Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “local density approximations”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12

Time-Dependent Photodissociation Regions

We present theoretical models of the time-dependent thermal and chemical structure of molecular gas suddenly exposed to far-ultraviolet (FUV) (6 eV less than hv less than 13.6 eV) radiation fields and the consequent time- dependent infrared emission of the gas. We focus on the response of molecular hydrogen for cloud densities ranging from n = 10(exp 3) to 10(exp 6)/cu cm and FUV fluxes G(sub 0) = 10(exp 3)-10(exp 6) times the local FUV interstellar flux. For G(sub 0)/n greater than 10(exp -2) cu cm, the emergent H(sub 2) vibrational line intensities are initially larger than the final equilibrium values. The H(sub 2) lines are excited by FUV fluorescence and by collisional excitation in warm gas. Most of the H(sub 2) intensity is generated at a characteristic hydrogen column density of N approximately 10(exp 21)/sq cm, which corresponds to an FUV optical depth of unity caused by dust opacity. The time dependence of the H(sub 2) intensities arises because the initial abundances of H(sub 2) at these depths is much higher than the equilibrium values, so that H(sub 2) initially competes more effectively with dust in absorbing FUV photons. Considerable column densities of warm (T approximately 1000) K H(sub 2) gas can be produced by the FUV pumping of H(sub 2) vibrational levels followed by collisional de-excitation, which transfers the energy to heat. In dense (n greater than or approximately 10(exp 5)/cu cm) gas exposed to high (G(sub 0) greater than or approximately 10(exp 4)) fluxes, this warm gas produces a 2-1 S(1)/1-0 S(l) H(sub 2) line ratio of approximately 0.1, which mimics the ratio found in shocked gas. In lower density regions, the FUV pumping produces a pure-fluorescent ratio of approximately 0.5. We also present calculations of the time dependence of the atomic hydrogen column densities and of the intensities of 0 I 6300 A, S II 6730 A, Fe II 1.64 microns, and rotational OH and H20 emission. Potential applications include star-forming regions, clouds near active galactic nuclei, and planetary nebulae. We apply our models to five planetary nebulae and conclude that only BD +30deg3639 shows evidence of enhanced H(sub 2) emission due to (high) nonequilibrium H(sub 2) abundances.

Hollenbach, David↗

The Weak Fe Fluorescence Line and Long-Term X-Ray Evolution of the Compton-Thick Active Galactic Nucleus in NGC7674

We present NuSTAR X-ray observations of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) in NGC7674.The source shows a flat X-ray spectrum, suggesting that it is obscured by Compton-thick gas columns. Based upon long-term flux dimming, previous work suggested the alternate possibility that the source is a recently switched-off AGN with the observed X-rays being the lagged echo from the torus. Our high-quality data show the source to be reflection-dominated in hard X-rays, but with a relatively weak neutral Fe K(alpha) emission line (equivalent width [EW] of approximately 0.4 keV) and a strong Fe XXVI ionized line (EW approximately 0.2 keV).We construct an updated long-term X-ray light curve of NGC7674 and find that the observed 2-10 keV flux has remained constant for the past approximately 20 yr, following a high-flux state probed by Ginga. Light travel time arguments constrain the minimum radius of the reflector to be approximately 3.2 pc under the switched-off AGN scenario, approximately 30 times larger than the expected dust sublimation radius, rendering this possibility unlikely. A patchy Compton-thick AGN (CTAGN) solution is plausible, requiring a minimum line-of-sight column density (N(sub H)) of 3 x 10(exp 24) cm(exp -2) at present, and yields an intrinsic 2-10 keV luminosity of (3-5) x 10(exp 43) erg s(exp -1). Realistic uncertainties span the range of approximately (1-13) x 10(exp 43) erg s1. The source has one of the weakest fluorescence lines amongst bona fide CTAGN, and is potentially a local analogue of bolometrically luminous systems showing complex neutral and ionized Fe emission. It exemplifies the difficulty of identification and proper characterization of distant CTAGN based on the strength of the neutral Fe K line

