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At least 217 records · Page 12

Tests of General Relativity with Stellar-Mass Black Hole Binaries Observed by LISA

We consider the observation of stellar-mass black holes binaries with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna(LISA). Preliminary results based on Fisher information matrix analyses have suggested that gravitational waves from those sources could be very sensitive to possible deviations from the theory of general relativity (GR) andfrom the strong equivalence principle during the low-frequency binary inspiral. We perform a full Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian analysis to quantify the sensitivity of these signals to two phenomenological modifications of GR, namely a putative gravitational dipole emission and a non-zero mass for the graviton, properly accounting for the detector’s response. Moreover, we consider a scenario where those sources could be observed also with Earth-based detectors, which should measure the coalescence time with precision better than 1 ms. This constraint on the coalescence time further improves the bounds that we can set on those phenomenological deviations from GR. We show that tests of dipole radiation and the graviton’s mass should improve respectively by seven and half an order(s) of magnitude over current bounds. Finally, we discuss under which conditions one may claim the detection of a modification to General Relativity.

Alexandre Toubiana↗

Hercules X-1 = HZ Herculis - A multiperiod variable

Fundamental rotation properties of the free modes of oscillation of a star are employed to account for the various periodicities observed in the X-ray binary system HZ Her/Her X-1. The various rotation rates may be taken as defining a set of beat periods associated with the quasiregular flareups of HZ Her. This analysis, involving only one free parameter, provides a single physical mechanism to explain five observed periods of the binary system, including periods of 1.7 days, 35 days and 10 to 12 years.

Wolff, C. L.↗

Parameter Estimation for Compact Binaries with Ground-Based Gravitational-Wave Observations Using the LALInference

The Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational wave (GW) detectors will begin operation in the coming years, with compact binary coalescence events a likely source for the first detections. The gravitational waveforms emitted directly encode information about the sources, including the masses and spins of the compact objects. Recovering the physical parameters of the sources from the GW observations is a key analysis task. This work describes the LALInference software library for Bayesian parameter estimation of compact binary signals, which builds on several previous methods to provide a well-tested toolkit which has already been used for several studies. We show that our implementation is able to correctly recover the parameters of compact binary signals from simulated data from the advanced GW detectors. We demonstrate this with a detailed comparison on three compact binary systems: a binary neutron star (BNS), a neutron star - black hole binary (NSBH) and a binary black hole (BBH), where we show a cross-comparison of results obtained using three independent sampling algorithms. These systems were analysed with non-spinning, aligned spin and generic spin configurations respectively, showing that consistent results can be obtained even with the full 15-dimensional parameter space of the generic spin configurations. We also demonstrate statistically that the Bayesian credible intervals we recover correspond to frequentist confidence intervals under correct prior assumptions by analysing a set of 100 signals drawn from the prior. We discuss the computational cost of these algorithms, and describe the general and problem-specific sampling techniques we have used to improve the efficiency of sampling the compact binary coalescence (CBC) parameter space.

gravitational wave↗

Theoretical Studies of Accreting Neutron Stars

Among the newly discovered classes of X-ray sources which have attracted wide attention are close binary systems in which mass is transferred via Roche lobe overflow from a low mass donor star to its neutron star companion. Many of these sources exhibit intense bursts of X-ray radiation as well as periodic and quasi-periodic phenomena. Intensive analysis of these sources as a class has provided insight into the accretion process in binary star systems and into the magnetic field, rotational, and nuclear evolution of the underlying neutron star. In this proposal we have focused on theoretical studies of the hydrodynamical and nuclear processes that take place on the surface of accreting neutron stars in these systems. The investigation of these processes is critical for providing an understanding of a number of outstanding problems related to their transient behavior and evolution.

Taam, Ronald E.↗

Investigation of the shell stars omicron and theta Per, and of the eclipsing binary beta Lyr

All three stars showed rather complicated spectra, which require a very detailed spectroscopic analysis. The far UV spectrum of Beta Lyrae is clearly peculiar, with a multitude of emission lines not observed on any other star so far scanned with Copernicus. This made this star at once the most interesting and also, in a sense, easier to study. The other two stars display a spectrum rich in absorption lines, some of them being fairly broad (as expected for photospheric lines of rapidly rotating objects), some sharp. The later were clearly non-photospheric lines. An attempt was made to distinguish the circumstellar from the interstellar components.

