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At least 37 records · Page 2

Approximations to the mean surface of Mars and Mars atmosphere using Mariner 9 occultations

When the Mariner 9 spacecraft passed behind Mars in its orbiting phase, the radio beam was cut off by some physical feature. These occultations occurred during the months of November and December 1971 and again in April and May 1972. The fairly good global spread of these data was used to estimate the shape of the Martian globe, as definable by mathematical shapes (ellipsoidal and spherical harmonic). The refraction profiles allowed the estimation of pressure near the occultation point; these, corrected back to an arbitrary fixed value of pressure, chosen to be 6.1 mb, were used as radii to an isobaric surface. Preliminary results showed a figure displacement from the mass center with a best fit southeast by 2.85 km. There was also an equatorial displacement in the direction of about 100 deg W. Atmospheric approximations for the mass center to 6.1-mb pressure distances were fit to an ellipsoid.

Cain, D. L.↗

Nuclear gamma rays from solar flares

Solar gamma ray line emission and the source of that emission at 0.5, 2.2, 4.4, and 6.1 MeV were reviewed and updated. Data were taken from OSO-7 observations of the August 4 and 7 solar flares. A comparison, made between predicted and observed emissions, show that the 0.5, 2.2, 4.4, and 6.1 MeV lines are produced by positron annihilation, deuterium deexcitation following neutron capture on hydrogen, and the deexcitation of the first nuclear levels of C-12 and O-16 respectively. Accelerated particle spectra at the sun independent of assumed interaction were determined.

Ramaty, R.↗

Search for broad gamma ray lines with the UCR double Compton scatter telescope

The operation of a double scatter telescope and the evaluation of data obtained during a 24 hour balloon flight are discussed. An increase in gamma rays was observed as the galactic anti-center crossed the aperature of the telescope. Searches for lines from p(n,gamma)d at 2.2 MeV, C-12* at 4.4 MeV and on -16* at 6.1 MeV and for other lines broadened or redshifted are being conducted to identify the processes responsible for the production of celestial gamma rays. Two upper limits for lines in the angalactic anti-center direction at 4.4 MeV and 6.1 MeV are 6 and 4 x 10 to the minus 4 power gamma/sq cm-s.

White, R. S.↗

The lowest ionization potentials of Al2

Potential curves for the lowest two electronic states (X 2 sigma g + and A 2 pi u) of Al2(+) were computed using complete active space SCF/multireference CI wave functions and large Gaussian basis sets. The lowest observable vertical ionization potential (to Al2(+) X 2 sigma g +) of the Al2 X 3 pi u ground state is calculated to occur around 6.1 eV, in excellent agreement with the experimental range of 6.0 to 6.42 eV obtained in recent cluster ionization studies by Cox and co-workers. The second vertical ionization potential (to Al2(+) A 2 pi u) occurs near 6.4 eV, also within the experimental range. The adiabatic IP of 5.90 eV is in good agreement with the value of 5.8 to 6.1 eV deduced by Hanley and co-workers from the difference in thresholds between collision induced dissociation processes of Al3(+). The computed IP values are somewhat larger than those deduced from branching ratios in cluster fragmentation experiments by Jarrold and co-workers. The observation of an ionization threshold below 6.42 eV is shown to be incompatible with an Al2 ground electronic state assignment of 3 sigma g -, but the separation between the two lowest states of Al2 is so small that it is likely that both are populated in the experiments, so that this does not provide unambiguous support for the recent theoretical assignment of the ground state as 3 pi u.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

Lowest ionization potentials of Al2

Potential curves for the lowest two electronic states, X 2Sigma(+)g and A 2Pi(u), of Al2(+) were computed using complete active space SCF/multireference CI wave functions and large Gaussian basis sets. The lowest observable vertical ionization potential, to Al2(+) X 2Sigma(+)g, of the Al2 X 3 Pi(u) ground state is calculated to occur around 6.1 eV, in excellent agreement with the experimental range of 6.0 to 6.42 eV obtained in recent cluster ionization studies by Cox and co-workers. The second vertical ionization potential, to Al2(+) A 2Pi(u), occurs near 6.4 eV, also within the experimental range. The adiabatic IP of 5.90 eV is in good agreement with the value of 5.8 to 6.1 eV deduced by Hanley and co-workers from the difference in thresholds between collision induced dissociation processes of Al3(+). The computed IP values are somewhat larger than those deduced from branching ratios in cluster fragmentation experiments by Jarrold and co-workers. The observation of an ionization threshold below 6.42 eV is shown to be incompatible with an Al2 ground electronic state assignment of 3Sigma(-)g, but the separation between the two lowest states of Al2 is so small that it is likely that both are populated in the experiments, so that this does not provide unambiguous support for the recent theoretical assignment of the ground state as 3Pi(u).

