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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

The electron-cyclotron maser instability as the source of solar type V continuum

In this paper, it is proposed that the electron-cyclotron (EC) maser instability can be the source of solar type V bursts. The propagation of electrons up an open field line is examined, and it is shown that the resultant distribution can be subject to the bump-in-tail (BIT) or the EC maser instabilities, or both. The characteristics of the emission from the BIT and EC maser instabilities when they are driven by such distributions are compared. It is proposed that type V bursts are produced by the coalescence of the upper hybrid waves produced by the maser instability, while type IIIs are produced by the BIT instability.

Winglee, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Electron beam fluorescence system to measure gas density in impulse facilities

Very rapid measurements, ranging from a few microsecond to milliseconds in duration, characterize studies made in shock regions or behind them. A system to measure gas density under such conditions in a 15.24-cm (6-in.) expansion tube is described. The basic elements are an electron beam of moderate energy and high current capability, an optical detector, and the associated electronics and data readout equipment. A heated-cathode electron gun, capable of pulsed operation and delivering up to 200 milliamperes current, provides the source of electrons. Optics include a simple collector lens, aperture, collimator lens, filters, and a photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier output signal was recorded by means of photographed oscilloscope traces for pulsed beam operation.

Hoppe, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Transfer of polarized radiation in self-absorbed synchrotron sources. I - Results for a homogeneous source

The solution to the equation of transfer of polarized radiation in a steady-state homogeneous rarefied medium is applied to self-absorbed synchrotron sources. Relativistic electrons (independent of the presence of any cold plasma) can quite easily produce in such sources significant Faraday rotation and/or conversion of linear to circular polarization. Structural inhomogeneities do not obviate the importance of these phenomena in compact nonthermal sources. Contrary to the calculation of Pacholczyk and Swihart (1975), the circular polarization for a homogeneous source changes sign just below the self-absorption turnover as the source becomes opaque, even when polarization conversion dominates; however, for a physically realistic source, structural inhomogeneity may alter this behavior. The observational evidence bearing upon these effects is reviewed.

Jones, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simple ultraviolet calibration source with reference spectra and its use with the Galileo orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer

A simple compact electron impact laboratory source of UV radiation has been developed and is used to obtain calibrated optically thin VUV spectra and synthetic spectral models for important molecular band systems of H2, N2, and the n 1P0 Rydberg series of He. The relative spectral intensity of the electron impact source can be used as the primary calibration standard for VUV instrumentation in the 80-230 nm range and with FWHM of not less than 0.4 nm. The accuracy of the present method is 10 percent in the FUV and 20 percent in the EUV. Results for calibration of the Galileo orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer have been compared with those obtained using other methods.

Shemansky, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

NASA/DOD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Paper 20: Engineers as information processors: A survey of US aerospace engineering faculty and students

U.S. aerospace engineering faculty and students were surveyed as part of the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Research Project. Faculty and students were viewed as information processors within a conceptual framework of information seeking behavior. Questionnaires were received from 275 faculty members and 640 students, which were used to determine: (1) use and importance of information sources; (2) use of specific print sources and electronic data bases; (3) use of information technology; and (4) the influence of instruction on the use of information sources and the products of faculty and students. Little evidence was found to support the belief that instruction in library or engineering information use has significant impact either on broadening the frequency or range of information products and sources used by U.S. aerospace engineering students.

Holland, Maurita Peterson↗
NASA NTRS1972

Measurements of the UV and VUV transmission of optical materials during high energy electron irradiation

An experimental program was conducted in which the optical transmission of several transparent materials was measured during high energy electron irradiation. These experiments were conducted using the Dynamitron electron accelerator as a continuous source of 1.5 MeV electrons and the LINAC electron accelerator as a pulsed source of 5-7 MeV electrons. The experimental program consisted of three major portions. The first portion, the optical transmission of fused silica, BeO, MgF2, and LiF was measured at vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths in the range 1550-2000 A during ambient temperature, 1.5 MeV electron irradiation at ionizing dose rates to 0.5 Mrad/sec. In the second portion of the program, the optical transmission of fused silica and BeO was measured in the range 2000-3000 A during high dose rate, elevated temperature 1.5 MeV electron irradiation. In particular, accurate measurements of the optical transmission were made at ionizing dose rates as high as 10 Mrad/sec. In the final portion of the program, the optical transmission of fused silica and BeO was measured in the wavelength range 2000-3000 A during pulsed 5 and 7 MeV electron irradiation from the LINAC accelerator. The maximum time averaged ionizing dose rate was limited to 0.75 Mrad/sec due to accelerator limitations.