galaxies: Seyfert –X-rays: individual (NGC 7674)↗

The latitudinal gradient of nitric oxide in the thermosphere

Theoretical calculations of nitric oxide altitude profiles are made at five different latitudes by using neutral temperatures and composition primarily from the MSIS (mass spectrometer and incoherent scatter) model. The nitric oxide calculated for an altitude of 105 km remains nearly constant with increasing latitude. Observations made by the ultraviolet nitric oxide instrument on the Atmosphere Explorer C satellite show that at low magnetic activity (Ap value of approximately 4), the NO density at 105 km agrees with the theory; however, at moderate levels of activity it increases with latitude. This discrepancy between the theoretical and observed latitudinal gradients of nitric oxide suggests the transport of NO from a high latitude source to lower latitudes. At 200 km the theoretical and observed latitudinal gradients are in reasonable agreement, an indication that the knowledge of the local composition and temperature is sufficient to model nitric oxide at this altitude.

Cravens, T. E.↗

Hypervelocity impact facility for simulating materials exposure to impact by space debris

The Space Power Institute at Auburn University has constructed an electromagnetically driven particle accelerator for simulating the effects of space debris on the materials for use in advanced spacecraft. The facility consists of a capacitively driven accelerator section, a drift tube and a specimen impact chamber. The drift tube is sufficiently long that all electrical activity has ceased prior to impact in the specimen chamber. The impact chamber is large enough to allow a wide range of specimen geometries, ranging from small coupons to active portions of advanced spacecraft. The electric drive for the accelerator consists of a 67 kJ, 50 k capacitor bank arranged in a low inductance configuration. The bank is discharged through an aluminum armature/plastic ablator plate/projectile load in roughly 1.2 microsec. The evaporation of the ablaitor plate produces an expanding gas slug, mostly H2, traveling at a velocity of some 60 km/sec. Because of the pressure and local density, the expanding gas cloud accelerates projectiles due to plasma drag. To date, we have utilized projectiles consisting of 100 micron SiC, 100 and 400 micron Al2O3, 100 and 145 micron olivines. Since many particles are accelerated in a given experiment, there is a range of velocities for each shot as well as some particle breakup. Advanced diagnostics techniques allow determination of impact coordinates, velocity, and approximate size for as many as 50 individual impacts in a given experiment. We routinely measure velocities in the range 1-15 km/sec. We have used this facility to study a variety of impact generated phenomena on coated surfaces, both paint and plastic, thermal blanket material, solar cell arrays, and optical materials such as glass and quartz lenses. The operating characteristics of the gun, the advanced diagnostic scheme, and the results of studies of crater morphology are described in detail. Projectile residue analysis, as a function of impact velocity for the materials listed above, is also discussed. Wherever possible, these results are compared to those obtained by LDEF investigators and future experiments suggested which could help to explain unique features associated with LDEF impacts.

Rose, M. Frank↗

Self-consistent electrostatic potential due to trapped plasma in the magnetosphere

A steady state solution for the self-consistent electrostatic potential due to a plasma confined in a magnetic flux tube is considered. A steady state distribution function is constructed for the trapped particles from the constants of the motion, in the absence of waves and collisions. Using Liouville's theorem, the particle density along the geomagnetic field is determined and found to depend on the local magnetic field, self-consistent electric potential, and the equatorial plasma distribution function. A hot anisotropic magnetospheric plasma in steady state is modeled by a bi-Maxwellian at the equator. The self-consistent electric potential along the magnetic field is calculated assuming quasineutrality, and the potential drop is found to be approximately equal to the average kinetic energy of the equatorially trapped plasma. The potential is compared with that obtained by Alfven and Faelthammar (1963).