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

The dynamical mass of S Muscae

The amplitudes and phase relations of pulsational velocities of the Cepheid S Muscae, measured for lines originating at different atmospheric depths, are investigated. A mass M(A) = 4.4 + or - 0.5 solar masses is found for the Cepheid; however, the Cepheid is the evolved star and should have a mass larger than that of its companion. If the measured velocity differences are too low by 2.5 km/s on the average, then the mass ratio M(B)/M(A) may be decreased to 0.94, giving an estimated upper limit to the Cepheid mass of 6.1 solar masses, consistent with the Cepheid being the more evolved star. Considering all the uncertainties, it is concluded that the mass of the Cepheid is between 4.6 and 6.1 solar masses.

Bohm-Vitense, Erika↗

Hypervelocity impact survivability experiments for carbonaceous impactors

We performed a series of hypervelocity impact experiments using carbon-bearing impactors (diamond, graphite, fullerenes, phthalic acid crystals, and Murchison meteorite) into Al plate at velocities between 4.2 and 6.1 km/s. These tests were made to do the following: (1) determine the survivability of carbon forms and organize molecules in low hypervelocity impact; (2) characterize carbonaceous impactor residues; and (3) determine whether or not fullerenes could form from carbonaceous impactors, under our experimental conditions, or survive as impactors. An analytical protocol of field emission SEM imagery, SEM-EDX, laser Raman spectroscopy, single and 2-stage laser mass spectrometry, and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) found the following: (1) diamonds did not survive impact at 4.8 km/s, but were transformed into various forms of disordered graphite; (2) intact, well-ordered graphite impactors did survive impact at 5.9 km/sec, but were only found in the crater bottom centers; the degree of impact-induced disorder in the graphite increases outward (walls, rims, ejecta); (3) phthalic acid crystals were destroyed on impact (at 4.2 km/s, although a large proportion of phthalic acid molecules did survive impact); (4) fullerenes did not form as products of carbonaceous impactors (5.9 - 6.1 km/s, fullerene impactor molecules mostly survived impact at 5.9 km/s; and (5) two Murchison meteorite samples (launched at 4.8 and 5.9 km/s) show preservation of some higher mass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared with the non-impacted sample. Each impactor type shows unique impactor residue morphologies produced at a given impact velocity. An expanded methodology is presented to announce relatively new analytical techniques together with innovative modifications to other methods that can be used to characterize small impact residues in LDEF craters, in addition to other acquired extraterrestrial samples.

Bunch, T. E.↗

Inflatable structures - A concept for lunar and Martian structures

The paper discusses a modular inflatable structure concept for structures on Mars and the moon (where a human tended base will be constructed as a preliminary to a manned mission to Mars). Attention is also given to the environmental characteristics on the moon, Mars, and the earth, structural requirements for a generic structure for either moon or Mars, the moon/Mars design conditions, and the advantages of inflatable structures. Preliminary design calculations for a generic inflated module of size 6.1 x 6.1 x 3 m are presented.

Sadeh, Willy Z.↗

Heat Transfer and Flow on the Squealer Tip of a Gas Turbine Blade

Experimental investigations are performed to measure the detailed heat transfer coefficient and static pressure distributions on the squealer tip of a gas turbine blade in a five-bladed stationary linear cascade. The blade is a 2-dimensional model of a modem first stage gas turbine rotor blade with a blade tip profile of a GE-E(sup 3) aircraft gas turbine engine rotor blade. A squealer (recessed) tip with a 3.77% recess is considered here. The data on the squealer tip are also compared with a flat tip case. All measurements are made at three different tip gap clearances of about 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of the blade span. Two different turbulence intensities of 6.1% and 9.7% at the cascade inlet are also considered for heat transfer measurements. Static pressure measurements are made in the mid-span and near-tip regions, as well as on the shroud surface opposite to the blade tip surface. The flow condition in the test cascade corresponds to an overall pressure ratio of 1.32 and an exit Reynolds number based on the axial chord of 1.1 x 10(exp 6). A transient liquid crystal technique is used to measure the heat transfer coefficients. Results show that the heat transfer coefficient on the cavity surface and rim increases with an increase in tip clearance. 'Me heat transfer coefficient on the rim is higher than the cavity surface. The cavity surface has a higher heat transfer coefficient near the leading edge region than the trailing edge region. The heat transfer coefficient on the pressure side rim and trailing edge region is higher at a higher turbulence intensity level of 9.7% over 6.1 % case. However, no significant difference in local heat transfer coefficient is observed inside the cavity and the suction side rim for the two turbulence intensities. The squealer tip blade provides a lower overall heat transfer coefficient when compared to the flat tip blade.