Plavec, M.↗

Electrical conductivity and phase diagram of binary alloys. 21: The system palladium-chromium

Pd-Cr alloys were investigated by thermal analysis, hardness measurements, X-ray analysis, microscopic examination of etched pieces, and temperature-resistance curves of the solid alloys. Only one compound, Pd2Cr3, m, 1389 deg, is formed. It possesses a cubic face centered lattice and forms with excess Pd a series of solid solutions with a minimum m.p. at 45 atoms% Pd. Hardness maximum appears at the Pd2Cr3 point. Pd2Cr3 forms no solid solutions with Cr but eutectic point appears at 25 atoms% Pd, m. 1320 deg. The sp. resistance of pure Cr in an atom of H, indicates no allotropic forms. Cr2O3 is solid in molten Cr. Pure Cr melts at 1890 plus or minus 10 deg but Cr contg. Cr2O3 starts to melt at 1770 to 1790 deg.

Grube, G.↗

Double diffusive convection during directional solidification - Nonlinear analysis

The dynamics of doubly diffusive convective flow during the constant-velocity vertical solidification of binary melts to form single-phase solids is examined, summarizing the results of recent experimental and analytical investigations. The effects of horizontal temperature gradients are considered; the nonlinearities of the system and their numerical treatment are discussed; and numerical results are presented graphically for the solidification of a Pb melt containing 0.0015 wt pct Sn, with growth velocity 0.0002 cm/s and a temperature gradient of 200 K/cm in the liquid.

Coriell, S. R.↗

Prototype Global Analysis of LISA Data with Multiple Source Types

The novel data analysis challenges posed by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) arise from the overwhelmingly large number of astrophysical sources in the measurement band and the density with which they are found in the data. Robust detection and characterization of the numerous gravitational wave sources in LISA data can not be done sequentially, but rather through a simultaneous global fit of a data model containing the full suite of astrophysical and instrumental features present in the data. While previous analyses have focused on individual source types in isolation, here we present the first demonstration of a LISA global fit analysis containing combined astrophysical populations. The prototype pipeline uses a blocked Metropolis Hastings algorithm to alternatingly fit to a population of ultra compact galactic binaries, known “verification binaries” already identified by electromagnetic observations, a population of massive black hole mergers, and an instrument noise model. The Global LISA Analysis Software Suite (GLASS) is assembled from independently developed samplers for the different model components. The modular design enables flexibility to future development by defining standard interfaces for adding new, or updating additional, components to the global fit without being overly prescriptive for how those modules must be internally designed. The GLASS pipeline is demonstrated on data simulated for the LISA Data Challenge 2b. Results of the analysis and a road-map for continued development are described in detail.

Gravitational Waves↗

Orbital elements of the binary X-ray pulsar GX 301-2

X-ray outbursts from GX 301-2 were observed with Hakucho on two occasions during April and May 1982 and with Tenma in April 1984. Pulse arrival times measured with Hakucho were combined with those previously measured with Ariel 5 and SAS 3. The joint timing analysis of these data sets yields an orbital period of 41.5 days as the only acceptable solution; this is consistent with the period derived from the X-ray flaring events of the source. The orbital elements of the binary system, established from the joint timing analysis, are presented. The orbital solution suggests that all the peaks of X-ray flares observed during the past 10 yr occur at the orbital period, but consistently appear about 1.4 days before the time of periastron passage of the X-ray star.

Sato, N.↗

The Bright Gamma-Ray Transient GRO J1838-0145: Multiwavelength Studies of X-Ray Novae

We completed the observational work regarding the bright gamma-ray transient GRO J1838-014 that might be a representative of a new class of gamma-ray sources in our Galaxy. A bright gamma-ray flare was detected by EGRET in June 1996. Its time variability (approx. weeks) and the absence of a clearly identified radio-loud (-approx. 1 Jy) blazar in its error box are crucial for our interpretation of GRO J1838-014 as an object different from gamma-ray blazars or isolated pulsars. We also observed the error box with ASCA and SAX pointings without identifying obvious candidate counterparts. The X-ray flux in quiescence, if any, is quite low, and canonical X-ray binary systems are also excluded. GRO J1838-014 is not the only non-blazar gamma-ray transients detected by EGRET in the Galactic plane. An analysis of CGRO Cycle 4 data is being completed in collaboration with R. Mukherjee and J. Mattox with the discussion of other interesting unidentified sources. Pulsars embedded in transient gaseous surroundings (maybe in binary systems) or compact objects in special systems are plausible candidates. A theoretical analysis is being developed. We also continued the study of Galactic X-ray novae, in particular of systems producing radio jets such as GRS 1915+10. The use of Green Bank Interferometer data (of which the MT is the chair of the executive committee) has been of great use to GRO and other satellite missions. We completed a study of X-ray/radio outbursts of GRS 1915+10 with BSAX and Ryle radiotelescope data and CGRO/BATSE simultaneous data. We also continued our theoretical work on gamma-ray bursts.

