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At least 343 records · Page 19

The structure and appearance of winds from supercritical accretion disks. II - Dynamical theory of supercritical winds

A general analytic theory is presented of winds driven by super-Eddington luminosities. The relevant parameters are the mass of the central object, the radius at which the luminosity and matter are injected, the ratio of the free-fall time to the heating time at this radius, and the total luminosity injected at the radius. Several different regimes of dynamical wind structure are identified, and the analytic expressions are shown to agree with the numerical results in Meier (1979) in the appropriate case. It is noted that, in its general form, the theory is the optically thick (to electron scattering) counterpart to optically thin radiation pressure-driven stellar winds.

Meier, D. L.↗

Non-intrusive flow measurements on a reentry vehicle

This study evaluates the utility of various non-intrusive techniques for the measurement of the flow field on the windward side of the Space Shuttle or a similar re-entry vehicle. Included are linear (Rayleigh, Raman, Mie, Laser Doppler Velocimetry, Resonant Doppler Velocimetry) and nonlinear (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman, Laser Induced Fluorescence) light scattering, electron beam fluorescence, thermal emission and mass spectroscopy. Flow field properties are taken from a nonequilibrium flow model by Shinn, Moss and Simmonds at NASA Langley. Conclusions are, when possible, based on quantitative scaling of known laboratory results to the conditions projected. Detailed discussion with researchers in the field contributed further to these conclusions and provided valuable insights regarding the experimental feasibility of each of the techniques.

Miles, R. B.↗

The partial phase of the eclipse of epsilon Aurigae

Ultraviolet spectra of the peculiar eclipsing binary Epsilon Aurigae (FO Ia + ?) were obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer at pre-eclipse and ingress partial phases. The results show a wavelength dependence of the eclipse in contrast to the grayness (non-wavelength dependence) of the eclipse observed in visible light. From the current results, incorporating previous observations, it is suggested that: (1) the obscuration of the light of the F supergiant by the disk proposed by Huang (1965) is the result of electron scattering in visible light; (2) the increase in the eclipse depths toward shorter wavelengths observed in the ultraviolet is caused by dust; and (3) the temperature of the disk is in the range from 1000 to 2000 K.

Chapman, R. D.↗

Electron beam experiments aboard the Space Shuttle

A 100 W, 0.1A electron gun was used in DC and pulsed modes in a series of vehicle charging and wave stimulation observations on a space shuttle. The results show that strong wave-electron scattering is present in most gun operations. It was possible to stimulate intense plasma waves in the ELF, VLF and HF frequency bands.

Banks, P. M.↗

Electron impact spectroscopy of high temperature species

The application of the methods of electron impact spectroscopy to the study of high temperature species is discussed. Electron scattering by metal vapors (Ba, Bi, Cu, Mn, Tl, Zn), alkali halide molecules, and KOH are described as demonstrative examples.

Trajmar, S.↗

Variation of the pulse profile of Hercules X-1

The X-ray pulsar Her X-1 was observed in an on-state during its 35th cycle of activity in May, 1983 using the gas scintillation proportional counter (GSPC) array of the Tenma X-ray astronomy satellite. The outstanding features observed during the declining phase of the on-state included: a sharp decrease in the main X-ray pulse amplitude; and a steady increase in the column density of cool matter. On the basis of the spectral shape of the pulses, it is suggested that the main phase was attenuated due to electron scattering of the X-ray beam in a highly ionized medium located 3 x 10 to the 8th cm from the neutron star. Near the end of the on-state, the main pulse totally disappeared and a plain sinusoidal profile was observed. The observed pulse profiles are reproduced in graphic form.

