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At least 307 records · Page 17

Measurement of Debye length in laser-produced plasma.

The Debye length of an expanded plasma created by placing an evacuated chamber with an entrance slit in the path of a freely expanding laser produced plasma was measured, using the slab geometry. An independent measurement of electron density together with the observed value for the Debye length also provided a means for evaluating the plasma electron temperature. This temperature has applications in ascertaining plasma conductivity and magnetic field necessary for confinement of the laser produced plasma. Also, the temperature obtained would be useful in analyzing electron-ion recombination rates in the expanded plasma and the dynamics of the cooling process of the plasma expansion.

Ehler, W.↗

Theoretical calculation of Martian airmass.

Analysis of spectroscopic observations of Mars requires values of the effective Martian airmass to obtain true abundances. Semi-arbitrary assumptions for the airmass correction have been used in most of the past publications on the subject. We have computed detailed values corresponding to specified slits superimposed on the disk of the planet, giving useful output in the form of curves presenting the average airmass for different regions of the planet and various conditions of planet diameter, seeing and phase angle.

Woodman, J. H.↗

Solution of an eigenvalue problem for the Laplace operator on a spherical surface

Methods for obtaining approximate solutions for the fundamental eigenvalue of the Laplace-Beltrami operator (also referred to as the membrane eigenvalue problem for the vibration equation) on the unit spherical surface are developed. Two specific types of spherical surface domains are considered: (1) the interior of a spherical triangle, i.e., the region bounded by arcs of three great circles, and (2) the exterior of a great circle arc extending for less than pi radians on the sphere (a spherical surface with a slit). In both cases, zero boundary conditions are imposed. In order to solve the resulting second-order elliptic partial differential equations in two independent variables, a finite difference approximation is derived. The symmetric (generally five-point) finite difference equations that develop are written in matrix form and then solved by the iterative method of point successive overrelaxation. Upon convergence of this iterative method, the fundamental eigenvalue is approximated by iteration utilizing the power method as applied to the finite Rayleigh quotient.

Walden, H.↗

Advanced Pioneer guidance and navigation requirements for outer planet missions

Three advanced Pioneer missions to the outer planets are analyzed to assess midcourse velocity and navigation requirements. Selecting the results of the Saturn/Uranus mission as representative values for the three missions, the Earth-Saturn midcourse mean plus 3-sigma velocity correction is 80 m/sec. Earth-based radio-only tracking results in a navigational error of 2000 km at Saturn which in turn requires a mean plus 3-sigma velocity correction of 140 m/sec on the Saturn-Uranus leg to nullify this error mapped to Uranus. In contrast to these figures, if a proposed optical V-slit sensor is incorporated into the spacecraft navigational system, a Saturn B-plane error of only 350 km results with a corresponding required mean plus 3-sigma post-Saturn velocity correction of 23.2 m/sec. An 8000 km miss at Uranus results from radio-only tracking at Saturn which can be considerably reduced to 1400 km by utilizing the optical sensor during the Saturn flyby.

Paul, C. K.↗

Effect of electron beam pulse width on time-of-flight spectra

A simple but useful formula describing the effect of electron gun pulse width on the time of flight (TOF) spectra measured in translational spectroscopy experiments is developed. An approximately monoenergetic pulsed electrostatically focused electron beam traverses a scattering cell filled with a Maxwellian gas. Inelastic electron collisions with the gas produce metastable particles, ions, scattered electrons, and photons which then pass through a collimating slit system at right angles to the electron beam. TOF techniques are used to separate the photon signal from the metastable particle signal and to measure the TOF distribution of the metastable species.