Tavani, Marco↗

Real-Time Data Display

RT-Display is a MATLAB-based data acquisition environment designed to use a variety of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware to digitize analog signals to a standard data format usable by other post-acquisition data analysis tools. This software presents the acquired data in real time using a variety of signal-processing algorithms. The acquired data is stored in a standard Operator Interactive Signal Processing Software (OISPS) data-formatted file. RT-Display is primarily configured to use the Agilent VXI (or equivalent) data acquisition boards used in such systems as MIDDAS (Multi-channel Integrated Dynamic Data Acquisition System). The software is generalized and deployable in almost any testing environment, without limitations or proprietary configuration for a specific test program or project. With the Agilent hardware configured and in place, users can start the program and, in one step, immediately begin digitizing multiple channels of data. Once the acquisition is completed, data is converted into a common binary format that also can be translated to specific formats used by external analysis software, such as OISPS and PC-Signal (product of AI Signal Research Inc.). RT-Display at the time of this reporting was certified on Agilent hardware capable of acquisition up to 196,608 samples per second. Data signals are presented to the user on-screen simultaneously for 16 channels. Each channel can be viewed individually, with a maximum capability of 160 signal channels (depending on hardware configuration). Current signal presentations include: time data, fast Fourier transforms (FFT), and power spectral density plots (PSD). Additional processing algorithms can be easily incorporated into this environment.

Pedings, Marc↗

The ROSAT All-Sky Survey of active binary coronae. II - Coronal temperatures of the RS Canum Venaticorum systems

We present the results from an analysis of X-ray spectra of 44 RS CVn systems obtained during the ROSAT All-Sky Survey with the Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC). Thermal plasma models with two temperature components are found to reproduce the observations better than single or continuous temperature models. We typically find that a bimodal distribution of temperatures centered near 2 x 10 exp 6 and 1.6 x 10 exp 7 K fit the data best. We show that the PSPC temperatures agree well with those from similar low-resolution measurements, although differences exist, primarily due to differing detector bandpasses. After comparing coronal (either temperature or emission measure) characteristics with stellar parameters including rotation period and dynamo number, we find no compelling relationship. The height-integrated emission measures of the components in the two-temperature models, including a gravity term, are found to be well correlated with temperature.

Dempsey, Robert C.↗

Continuum, cyclotron line, and absorption variability in the high-mass X-ray binary Vela X-1

Because of its complex clumpy wind, prominent cyclotron resonant scattering features, intrinsic variability, and convenient physical parameters (close distance, high inclination, and small orbital separation), which facilitate the observation and analysis of the system, Vela X-1 is one of the key systems for understanding accretion processes in high-mass X-ray binaries on all scales. We revisit Vela X-1 with two new observations taken with NuSTAR at orbital phases ∼0.68–0.78 and ∼0.36–0.52, which show a plethora of variability and allow us to study the accretion geometry and stellar wind properties of the system. We follow the evolution of spectral parameters down to the pulse period timescale using a partially covered power law continuum with a Fermi-Dirac cutoff to model the continuum and local absorption. We are able to confirm anti-correlations between the photon index and the luminosity and, for low fluxes, between the folding energy and the luminosity, implying a change of properties in the Comptonising plasma. We were not able to confirm a previously seen correlation between the cyclotron line energy and the luminosity of the source in the overall observation, but we observed a drop in the cyclotron line energy following a strong flare. We see strong variability in absorption between the two observations and within one observation (for the ∼0.36–0.52 orbital phases) that can be explained by the presence of a large-scale structure, such as accretion and photoionisation wakes in the system, and our variable line of sight through this structure.