Ohashi, T.↗

Impact melting of the Cachari eucrite 3.0 Gy ago

The chemical compositions and Ar-isotope gas-retention ages of host phase and glass veins in the Cachari eucrite are determined by microprobe and neutron-activation analysis and mass spectrometry, respectively. The results are presented in tables, graphs, and back-scattered electron images and characterized in detail. The compositions are found to support the thesis that the glass formed by shock melting of the host rock (or of rock having the same composition). The Ar-39/Ar-40 ages of host and glass are given as 3.04 + or - 0.07 Gyr and 3.47 + or - 0.04 Gyr, respectively; the former value is taken as the true data of melting, and the latter is attributed to incomplete postmelt degassing of Ar from the glass phase. The implications of the relative youth of this and other eucrites and howardites for the regolith history of the parent body are considered.

Bogard, D. D.↗

Solar-neutrino oscillations

The theory of oscillations of solar neutrinos is developed as it applies to the electron-recoil spectrum in neutrino-electron scattering. The spectral information obtained by such measurements (as opposed to counting total event rates) is crucial for allowing observation of neutrino oscillations for masses down to 500 neV. In this regard, the effects of different masses and mixing angles, as well as such subtleties as thermal and pressure broadening, finite solar-core size, and variable indices of refraction are investigated.

Krauss, L.↗

Analysis of ultraviolet atmospheric eclipses in the Wolf-Rayet binary CV Serpentis

While no eclipses deeper than 0.04 mag are noted in the present UV spectra, covering one-half of an orbital cycle of CV Ser, in the electron scattering continuum at 2400-3200 A or in fine error sensor observations, marked atmospheric eclipses of up to 0.5 mag depth are observed in individual strong lines and over large ranges of the continuum at shorter wavelengths. The flux above the continuum in the C II 1247 A, Si IV 1400 A, and Si IV 1723 lines showed similar phase dependence with emission weakening, as well as with the emission's going into absorption as phase progresses from superior to inferior conjunction of the WC star (primary eclipse). These observations show effects very similar to the behavior of WN stars in the UV.

Eaton, J. A.↗

Modelling Epsilon Aurigae without solid particles

Three components can be expected to contribute to the emission of epsilon Aurigae. There is a primary F star. There is an opaque disk which occults it, and there is a gas stream which is observed to produce absorption lines. Evidence that the disk is not responsible for the gas stream lines comes both from the radial velocities, which are too small, and from the IR energy distribution out of eclipse, which shows free-free emission that would produce inadequate optical depth in electron scattering. The color temperature of the IR excess can give misleading indications of low temperature material. Free-free emission at 10,000 K between 10 and 20 microns has a color temperature of 350 K. Attempts to mold the system are discussed.

Cheng, A. Y. S.↗

Further atomic calculations for Fe XXIII

Electron collision strengths for Fe XXIII have been obtained using the 'distorted wave' approximation. Previous results (Bhatia and Mason, 1981) were obtained including the configurations 2s(2), 2s2p, 2p(2), 2s3s, 2s3p, and 2s3d. In this paper, the correlation configurations 2p3s, 2p3p and 2p3d have also been included in the solution of the electron scattering problem.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Polarization in massive X-ray binaries. I - A low-inclination model for Cygnus X-1

The possibility that variable linear polarization in massive X-ray binaries is produced by electron scattering in an asymmetric stellar wind is investigated. The stellar wind is asymmetric because of the gravitational field of the secondary (X-ray source). The degree of asymmetry and the magnitude of the linear polarization are controlled by the degree to which the primary star fills its Roche lobe. For the well-observed X-ray binary Cyg X-1, the present model can produce the correct magnitude for the polarization. Provided that the inclination of the system is less than about 20 deg, the present model should also predict the correct phase dependence of the polarization. Modifications to the model are described which would enable it to apply to systems with higher inclination.

Friend, D. B.↗

Polarization in X-ray binaries

A summary is presented of theoretical and observational characterization of the physical properties of accreting objects which emit X-ray, such as binary systems, through polarimetry of the observed light from the objects. X-ray polarimetry focuses on the accretion disk around secondary object. The electron scattering within the disk was predicted by Chandrasekhar (1946) to be detectable as polarization that varies with the phase of the eclipse between the third and fourth contacts. A relationship is also known to exist between the behavior of the linear polarization and the inclination of the system to the line-of-sight. Sample polarization data from several accreting stellar objects, including suspected black holes, is discussed in terms of the possible physical characteristics of the sources of the radiation.