Palma, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Molecular Processes in Comets

The research focused on molecular hydrogen and its response to ultraviolet radiation, photoelectron impact excitation and X-ray radiation and on the interpretation of the ultraviolet spectra of the Jupiter dayglow and auroras. A systematic effort was made to obtain reliable rate coefficients for rovibrational energy transfer of H2, particularly in collisions with hydrogen atoms. We carried out elaborate quantum-mechanical calculations of the scattering of H and H2 on what had been characterized as a reliable potential energy surface of the H3 molecular system. These calculations took into account reactive channels and rate coefficients for ortho-para transitions were obtained. Quantal calculations are too complex to be applied to all the possible rovibrational transitions and we turned to a semi-classical method. With it we calculated rate coefficients for transitions, reactive and non-reactive, for all the rovibrational levels. We carried out the calculations for three of the available H3 potential energy surfaces. We discovered an unexpected sensitivity of the rate coefficients for the non-reactive channels to the potential energy surface. This discovery stimulated more thorough investigations of the potential energy surface elsewhere and to the construction of a new surface. We have used it in further semi-classical calculations in work that will shortly be 2 completed and which, together with new quantum-mechanical calculations should comprise a set of reliable rate coefficients that can be used in discussions of H2 on the Jovian planets. We carried out a detailed study of the Jovian ultraviolet dayglow. There has been a long-running argument about the dayglow on Jupiter. There are two sources of excitation: fluorescence and photoelectron impact excitation. It had been argued that a third source "the electron glow" was needed to bring theory and observation into agreement. We believe we have shown conclusively that the third source is unnecessary. We have achieved a close quantitative agreement between the predicted spectrum arising from fluorescence and photoelectrons and the measured spectrum. We also demonstrated a method by which the presence of HD could be established observationary. Similar calculations were carried out of the ultraviolet spectra of the Jovian auroras. We again found close agreement. Indeed, the agreement was so detailed we were able to derive the temperature of the atmosphere. We found, contrary to the standard model of the time, a high temperature between 400 K and 600 K and established the presence of a significant temperature gradient. A large temperature gradient was indeed found by direct sampling with the Jupiter probe.

Dalgarno, A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Evaluation of Pulse Counting for the Mars Organic Mass Analyzer (MOMA) Ion Trap Detection Scheme

The Mars Organic Mass Analyzer is being developed at Goddard Space Flight Center to identify organics and possible biological compounds on Mars. In the process of characterizing mass spectrometer size, weight, and power consumption, the use of pulse counting was considered for ion detection. Pulse counting has advantages over analog-mode amplification of the electron multiplier signal. Some advantages are reduced size of electronic components, low power consumption, ability to remotely characterize detector performance, and avoidance of analog circuit noise. The use of pulse counting as a detection method with ion trap instruments is relatively rare. However, with the recent development of high performance electrical components, this detection method is quite suitable and can demonstrate significant advantages over analog methods. Methods A prototype quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer with an internal electron ionization source was used as a test setup to develop and evaluate the pulse-counting method. The anode signal from the electron multiplier was preamplified. The an1plified signal was fed into a fast comparator for pulse-level discrimination. The output of the comparator was fed directly into a Xilinx FPGA development board. Verilog HDL software was written to bin the counts at user-selectable intervals. This system was able to count pulses at rates in the GHz range. The stored ion count nun1ber per bin was transferred to custom ion trap control software. Pulse-counting mass spectra were compared with mass spectra obtained using the standard analog-mode ion detection. Prelin1inary Data Preliminary mass spectra have been obtained for both analog mode and pulse-counting mode under several sets of instrument operating conditions. Comparison of the spectra revealed better peak shapes for pulse-counting mode. Noise levels are as good as, or better than, analog-mode detection noise levels. To artificially force ion pile-up conditions, the ion trap was overfilled and ions were ejected at very high scan rates. Pile-up of ions was not significant for the ion trap under investigation even though the ions are ejected in so-called 'ion-micro packets'. It was found that pulse counting mode had higher dynamic range than analog mode, and that the first amplification stage in analog mode can distort mass peaks. The inherent speed of the pulse counting method also proved to be beneficial to ion trap operation and ion ejection characterization. Very high scan rates were possible with pulse counting since the digital circuitry response time is so much smaller than with the analog method. Careful investigation of the pulse-counting data also allowed observation of the applied resonant ejection frequency during mass analysis. Ejection of ion micro packets could be clearly observed in the binned data. A second oscillation frequency, much lower than the secular frequency, was also observed. Such an effect was earlier attributed to the oscillation of the total plasma cloud in the ion trap. While the components used to implement pulse counting are quite advanced, due to their prevalence in consumer electronics, the cost of this detection system is no more than that of an analog mode system. Total pulse-counting detection system electronics cost is under $250