C. M. Diez↗

Stagnation region heating of a phenolic-nylon ablator during return from planetary missions

The results of a stagnation-line analysis of the radiative heating of a phenolic-nylon ablator are reported. The analysis includes flowfield coupling with the ablator surface, equilibrium chemistry, multicomponent or binary diffusion and a coupled line and continuum radiation calculations. Users manual and operating instructions for the computer programs listed in the report are included.

Esch, D. D.↗

Role of alloying elements in adhesive transfer and friction of copper-base alloys

Sliding friction experiments were conducted in a vacuum with binary-copper alloy riders sliding against a conventional bearing-steel surface with normal residual oxides present. The binary alloys contained 1 atomic percent of various alloying elements. Auger spectroscopy analysis was used to monitor the adhesive transfer of the copper alloys to the bearing-steel surface. A relation was found to exist between adhesive transfer and the reaction potential and free energy of formation of the alloying element in the copper. The more chemically active the element and the more stable its oxide, the greater was the adhesive transfer and wear of the copper alloy. Transfer occurred in all the alloys except copper-gold after relatively few (25) passes across the steel surface.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Nature and origin of mineral coatings on volcanic rocks of the Black Mountain, Stonewall Mountain, and Kane Springs Wash volcanic centers, Southern Nevada

Comparative lab spectra and Thematic Mapper imagery investigations at 3 Tertiary calderas in southern Nevada indicate that desert varnish is absorbant relative to underlying host rocks below about 0.7 to 1.3 microns, depending on mafic affinity of the sample, but less absorbant than mafic host rocks at higher wavelengths. Desert varnish occurs chiefly as thin impregnating films. Distribution of significant varnish accumulations is sparse and localized, occurring chiefly in surface recesses. These relationships result in the longer wavelength bands and high 5/2 values over felsic units with extensive desert varnish coatings. These lithologic, petrochemical, and desert varnish controlled spectral responses lead to characteristic TM band relationships which tend to correlate with conventionally mappable geologic formations. The concept of a Rock-Varnish Index (RVI) is introduced to help distinguish rocks with a potentially detectable varnish. Felsic rocks have a high RVI, and those with extensive desert varnish behave differently, spectrally, from those without extensive varnish. The spectrally distinctive volcanic formations at Stonewall Mountain provide excellent statistical class segregation on supervised classification images. A binary decision rule flow-diagram is presented to aid TM imagery analysis over volcanic terrane in semi-arid environments.

Taranik, James V.↗

Timing analysis of low-energy gamma ray emission from galactic compact objects using the Gamma Ray Observatory

The principal goal of our phase 1 investigation was the development of techniques and data analysis tools for pulsar searches and timing. After the launch of the Compton Observatory, we received from the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) team one day of discriminator large area (DISCLA) data for use in the development and testing of data analysis techniques. Using this first day of data for testing and optimizing our timing tools we detected four x-ray binary pulsars, Vela X-1, Cen X-3, 4U 0115+63, and GX 301-2. Subsequently, we received four more days of data, allowing us to test our timing tools with data from a variety of days. In summary, using the tools we developed based on the first day of data that we received, we have detected 8 pulsars in 5 days of data, or roughly one quarter of the approximately 30 known x-ray binary pulsars. In addition to the pulsars listed above, we detected GX 1+4, 4U 1626-67, OAO 1657-415, and Her X-1. Many of the data analysis tools that we developed have been ported to MSFC and are being used for the analysis of BATSE data. This appendix describes some of the timing tools and presents preliminary pulse period and phase profile results.

Prince, Thomas A.↗

Postaccretion magnetic field evolution of neutron stars

We present the first calculations of magnetic field evolution following accretion-induced field reduction which demonstrate the possibility of subsequent surface magnetic field growth. Assuming the preaccretion field is pushed down or advected below the accreting material, we show that significant diffusion of the suppressed field back to the surface can occur within a Galactic age approximately 10(exp 10) yr. This produces surface fields characteristic of standard pulsars if the total mass transferred is below a critical value delta M(sub c) approximately 0.04 solar masses. We then show how this provides a natural explanation for the existence of old pulsars with high inferred surface dipole fields which are still observable. Using our results in conjunction with a model for accretion-induced field reduction we predict the evolution of a binary pulsar's spin and magnetic field through its postaccretion lifetime. This analysis also provides a qualitative explanation for a recent suggestion that the magnetic fields and spins of recycled pulsars have a bimodal distribution.

Young, E. J.↗