Misakian, M.↗

Orbiting astronomical observatory-Copernicus

Of the three observatories planned in NASA's OAO program, one, OAO-3, is still in orbit and producing scientifically useful data. The prime experiment is the Princeton telescope spectrometer. Following a brief history of the OAO program, a description is given of the Princeton telescope with its 80-cm primary mirror, and of the spectrometer, which yields a resolution of up to 0.05 A. The spacecraft guidance system is also described. This system initially points the observatory to within a few arc minutes of the target, places the 0.3-arc sec slit on the star in less than 3 minutes, and holds on the star for up to 50 minutes with errors less than 0.05 arc sec. The main scientific results are described under the following categories: (1) the widespread presence of molecular hydrogen; (2) the search for other molecules, including detection of CO; (3) the nature of the interstellar medium as inferred from the detection of various atomic lines; (4) the study of chromospheres in late type stars; and (5) the study of mass loss in binaries and single stars.

York, D. G.↗

An approximate method of analysis for notched unidirectional composites

An approximate method is proposed for the analysis of unidirectional, filamentary composite materials having slit notches perpendicular to the fibers and subjected to tension parallel to the fibers. The approach is based on an engineering model which incorporates important effects of material heterogeneity by considering average extensional stresses in the fibers and average shear stresses in the matrix. Effects of interfacial failure and matrix plasticity at the root of the notch are considered. Predictions of the analysis are in reasonably good agreement with previous analytical models and experimental data for graphite/epoxy.

Zweben, C.↗

The GSFC EUV and X-ray spectroheliograph on OSO-7

The Goddard Space Flight Center instrument carried on the pointed section of the OSO-7 satellite is described. This instrument contains: an extreme-ultraviolet spectroheliograph using glancing incidence optics of Wolter's Type II to focus the sun's light on the entrance slit of a concave grating spectrometer; an auxiliary H-alpha system; two X-ray spectroheliographs using mechanical collimators for spatial resolution and Ross filters to isolate spectral bands of interest; and a flare polarimeter operating in the 15-40 keV X-ray region. The subsystems may be operated in a number of modes which, when combined with the spacecraft modes, give the instrument great flexibility for making solar observations. Representative results from each of the subsystems are presented.

Underwood, J. H.↗

Relative cross section and depolarization of NOCl

A standard photon counting technique and an argon-ion laser with 4545, 4579, 4727, 4765, 4880, 4965, 5017 and 5145-A lasing lines, providing a measurable Raman spectrum from NOCl, were used in the measurement of the Raman scattering cross section of NOCl at a Raman shift of 334.4 plus or minus 1.6/cm in relation to the N2 Raman cross section. A polarization analyzer and a quartz wedge were placed in front of the entrance slit of the double monochromator for depolarization measurements. Diagrams are plotted to show the scattering cross section and depolarization measurement results.

Hoell, J. M.↗

Transonic compressor technology advancements

The highlights of the NASA program on transonic compressors are presented. Effects of blade shape and throat area on losses and flow range are discussed. Some effects of casing treatment on stall margin are presented. Results of tests with varying solidity are also presented. High Mach number, highly loaded stators are discussed and some results of stator hub slit suction are presented.

Benser, W. A.↗

The Automated Astronomic Positioning System (AAPS)

Two prototype systems of The Automated Astronomic Positioning System (AAPS) have been delivered to Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). The AAPS was developed to automate and expedite the determination of astronomic positions (latitude and longitude). This equipment is capable of defining astronomic positions to an accuracy sigma = 0.3 in each component within a two hour span of stellar observations which are acquired automatically. The basic concept acquires observations by timing stellar images as they cross a series of slits, comparing these observations to a stored star catalogue, and automatically deducing position and accuracy by least squares using pre-set convergence criteria. An exhaustive DMA operational test program has been initiated to evaluate the capabilities of the AAPS in a variety of environments (both climatic and positional). Status of the operational test is discussed.

Williams, O. N.↗

Ion and electron temperatures in the SUMMA mirror device by emission spectroscopy

Ion and electron temperatures, and ion drift were measured in a superconducting magnetic mirror apparatus by observing the Doppler-broadened charge-exchange component of the 667.8 and 587.6 nanometer He lines in He plasma, and the H sub alpha and H sub beta lines in H2 plasma. The second moment of the line profiles was used as the parameter for determining ion temperature. Corrections for magnetic splitting, fine structure, monochromator slit function, and variation in charge-exchange cross section with energy are included. Electron temperatures were measured by the line ratio method for the corona model, and correlations of ion and electron temperatures with plasma parameters are presented.