Van Amerom, Friso H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Cosmic-ray positron and negatron spectra between 20 and 800 MeV measured in 1974

The flux density of cosmic-ray positrons and electrons was measured by a balloon-borne spark chamber magnetic spectrometer in two flights in an attempt to study the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays. The total electron flux was found to be about 0.03/cu m/s/sr/MeV between 70 and 800 MeV and to increase toward lower energies, while the positron flux decreased sharply toward lower energies from about 0.008/cu m/s/sr/MeV at 650 MeV and only upper limits were obtained for positrons below 200 MeV. At energies above 180 MeV, the spherically symmetrical Fokker-Planck equation with a diffusion coefficient proportional to the particle rigidity provided a reasonable fit to both positron and total electron data, while at energies below 180 MeV, the data were consistent with a continuation of the same diffusion coefficient and local source of electrons, or a change in the diffusion coefficient to a constant value.

Hartman, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Sources and sinks of energetic electrons and protons in Saturn's magnetosphere

The paper deals with some results of continuing analysis and interpretation of energetic particle observations made onboard Pioneer 11 during its August-September 1979 encounter with Saturn. Source strength estimates and the radial dependence of the phase space density of protons of energies above 80 MeV indicate with some confidence that the cosmic-ray neutron albedo from the planets atmosphere and rings is the source of these particles.

Van Allen, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Solar Flare X-Ray Source Motion as a Response to Electron Spectral Hardening

Context. Solar flare hard X-rays (HXRs) are thought to be produced by nonthermal coronal electrons stopping in the chromosphere, or remaining trapped in the corona. The collisional thick target model (CTTM) predicts that more energetic electrons penetrate to greater column depths along the flare loop. This requires that sources produced by harder power-law injection spectra should appear further down the legs or footpoints of a flareloop. Therefore, the frequently observed hardening of the injected power-law electron spectrum during flare onset should be concurrent with a descending hard X-ray source. Aims. To test this implication of the CTTM by comparing its predicted HXR source locations with those derived from observations of a solar flare which exhibits a nonthermally-dominated spectrum before the peak in HXRs, known as an early impulsive event. Methods. HXR images and spectra of an early impulsive C-class flare were obtained using the Ramaty High-Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). Images were reconstructed to produce HXR source height evolutions for three energy bands. Spatially-integrated spectral analysis was performed to isolate nonthermal emission, and to determine the power-law index of the electron injection spectrum. The observed height-time evolutions were then fit with CTTM-based simulated heights for each energy, using the electron spectral indices derived from the RHESSI spectra. Results. The flare emission was found to be dominantly nonthermal above approx. 7 keV, with emission of thermal and nonthermal X-rays likely to be simultaneously observable below that energy. The density structure required for a good match between model and observed source heights agreed with previous studies of flare loop densities. Conclusions. The CTTM has been used to produce a descent of model HXR source heights that compares well with observations of this event. Based on this interpretation, downward motion of nonthermal sources should indeed occur in any flare where there is spectral hardening in the electron distribution during a flare. However, this would often be masked by thermal emission associated with flare plasma pre-heating. As yet, flare models that predict transfer of energy from the corona to the chromosphere by means other than a flux of nonthermal electrons do not predict this observed source descent. Therefore, flares such as this will be key in explaining this elusive energy transfer process.