Miller, Ronald H.↗

Computer experiments on the structure and dynamics of spiral galaxies

The evolution of an initially balanced rotating disk of stars with an initial velocity dispersion given by Toomre's local criterion was investigated by means of a computer model for isolated disks of stars. It was found that the disk is unstable against very large scale modes. A stable axisymmetric disk with a velocity dispersion much larger than that given by Toomre's criterion was generated. The final mass distribution for the disk gives a high density central core and a disk population of stars that is closely approximated by an exponential variation. Various methods and rates of cooling the hot axisymmetric disks were investigated. It was found that the cooling resulted in the development of two-arm spiral structures which persisted as long as cooling continued. An experiment was performed to induce spiral structure in a galaxy by means of the close passage of a companion galaxy. Parameters similar to those expected for M51 and its companion were used. It was found that because of the high velocity dispersion of the disturbed disk galaxy, only a weak two-arm spiral structure appeared. The evolution of a uniformly rotating disk galaxy which is a stationary solution of the collisionless Boltzmann equation was investigated for various values of the initial rms velocity dispersion. It was found that the disk becomes stable at a value of the velocity dispersion predicted by theory.

Hohl, F.↗

Reinterpretation of the Pioneer 6 bow shock crossing.

This paper re-examines and reinterprets the interesting bow shock crossing of Pioneer 6 on December 16, 1965, by combining the high-resolution data for the magnetic field measurements with all the available plasma data. It is shown that, although a small correction of the magnetic field data improves the validity test of the MHD Rankine-Hugoniot (R-H) conditions, it is the plasma density measurements that are the principal source of the remaining inconsistencies. With the exception of the densities, the best agreement between the measurements and the R-H relations is obtained when the specific heat ratio is slightly less than the classical value of 5/3 expected for a magnetized plasma in the magnetosheath. A more accurate shock normal determination has been made, and it is found that the shock itself is possibly in motion with respect to the earth and that locally it may be approximated as a normal shock.

Mariani, F.↗

Surface slope probabilities from the spectra of weak radar echoes - Application to Mars

A method is described for stabilizing the inversion of the power spectra of comparatively weak radar echoes from Mars. It is noted that such stabilization is necessary for echoes with S/N power-spectral densities of order unity as well as for those with broad spectral distributions. The method is applied to the Martian surface, using two data sets obtained with radars of approximately 12.5-cm wavelength. The resulting slope probabilities are interpreted in terms of diffuse and quasi-specular scatter, and values of rms slope are calculated. The results for a sample of Martian locations clearly indicate extreme variations in the local nature of the surface and yield evidence for an apparent planetwide distribution of roughness that may be due to extreme slopes, surface or subsurface rock populations, or a combination of these.

Lipa, B.↗

Study of dust in the vicinity of Dione using the Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument

The flyby of Voyager 1 at Saturn yielded the detection of a large variety of plasma waves, for example, chorus, hiss, and electron cyclotron harmonics. Just before the outbound equator crossing, the Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument detected a strong, well-defined low-frequency enhancement in signal levels. Initially, it was thought that this enhancement was due to plasma waves, but more recently it was suggested that dust impacts might be at least partial contributors. In this report we present evidence that dust impacts are partly responsible for the low-frequency enhancement. A new method of analysis which relies mainly on the 16-channel spectrum analyzer has been used to derive the dust impact rate. The available wideband waveform observations (which have been used previously to study dust impacts) were useful for calibrating the impact rate from the spectrum analyzer data. The mass and hence size of the dust particles were also obtained by analyzing the response of the plasma wave spectrum and analyzer. The results show that the region sampled by Voyager 1 is populated by dust particles that have rms masses of up to a few times 10(exp -11) g and sizes of up to a few microns. The dust particle number density is of the order of 10(exp -3)/cu m. The optical depth of the region sampled by the spacecraft is approximately 10(exp -6). The particle population is centered at 2470 (+/- 150) km south of the equatorial plane and has a north-south FWHM (full-width, half-maximum) thickness of 4130 (+/- 450) km. The dust may be part of the E ring or a localized ringlet assoicated with Dione.