Dolan, J. F.↗

Accretion disks and periodic outbursts of active galactic nuclei

The local thermal stability of accretion disks around supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei is examined. Such disks are unstable at radii where the surface temperature is several thousand degrees. Supermassive disks therefore should undergo limit-cycle outbursts similar to those believed to occur in dwarf novae. Operating on a time scale of about 10,000 to 10 million yr and at radii of about 10 to the 15th to 10 to the 16th cm, this mechanism will result in alternating periods of higher and lower accretion rate onto the black hole and, consequently, higher and lower luminosity. Quasi-periodic outbursts on this time scale may be recorded in the structure of extended radio sources, a possible example being 4C 29.47. For accretion rates greater than 0.1 solar masses/yr, the situation is complicated by instabilities caused by self-gravitation and by the dominance of radiation pressure and electron scattering opacity.

Lin, D. N. C.↗

Comparison of calculated and experimental thermal attachment rate constants for SF6 in the temperature range 200-600 K

Electron-attachment cross sections are calcualted for the process e(-) + SF6 yields SF6(-) in the energy range 1-200 meV. An electron scattering approximation is used in which diatomiclike potential energy curves near the equilibrium SF6 ground state are constructed from recent spectroscopic data. Excellent agreement is found over the entire energy range with experimental attachment cross sections at a temperature of 300 K for s-wave (l = 0) scattering. The same calculation, with appropriate adjustment of the thermal populations, is used to calculate attachment rate constants in the range 50-600 K for both s- and p-wave scattering.

Orient, O. J.↗

Anisotropic transport in modulation doped quantum well structures

The degree of anisotropy in the anisotropic electron transport that has been observed in GaAs modulation-doped quantum wells grown by MBE on Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As is related to the thickness and growth parameters of this substrate, which is grown just prior to the inverted interface. It is presently observed that the inverted interface has an anisotropic roughness which affects the 77 K low field electron transport parallel to the interface, and gives rise to anisotropic electron scattering in the GaAs modulation-doped quantum well.

Radulescu, D. C.↗

Discovery of an X-ray burst from 4U 2129 + 47

Einstein MPC observations of the 5.2-h binary 4U 2129 + 47 are analyzed, and a type 1 X-ray burst with rise time 6.5 + or 1.5 s, peak 2-10-keV flux about 1 nerg/sq cm s, and peak color temperature 2.8 + 0.9 or - 0.7 keV is detected in data for 22:01:03 UT on December 15, 1978. It is inferred that the compact component of the binary is a neutron star, and anomalies in the burst (e.g., peak luminosity 500 times lower than the Eddington limit) are interpreted in terms of the accretion-disk-corona (ADC) model of McClintock et al. (1982). Assuming that the burst itself is normal, an ADC with temperature about 10 to the 8th K, radius 4 x 10 to the 10th cm, and electron-scattering optical depth about 2.5 is predicted, making this object the first neutron star with a mass (0.6 + or - 0.2 solar mass according to Horne et al., 1986) well below the Chandrasekhar limit.

Garcia, Michael R.↗

The X-ray spectrum of NGC 1068

The first X-ray spectrum of a classical Seyfert 2 galaxy, NGC 1068, measured by the Einstein Observatory, is presented. The small soft X-ray luminosity of about 9 x 10 to the 41st ergs/s, the lack of variability, and the Compton temperature of less than 10 to the 6th K are all consistent with the model of Antonucci and Miller (1985); these authors have suggested that NGC 1068 contains a hidden Seyfert 1 nucleus seen indirectly through the electron scattering. However, the steep spectral slope (alpha = 2.0 + or - 0.3) distinguishes the NGC 1068 from the vast majority of Seyfert 1 galaxies.

Monier, R.↗