X-rays↗
NASA NTRS1992

Outer heliospheric radio emissions. I - Constraints on emission processes and the source region

Observations by Voyager 1 and 2 of LF radio emissions near 2 and 3 kHz during the interval 1983-1987 while at heliocentric distances from 15 to 27 AU and 11 to 20 AU, respectively, are reported. Constraints on the emission processes and source characteristics are discussed. Minimum Langmuir wave electric fields in the source region, based solely on the kinematics of the radiation processes, lie in the range 1-100 micro-V/m for nominal source and electron beam parameters. Path lengths for fundamental and harmonic emission processes are calculated. The observed levels of radiation can be produced in path lengths and source dimensions smaller than 1 AU provided the participating Langmuir waves have effective temperatures of about 10 exp 17 K. Previous source models for the radiation are discussed.

Cairns, Iver H.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Drift-Resonant Interaction of Magnetospheric Relativistic Electrons with Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) Waves: Comparison between Observations and Simulations

By analyzing CRRES and GOES observations on Aug. 27 1991, Tan et al. [2004] reported evidence of magnetospheric relativistic electron acceleration by resonant interactions with PC5 ULF waves. The event showed strong ULF wave activities after a storm sudden commencement (SSC) and energetic electron fluxes were enhanced in 2 hours. The electron flux peak observed in energy channels (0.6 - 1.1 MeV) were modulated by local electric field observed by CRRES. In this study, we set up a drift-resonant interaction model between ULF wave and magnetospheric relativistic electrons to model the observed electron flux in the event. In this model, the poloidal mode wave is concentrated in the dayside and the toroidal mode wave is concentrated in two flanks. The toroidal mode waves in the dawn and dusk flanks are in anti-phase. We found that electron can be accelerated jointly by the poloidal wave in the dayside and toroidal wave in flanks. The dayside poloidal wave serves as the dominant source of electron acceleration. The simulated electron flux variations agree well with observations both in fine details and long period behavior. These agreements in electron behavior indicate that the ULF wave plays an important role in accelerating MeV relativistic electrons around the geosynchronous orbit.

Fung, Shing↗
NASA NTRS1984

Electron precipitation zones around major ground-based VLF signal sources

The spatial distribution of electron precipitation induced by VLF signals from ground-based transmitters is determined by using a test particle computer model of the gyroresonant wave-particle interaction (Inan et al., 1982). The results are presented as contours of energy flux on a map of the region around each transmitter. It is shown that the size of the precipitation zones is a strong function of the geographic location of the transmitter, as well as its radiated power and operating frequency. In general, the precipitation zones are much wider in longitude than in latitude and are oriented along lines of constant geomagnetic latitude. Assuming backscatter and/or wave echoing, precipitation zones around the points that are magnetically conjugate to the sources are also estimated. The results presented can be used to interpret satellite- or ground-based measurements of the precipitation induced by ground-based VLF transmitters.

Inan, U. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Free electron lasers driven by linear induction accelerators: High power radiation sources

The technology of Free Electron Lasers (FELs) and linear induction accelerators (LIAs) is addressed by outlining the following topics: fundamentals of FELs; basic concepts of linear induction accelerators; the Electron Laser Facility (a microwave FEL); PALADIN (an infrared FEL); magnetic switching; IMP; and future directions (relativistic klystrons). This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.

Orzechowski, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The propagation of Jovian electrons to earth

An analysis of the Jovian electron flux increases observed by the earth-orbiting satellite Imp 8 throughout five 13 month Jovian synodic years during the period from launch of the satellite in 1973 to 1979 is presented. The analysis defines the characteristics of Jovian propagation to earth. Corotating interaction regions (CIR) that form at the leading edges of fast solar wind streams continue to modulate the propagation of MeV electrons from Jupiter to the orbit of the earth to produce approximately 27 day recurrent variations in the Jovian electron density. The new and significant result of this study is that these time-intensity profiles are more accurately described not by assumption that Jupiter is a constant source of electrons, but rather by assuming that electron emission is initiated with each passage of CIR by Jupiter with the emission continuing for only several days.

Chenette, D. L.↗