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At least 199 records · Page 11

Investigation of scaling characteristics for defining design environments due to transient ground winds and near-field, nonlinear acoustic fields

In order to establish a foundation of scaling laws for the highly nonlinear waves associated with the launch vehicle, the basic knowledge of the relationships among the paramaters pertinent to the energy dissipation process associated with the propagation of nonlinear pressure waves in thermoviscous media is required. The problem of interest is to experimentally investigate the temporal and spacial velocity profiles of fluid flow in a 3-inch open-end pipe of various lengths, produced by the propagation of nonlinear pressure waves for various diaphragm burst pressures of a pressure wave generator. As a result, temporal and spacial characteristics of wave propagation for a parametric set of nonlinear pressure waves in the pipe containing air under atmospheric conditions were determined. Velocity measurements at five sections along the pipes of up to 210 ft. in length were made with hot-film anemometers for five pressure waves produced by a piston. The piston was derived with diaphragm burst pressures at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 psi in the driver chamber of the pressure wave generator.

Shih, C. C.↗

Convection of ion cyclotron waves to ion-heating regions

Results are presented on calculations of the convection, to lower altitudes, of low-frequency ion cyclotron waves generated in the central plasma sheet. In the calculations, ion cyclotron waves generated in the equatorial plane by a proton temperature anisotropy are considered, and the computed growth rates are used to create a model wave distribution. Spectral densities are then mapped along the magnetic field lines, using phase space methods of Ronnmark and Larsson (1988). It was found that, even in the absence of growth associated with a plasma instability, the electric fields of ion cyclotron emissions from the equatorial region will increase substantially as the waves propagate to higher latitudes. It is shown that ion cyclotron waves propagating down the field lines may contribute to the waves observed together with ion conics.

Ronnmark, Kjell↗

Dynamics of Quasi-biennial Oscillations in Tropical Ocean-Atmosphere Coupled System

In this study, quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in atmosphere-ocean coupled system is investigated using intermediate coupled model. Observation studies show that the easterly zonal winds anomalies prevail over the equatorial western Pacific during the warm phase of El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). At the time scale of QBO, SST variations and east Asia Summer monsoon rainfall are closely linked to the eastward propagating zonal winds anomalies originated from Indian ocean. To investigate the effect of zonal wind anomalies over western Pacific on the evolution of ENSO, simple anomalous winds are added to the western part of model domain as external forcing. Wind forcing is parameterized as a function of SST anomalies in the eastern Pacific with time lag. Time lag is adopted to mimic the relation between east Asian monsoon and ENSO. The results shows that the winds anomalies make coupled system oscillate through generating forced Kelvin waves even without the western boundary reflection of Rossby waves. Kelvin waves generated by external forcing are also crucial for the model to oscillate as well as Rossby wave reflections at the western boundary. When the monsoon forced Kelvin wave is strong during the northern winter, the coupled system damped out very quickly. In certain range of external winds amplitude and time lag, the model El Nino shows QBO features. It is suggested that the external wind forcing which is related to summer monsoon flow over western Pacific intensify the negative feedback process of off-equatorial Rossby waves and modify the ENSO periodicity.

Kim, K.-M.↗

Multi-wave interaction theory for wind-generated surface gravity waves

Consistently employing the assumption of localness of wave-wave interactions in the wavenumber space, the Kolmogorov treatment of the energy cascade is applied to the case of wind-generated surface gravity waves. The effective number v of resonantly interacting wave harmonics is not limited to four but is found as a solution of a coupled system of equations expressing: (i) the dependence of the spectrum shape on the degree of the wave nonlinearity, and (ii) the continuity of the wave action flux through the spectrum given a continuous positive input from wind. The latter is specified in a Miles-type fashion, and a simple scaling relationship based on the concept of the turnover time is derived in place of the kinetic equation. The mathematical problem is reduced to an ordinary differential equation of first order. The exponent in the 'power law' for the spectral density of the wave potential energy and the effective number of resonantly interacting wave harmonics are found as functions of the wave frequency and of external factors of wind-wave interaction. The solution is close to the Zakharov-Filonenko spectrum at low frequencies and low wind input while approaching the Phillips spectrum at high frequencies and sufficiently high wind.

Glazman, Roman E.↗

COMLINK proposal for future missions of tethered satellite

The quality of the communications links between satellites was tested. The interaction between the VLF and ELF waves, generated by the conducting tether, and the SHF and YHF electromagnetic waves, generated by the 20/30 GHz transmitters were investigated. The ionspheric electron density irregularities was measured by means of phase-coherent RF transmission between the two vehicles. The motion of the tethered satellite was observed through the Doppler link established between the shuttle and the satellite. The technology and deployment of spaceborne antennas of large diameter was tested.