Patch, R. W.↗

Optical grating analyzer studies

A spectrometer was specifically designed and developed to observe grating spectra over a range of incidence angles from normal to almost grazing incidence. A unique scanning and focusing mechanism is utilized to keep the exit slit on the Rowland circle. Polarization effects in the vacuum were investigated, and efficiency measurements and spectral scans were made simultaneously with the spectrometer. Results of measurements are given. Applications of the spectrometer to the space program and to the study of contamination on optical surfaces are indicated.

Mcdonald, J. K.↗

Outer planet mission guidance and navigation for spinning spacecraft

The orbit determination accuracies, maneuver results, and navigation system specification for spinning Pioneer planetary probe missions are analyzed to aid in determining the feasibility of deploying probes into the atmospheres of the outer planets. Radio-only navigation suffices for a direct Saturn mission and the Jupiter flyby of a Jupiter/Uranus mission. Saturn ephemeris errors (1000 km) plus rigid entry constraints at Uranus result in very high velocity requirements (140 m/sec) on the final legs of the Saturn/Uranus and Jupiter/Uranus missions if only Earth-based tracking is employed. The capabilities of a conceptual V-slit sensor are assessed to supplement radio tracking by star/satellite observations. By processing the optical measurements with a batch filter, entry conditions at Uranus can be controlled to acceptable mission-defined levels (+ or - 3 deg) and the Saturn-Uranus leg velocity requirements can be reduced by a factor of 6 (from 139 to 23 m/sec) if nominal specified accuracies of the sensor can be realized.

Paul, C. K.↗

Far infrared spectroscopy of the Orion Nebula

A coarse resolution spectrum of the Orion Nebula between 65 and 125 microns is presented which closely fits the color dependence of a 75 K blackbody. A high resolution search for O III at 88.16 microns yields an upper limit below theoretical predictions. Observations were carried out in November, 1974, using the 31 cm gyrostabilized telescope mounted in the NASA Lear jet. The instrument employed was a fully liquid helium cooled grating spectrometer with a 3 mm entrance slit that gave a square beam on the sky, 5 arc minutes in diameter. The results are presented.

Ward, D. B.↗

Approach guidance for outer planet pioneer missions

Onboard optical approach guidance measurements for spin-stabilized Pioneer-type spacecraft are discussed. Approach guidance measurement accuracy requirements are outlined. The application concept and operation principle of the V-slit star tracker are discussed within the context of approach guidance measurements and measurables. It is shown that the accuracy of onboard optical approach guidance measurements is inherently coupled to the stability characteristics of the spacecraft spin axis. Geometrical and physical measurement parameters are presented for Pioneer entry probe missions to Uranus via Jupiter or Saturn flyby. The impact of these parameters on both sensor instrumentation and measurement system design is discussed. The need for sensing extended objects is shown. The feasibility of implementing an onboard approach guidance measurement system for Pioneer-type spacecraft is indicated. Two Pioneer 10 onboard measurement experiments performed in May-June 1974 are described.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

Optical and infrared spectrophotometry of 18 Markarian galaxies

Slit spectra, spectrophotometric scans and infrared broad band observations are presented. Eight of the program galaxies can be classified as Seyfert galaxies. Arguments are given that thermal, nonthermal and stellar radiation components were present. One group of Seyfert galaxies was characterized both by the presence of a high density region of gas and by a continuum dominated by nonthermal radiation. The continua of the remaining program Seyferts, which did not have a high density region of gas, were dominated by thermal radiation from dust and a stellar continuum. Ten of the galaxies, which are not Seyfert galaxies, are shown to be examples of extragalactic H 2 regions.

Becklin, E. E.↗