Tsintikidis, D.↗

Physical Conditions of the Interstellar Medium in Star-forming Galaxies at z~1.5

We present results from Subaru/FMOS near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy of 118 star-forming galaxies at z approximately equal to 1.5 in the Subaru Deep Field. These galaxies are selected as [O II] lambda 3727 emitters at z approximately equal to 1.47 and 1.62 from narrow-band imaging. We detect H alpha emission line in 115 galaxies, [O III] lambda 5007 emission line in 45 galaxies, and H Beta, [N II] lambda 6584, and [S II]lambda lambda 6716, 6731 in 13, 16, and 6 galaxies, respectively. Including the [O II] emission line, we use the six strong nebular emission lines in the individual and composite rest-frame optical spectra to investigate physical conditions of the interstellar medium in star-forming galaxies at z approximately equal to 1.5. We find a tight correlation between H alpha and [O II], which suggests that [O II] can be a good star formation rate (SFR) indicator for galaxies at z approximately equal to 1.5. The line ratios of H alpha / [O II] are consistent with those of local galaxies. We also find that [O II] emitters have strong [O III] emission lines. The [O III]/[O II] ratios are larger than normal star-forming galaxies in the local Universe, suggesting a higher ionization parameter. Less massive galaxies have larger [O III]/[O II] ratios. With evidence that the electron density is consistent with local galaxies, the high ionization of galaxies at high redshifts may be attributed to a harder radiation field by a young stellar population and/or an increase in the number of ionizing photons from each massive star.

interstellar↗

Theoretical overview and modeling of the sodium and potassium atmospheres of mercury

A general theoretical overview for the sources, sinks, gas-surface interactions, and transport dynamics of sodium and potassium in the exospheric atmsophere of Mercury is given. Information for these four factors, which control the spatial distribution of these two alkali-group gases about the planet, is incorporated in numerical models. The spatial nature and relative importance of the initial source atom atmosphere and the ambient (ballistic hopping) atom atmosphere are then examined and are shown to be controlled and coupled to a great extent by the extremely large and variable solar radiation acceleration experienced by sodium and potassium as they resonantly scatter solar photons. The lateral (antisunward) transport rate of thermally accommodated sodium and potassium ambient atoms is shown to be driven by the solar radiation acceleration and, over a significant portion of Mercury's orbit about the Sun, is sufficiently rapid to be competitive with the short photoionization lifetimes for these atoms when they are located on the summit surface near or within about 30 deg of the terminator. The lateral transport rate is characterized by a migration time determined by model calculations for an ensemble of atoms initially starting at a point source on the surface (i.e., a numerical spacetime dependent Green's function). Four animations for the spacetime evolution of the sodium (or potassium) atmosphere produced by a point source on the surface are presented on a videotape format. For extended surface sources for sodium and potassium, the local column density is determined by competition between the photoionization lifetimes and the lateral transport times of atoms originating from different surface source locations. Sodium surface source fluxes (referenced to Mercury at perihelion) that are required on the sunlit hemisphere to reproduce the typically observed several megarayleighs of D2 emission-line brightness and the inferred column densities of 1-2 x 10(exp 11) atoms per sq cm range from approximately 2-5 x 10(exp 7) atoms/sq cm/sec. The sodium model is applied to study observational data that document an anticorrelation in the average sodium column density and solar radiation acceleration. Lateral transport driven by the solar radiation acceleration is shown to produce this behavior for combinations of different sources and surface accomodation coefficients. The best fit model fits to the observational data require a significant degree of thermal accommodation of the ambient sodium atoms to the surface and a source rate that decreases as an inverse power of 1.5 to 2 in heliocentric distance.

Smyth, William H.↗

The record of impact cratering on the great volcanic shields of the Tharsis region of Mars

The spatial density of impact craters larger than 100 m on the four great volcanic shields in the Tharsis region is analyzed, assuming that each observed crater population represents the total formed since the local surface was last renewed. Previous investigations of this type are reviewed, problems encountered in those studies are discussed, and an attempt is made to overcome these problems by applying explicit criteria for the separation of craters smaller than approximately 1 km in diameter according to their origin and by ignoring larger craters. Relative ages are determined by comparing crater populations at a common diameter, and such comparisons are carried out for six populations on Arsia Mons, one population on Pavonis Mons, several craters on Ascraeus Mons, and two populations on Olympus Mons. The results, presented in terms of 'crater ages', indicate that most dated surfaces on the great shields range in age from 0.5 to 1.2 billion years, that the eruption patterns of the volcanoes are similar to those of the Hawaiian basaltic shields, and that the most frequently renewed surfaces are on the middle-to-lower flanks as well as within the summit calderas. The youngest surfaces are estimated to date from the period between 0.5 billion years ago and the present; the oldest dated surfaces are shown to suggest that the volcanoes had attained essentially their present sizes over 1 billion years ago.