Sciarrino, F.↗

Rapid testing of pulse transformers

Quality-control testing of pulse transformers is speeded up by method for determining rise time and droop. Instead of using oscilloscope and square-wave generator to measure these characteristics directly, method uses voltmeter and sine-wave generator to measure them indirectly in about one-tenth time. Droop and rise time are determined by measuring input/output voltage ratio at just four frequencies.

Grillo, J.↗

Plasma wave turbulence in the strong coupling region at comet Giacobini-Zinner

Within 100,000 km of comet Giacobini-Zinner's nucleus, strong plasma wave turbulence was detected by the ICE electric and magnetic field wave instruments. The spatial profiles of the wave amplitudes are compared with measurements of the heavy ion fluxes of cometary origin, the plasma electron density, and the magnetic field strength. The general similarity of the wave and heavy ion profiles suggest that the waves might be generated by free energy in the pick-up ion distribution function. However, the expected parallel streaming instability of electrostatic modes generates waves with frequencies that are too low to explain the observations. The observed low frequency magnetic turbulence is plausibly explained by the lower hybrid loss-cone instability of heavy ions.

Coroniti, F. V.↗

Subtropical middle atmosphere dynamics observed by the Chung Li radar

The Chung Li Radar (24.91 N; 121.24 E) has been operating since 1986. A five beam observational configuration was used on a regular basis to study the various dynamics processes in the atmosphere-lower stratosphere height region. Due to its geographical location, the annual Typhoon and Mei-Yu seasons provide good opportunities to study the various interesting dynamic processes such as instabilities, generation of gravity waves, wave mean field interaction, etc. Three dimensional air motions due to these fronts are presented. Special cases of gravity wave generation, propagation and their effects on the turbulent layers are discussed.

Fu, I. J.↗

Investigation of plasma instabilities in the Polar cusp

During the last six months, our efforts concentrated on studying the excitation of electromagnetic waves in the whistler frequency range by an anisotropic electron beam. A paper entitled 'Electron Cyclotron Wave Generation by Relativistic Electrons' was submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research and was accepted for publication. This paper is in collaboration with Dr. M. L. Goldstein at Goddard Space Flight Center. It was shown that an anisotropic electron beam (or gyrating electron beam) is capable of generating electron cyclotron waves with frequency from above to below the electron plasma frequency in a low density plasma. This instability may account for the observed Z mode and the electromagnetic component of auroral hiss in the Earth's polar region. The abstract of this paper is enclosed. For a high density plasma in which the electron plasma frequency is considerably higher than the electron cyclotron frequency, a new left-hand electromagnetic wave at whistler frequencies, which is also driven unstable by an anisotropic electron beam, was found. The basic notion of this new instability is the significant change of the dispersion equation due to the contribution of the beam component, which can shift the usual right hand whistler waves into left hand waves.

Wong, H. K.↗

Instrument For Simulation Of Piezoelectric Transducers

Electronic instrument designed to simulate dynamic output of integrated-circuit piezoelectric acceleration or pressure transducer. Operates in conjunction with external signal-conditioning circuit, generating square-wave signal of known amplitude for use in calibrating signal-conditioning circuit. Instrument also useful as special-purpose square-wave generator in other applications.

Mcnichol, Randal S.↗

Excitation and Evolution of the Quasi-2-Day Wave Observed UARS/MLS Temperature Measurements

The quasi-2-day wave is known as a strong and transient perturbation in the middle and upper atmosphere that often occurs shortly after solstice. The excitation mechanisms of this transient wave have been discussed for years, but no clear answer has yet been attained. In this paper, propagating characteristics of the 2-day wave are studied based on 8-mon temperature measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder onboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite. The studies are focused on the wave events that happened in January 1993 and in July-August 1993. The observations suggest that winter planetary waves could be responsible for triggering the summer 2-day wave through long penetration into the summer stratosphere. A connection is evident in the evolution of the wave amplitude between the summer 2-day wave generation and winter wave penetration. The data also suggest that the enhancement of the wave amplitude is a manifestation of both a local unstable wave and a global normal-mode Rossby wave.

Wu, D. L.↗

Global Auroral Response to a Solar Wind Pressure Pulse

A global intensification of the aurora was observed by the Ultraviolet Imager on the NASA Polar spacecraft in conjunction with the arrival of the sheath from a solar coronal mass ejection. The aurora was first observed to brighten on the dayside and then the intensification progressed rapidly toward the nightside. During this time the IMP-8 spacecraft in the solar wind recorded a 35-minute period of increased solar wind dynamic pressure. A small substorm (or, possibly pseudobreakup) occurred within a minute of the arrival of the auroral intensification on the nightside in conjunction with a second peak in the dynamic pressure. We propose that the intensification of the aurora can be explained on the basis of the compression of the magnetopause and the generation of hydrodynamic waves by the rapid increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure. It is also evident that the substorm was triggered by waves, generated by a second rise in the dynamic pressure, that propagated to flux tubes connected to the premidnight aurora region.

