1.30-cm wavelength

Interferometric observations of Saturn and its rings at a wavelength of 1.30 cm are presented in an attempt to place constraints upon the amount of thermal radiation emitted by the ring particles. Model-fitting and aperture synthesis techniques were used to analyze the data obtained on nine baselines at a frequency of 23 GHz. Ring optical depth is found to be close to that observed at visible wavelengths, while ring brightness temperature is only 7 + or - 1 K, requiring the ring particles to be nearly conservative scatterers at this wavelength and implying an upper limit of 2.4 m to the radius of a typical ring particle with a lower limit of 0.95 to its single scattering albedo. An observed difference between planetary radii observed at 1.30 and 3.71 cm is interpreted in terms of limb darkening and found to be marginally different from the predictions of atmospheric models in which NH3 is the principal source of microwave opacity.

Schloerb, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Impact of Ring Current Ions on Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Wave Dispersion Relation

Effect of the ring current ions in the real part of electromagnetic ion Cyclotron wave dispersion relation is studied on global scale. Recent Cluster observations by Engebretson et al. showed that although the temperature anisotropy of is energetic (> 10 keV) ring current protons was high during the entire 22 November 2003 perigee pass, electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves were observed only in conjunction with intensification of the ion fluxes below 1 keV by over an order of magnitude. To study the effect of the ring current ions on the wave dispersive properties and the corresponding global wave redistribution, we use a self-consistent model of interacting ring current and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, and simulate the May 1998 storm. The main findings of our simulation can be summarized as follows: First, the plasma density enhancement in the night MLT sector during the main and recovery storm phases is mostly caused by injection of suprathermal plasma sheet H + (approximately < 1 keV), which dominate the thermal plasma density. Second, during the recovery storm phases, the ring current modification of the wave dispersion relation leads to a qualitative change of the wave patterns in the postmidnight-dawn sector for L > 4.75. This "new" wave activity is well organized by outward edges of dense suprathermal ring current spots, and the waves are not observed if the ring current ions are not included in the real part of dispersion relation. Third, the most intense wave-induced ring current precipitation is located in the night MLT sector and caused by modification of the wave dispersion relation. The strongest precipitating fluxes of about 8 X 10(exp 6)/ (cm(exp 2) - s X st) are found near L=5.75, MLT=2 during the early recovery phase on 4 May. Finally, the nightside precipitation is more intense than the dayside fluxes, even if there are less intense waves, because the convection field moves ring current ions into the loss cone on the nightside, but drives them out of the loss cone on the dayside. So convection and wave scattering reinforce each other in the nightside, but interfere in the dayside sector.

Khazanov, G. V.↗