Blasius, K. R.↗

Evaluation of a locally homogeneous model of spray evaporation

Measurements were conducted on an evaporating spray in a stagnant environment. The spray was formed using an air-atomizing injector to yield a Sauter mean diameter of the order of 30 microns. The region where evaporation occurred extended approximately 1 m from the injector for the test conditions. Profiles of mean velocity, temperature, composition, and drop size distribution, as well as velocity fluctuations and Reynolds stress, were measured. The results are compared with a locally homogeneous two-phase flow model which implies no velocity difference and thermodynamic equilibrium between the phases. The flow was represented by a k-epsilon-g turbulence model employing a clipped Gaussian probability density function for mixture fraction fluctuations. The model provides a good representation of earlier single-phase jet measurements, but generally overestimates the rate of development of the spray. Using the model predictions to represent conditions along the centerline of the spray, drop life-history calculations were conducted which indicate that these discrepancies are due to slip and loss of thermodynamic equilibrium between the phases.

Shearer, A. J.↗

Observations of O (VI) Emission from the Diffuse Interstellar Medium Toward l =113 deg b = 71 deg

Emission from 0 VI (lambda lambda 1032, 1038) in the diffuse interstellar medium was observed in two, long Fur Ultra-violet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) observations at l = approximately equals 1l3 degrees .0 and b approximately equals 70 degrees .7 (near the quasar HS 1307+4617). The observed intensities are 2580 +/- 380 (random) +/- 360 (systematic) and 1100 +/- 160 (random) +/- 160 (systematic) photons cm(exp -2)/s s/r in the 1032 and 1038 A emission lines, respectively. The electron density, thermal pressure, and depth of the emitting gas are calculated from the observed intensities. The velocity of the emitting material is about +10 km/s relative to the local standard of rest and less than + 30 km/s relative to the H I along the line of sight. The similarity suggests that the highly ionized gas is quiescent and not recently shock heated. Emission from the C 11 3 s(exp 2) S(sub 1/2) to 2p(exp 2) P(sub 3/2) transition at 1037 A is also observed, and upper limits are placed on the intensities of ultraviolet line emission from C I, C 111, N I, N 11, Mg 11, Si 11, S 11, S 111. S IV, S VI. Fe 11, and Fe 111.

Shelton, R. L.↗

Spiral Arms in the Asymmetrically Illuminated Disk of MWC 758 and Constraints on Giant Planets

We present the first near-IR scattered light detection of the transitional disk associated with the Herbig Ae star MWC 758 using data obtained as part of the Strategic Exploration of Exoplanets and Disks with Subaru, and 1.1 micrometer Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS data. While submillimeter studies suggested there is a dust-depleted cavity with r = 0".35, we find scattered light as close as 0".1 (20-28 AU) from the star, with no visible cavity at H, K', or Ks . We find two small-scaled spiral structures that asymmetrically shadow the outer disk. We model one of the spirals using spiral density wave theory, and derive a disk aspect ratio of h approximately 0.18, indicating a dynamically warm disk. If the spiral pattern is excited by a perturber, we estimate its mass to be 5(exp +3)(sub -4) M(sub J), in the range where planet filtration models predict accretion continuing onto the star. Using a combination of non-redundant aperture masking data at L' and angular differential imaging with Locally Optimized Combination of Images at K' and Ks , we exclude stellar or massive brown dwarf companions within 300 mas of the Herbig Ae star, and all but planetary mass companions exterior to 0".5. We reach 5 sigma contrasts limiting companions to planetary masses, 3-4 M(sub J) at 1".0 and 2 M(sub J) at 1".55, using the COND models. Collectively, these data strengthen the case for MWC 758 already being a young planetary system.