Brittnacher, M.↗

Martian atmospheric lee waves

Areas of extensive mountain lee wave phenomenon in the northern midlatitudes during late winter are observed in Mariner 9 television pictures of Mars. The lee wave pattern is due to the discrete spectrum of waves generated by a crater ridge in an airstream. The cloud patterns resulting from the waves generated by the flow across a mountain or crater are dependent on the velocity profile of the airstream and the vertical stability of the atmosphere. A two-layer velocity model of the airstream is used in calculations based on the theory of mountain lee waves. Regardless of the simple model used for the airstream, the calculations appear to be capable of reproducing the observed wave patterns. The many observations of lee waves suggest that the near surface wind speeds as implied by the lower stream velocities do not greatly exceed, and most of the time are less than, 40 m/sec in the northern midlatitudes during late winter except possibly on a very localized scale. Results are in agreement with circulation models, especially the Leovy and Mintz (1969) two-layer numerical model.

Pirraglia, J. A.↗

Magnetospheric plasma wave research 1975-1978

Research conducted from 1975 through 1978 on magnetospheric plasma waves generated in or passing through the magnetospheres of the earth and Jupiter is reviewed. Attention is given to bow shock whistlers and electrostatic waves, electromagnetic wave packets in the magnetosheath ('lion roars'), nonthermal continuum radiation apparently associated with energetic electrons in the outer radiation zone, electrostatic and magnetic noise and PI2 pulsations in the magnetotail and plasma sheet and polar cusp phenomena. Plasma waves in the auroral zone, including VLF hiss and saucers, electrostatic wave turbulence and kilometric radiation are treated, together with MHD waves and magnetic pulsations, ion cyclotron waves, VLF chorus and hiss and electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic radiation in and beyond plasmapause, plasmaspheric hiss, whistlers, power line harmonic radiation and controlled wave generation experiments. Observations of plasmasphere and auroral zone phenomena in the ionosphere are discussed, and escaping and trapped plasma waves in the magnetospheres of Jupiter and other planets are considered. Planned future magnetospheric research for the next four years is outlined.

Shawhan, S. D.↗

Modeling of an interplanetary disturbance event tracked by the interplanetary scintillation method

The interplanetary disturbance event of August 25-29, 1978 was modeled in an attempt to reproduce the corresponding interplanetary scintillation observations and simultaneous ISEE-3 satellite data. A shock wave generated from the region of a disappearing filament on August 23 is shown to account for the observed shock wave structure, but not the broad high-speed stream behind the shock wave. A shock wave generated by the sudden activation of the coronal hole on the same day is able to account for the high-speed stream.

Akasofu, S.-I.↗

Convectively Generated Gravity Waves In The Tropical Stratosphere: Case Studies And Importance For The Circulation Of The Middle Atmosphere

The advent of high altitude aircraft measurements in the stratosphere over tropical convective systems has made it possible to observe the mesoscale disturbances in the temperature field that these systems excite. Such measurements show that these disturbances have horizontal scales comparable to those of the underlying anvils (about 50-100 km) with peak to peak theta surface variations of about 300-400 meters. Moreover, correlative wind measurements from the tropical phase of the Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange Project (STEP) clearly show that these disturbances are gravity waves. We present two case studies of anvil-scale gravity waves over convective systems. Using steady and time-dependent linear models of gravity wave propagation in the stratosphere, we show: (1) that the underlying convective systems are indeed the source of the observed phenomena; and (2) that their generating mechanism can be crudely represented as flow over a time-dependent mountain. We will then discuss the effects gravity waves of the observed amplitudes have on the circulation of the middle atmosphere, particularly the quasi-biennial, and semiannual oscillations.

Pfister, Leonhard↗

Numerical Simulation of Waves Driven by Plasma Currents Generated by Low-Frequency Alfven Waves in a Multi-Ion Plasma

When multi-ion plasma consisting of heavy and light ions is permeated by a lowfrequency Alfien (LFA) wave, the EXB and the polarization drifts of the different ion species and the electrons could be quite different. The relative drifts between the charged-particle species drive waves, which energize the plasma. Using 2.5-D particle-in-cell simulations, we study this process of wave generation and its nonlinear consequences in terms of acceleration and heating plasma. Specifically we study the situation for LFA wave frequency being lower than the heavyion cyclotron frequency in a multi-ion plasma. We impose such a wave to the plasma assuming that its wavelength is much larger than that of the waves generated by the relative drifts. For better understanding, the LFA-wave driven simulations are augmented by those driven by initialized ion beams.

Singh, Nagendra↗