Grady, C. A.↗

The Far-Infrared Emission Line and Continuum Spectrum of the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1068

We report on the analysis of the first complete far-infrared spectrum (43-197 microns) of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 as observed with the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) onboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). In addition to the 7 expected ionic fine structure emission lines, the OH rotational lines at 79, 119 and 163 microns were all detected in emission, which is unique among galaxies with full LWS spectra, where the 119 micron line, where detected, is always in absorption. The observed line intensities were modelled together with IS0 Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) and optical and ultraviolet line intensities from the literature, considering two independent emission components: the AGN component and the starburst component in the circumnuclear ring of approximately 3kpc in size. Using the UV to mid-IR emission line spectrum to constrain the nuclear ionizing continuum, we have confirmed previous results: a canonical power-law ionizing spectrum is a poorer fit than one with a deep absorption trough, while the presence of a big blue bump is ruled out. Based on the instantaneous starburst age of 5 Myr constrained by the Br gamma equivalent width in the starburst ring, and starburst synthesis models of the mid- and far-infrared fine-structure line emission, a low ionization parameter (U=10(exp -3.5)) and low densities (n=100 cm (exp -3)) are derived. Combining the AGN and starburst components, we succeed in modeling the overall UV to far-IR atomic spectrum of SGC 1068, reproducing the line fluxes to within a factor 2.0 on average with a standard deviation of 1.4. The OH 119 micron emission indicates that the line is collisionally excited, and arises in a warm and dense region. The OH emission has been modeled using spherically symmetric, non-local, non-LTE radiative transfer models. The models indicate that the bulk of the emission arises from the nuclear region, although some extended contribution from the starburst is not ruled out. The OH abundance in the nuclear region is expected to be approximately 10(exp -5), characteristic of X-ray dominated regions.

Spinoglio, Luigi↗

Investigations of Mars dynamics and geodesy via the Viking spacecraft

Results are reported for analyses of Doppler, ranging, and tracking data from the Viking landers and orbiters of relevance to the dynamics and geodesy of Mars. Highly improved numerical results are given for the orientation of the spin axis of Mars, the planet's sidereal rotation rate, and the earth-Mars ephemeris. A refined definition of the global gravitational field of Mars is discussed, a local gravitational survey based on Viking Orbiter 2 tracking data is described, and a mass anomaly near Olympus Mons is noted. Radius data are examined which suggest an asymmetry in the figure of Mars characterized by generally higher topography in the southern than in the northern hemisphere. The mass of Phobos is determined on the basis of Orbiter 1 orbital perturbations, and the mean density of this Martian satellite is found to be approximately 2.0 g/cu cm, which is suggestive of primitive carbonaceous chondrites and, if true, implies that Phobos was formed in the asteroid belt.

Michael, W. H., Jr.↗

Correlation between SFR Surface Density and Thermal Pressure of Ionized Gas in Local Analogs of High-redshift Galaxies

We explore the relation between the star formation rate (SFR) surface density (integration of SFR) and the interstellar gas pressure for nearby compact starburst galaxies. The sample consists of 17 green peas and 19 Lyman break analogs (LBAs). Green peas are nearby analogs of Ly alpha emitters at high redshift and LBAs are nearby analogs of Lyman break galaxies at high redshift. We measure the sizes of green peas using Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph near-UV images with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.05 arcsec. We estimate the gas thermal pressure in H II regions by P equals N (sub total)Tk (sub B) approximately or equal to 2n (sub e)Tk (sub B). The electron density is derived using the [S II] doublet at 6716,6731 Angstroms and the temperature is calculated from the [O III] lines. The correlation is characterized by the integration of SFR equals 2.40 times 10 (sup -3) times solar mass per year per square kiloparsec times ((P divided by k (sub B)) divided by (10 ( sup 4) per cubic centimeter times K)) times (sup 1.33). Green peas and LBAs have high integration of SFR up to 1.2 solar masses per year per square kiloparsec and high thermal pressure in the H II region up to P divided by k (sub B) approximating 10 (sup 7.2) K cubic centimeters. These values are at the highest end of the range seen in nearby starburst galaxies. The high gas pressure and the correlation are in agreement with those found instar-forming galaxies at redshift approximating 2.5. These extreme pressures are shown to be responsible for driving galactic winds in nearby starbursts. These outflows may be crucial in enabling Ly alpha and Lyman-continuum to escape.

Galaxies: Evolution↗