Azad, Gm S.↗

Heat Transfer and Pressure Distributions on a Gas Turbine Blade Tip

Heat transfer coefficient and static pressure distributions are experimentally investigated on a gas turbine blade tip in a five-bladed stationary linear cascade. The blade is a 2-dimensional model of a first stage gas turbine rotor blade with a blade tip profile of a GE-E(sup 3) aircraft gas turbine engine rotor blade. The flow condition in the test cascade corresponds to an overall pressure ratio of 1.32 and exit Reynolds number based on axial chord of 1.1 x 10(exp 6). The middle 3-blade has a variable tip gap clearance. All measurements are made at three different tip gap clearances of about 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of the blade span. Heat transfer measurements are also made at two different turbulence intensity levels of 6.1 % and 9.7% at the cascade inlet. Static pressure measurements are made in the mid-span and the near-tip regions as well as on the shroud surface, opposite the blade tip surface. Detailed heat transfer coefficient distributions on the plane tip surface are measured using a transient liquid crystal technique. Results show various regions of high and low heat transfer coefficient on the tip surface. Tip clearance has a significant influence on local tip beat transfer coefficient distribution. Heat transfer coefficient also increases about 15-20% along the leakage flow path at higher turbulence intensity level of 9.7% over 6.1 %.

Azad, Gm S.↗

Orbits of Saturn's Inner Moons and Other Observations Connected within the 1995-1996 Saturnian Ring Plane Crossing

We reduced and analyzed radio images of Saturn taken in 1990-1995 at 0.35, 2.0, 3.6 and 6.1 cm wavelength. The latitudinal brightness distribution varies substantially over time. Detailed modeling of these data shows that NH4SH condenses at the thermochemical equilibrium temperature of 235.5 K only at Northern mid-latitudes. Over most of the planet, condensation does not occur until the gas cools to 190 +/- 5 K. Supersaturation may also cause the dark equatorial region seen in 1995 at 6.1 cm. Observations of the rings show that the West (dusk) ansa is brighter than the East (dawn) ansa by factors up to 2. The magnitude of the asymmetry increases with increasing wavelength and with decreasing distance to the planet. This East-West asymmetry may be due to multiple scattering in gravitational wakes. We improved the Monte Carlo scattering code used to model the microwave emission from Saturn's rings at multiple wavelengths. The basic code outlined in Dunn, Molnar, and Fix describes the rings as a uniform, infinite layer of ice spheres with a finite vertical extent. The particle sizes follow a power law distribution and scatter light according to a linear combination of Mie and isotropic phase functions. These parameters may be adjusted to reflect the physical properties in the scattering properties of the ring particles. This is used to construct a model which can be directly compared to Very Large Array data. The code has been extended by including anisotropic particle distributions, primarily in the form of the wake structures that are likely to exist in the enhancements. The vertical extent of the wakes equals that of the ring layer. Between the wakes are regions of diminished density so that the optical depth integrated over many wakes matches that of the Voyager occultation experiments. This allows us to model the brightness temperature as a function of azimuth and look for asymmetric scattering behavior in the rings. By changing the width and relative density of the wakes, we can alter the nature of the gross scattering properties of the rings to match what is seen in our data.

Lissauer, Jack J.↗

The 5-8 Micron Infrared Spectrum of the Galactic Center and the Composition of Interstellar Dust

Interstellar dust is an important component of the interstellar medium which dominates the opacity and, hence, regulates radiative transfer, molecule formation, and thermal balance of the ISM. Much of our knowledge on the composition of interstellar dust results from infrared spect,oscopy. The extinction along the line of sight towards the galactic center is believed to be dominated by dust in the diffuse ISM. Because of the high extinction and high IR flux, IR spectra of galactic center sources have been a prime sampling ground for the characteristics of interstellar dust. We have obtained 5-8 micrometer spectra of the galactic center using the KAO. These spectra show absorption features at 5.5, 5.8, 6.1, and 6.8 micrometers. Together with features in the 3 micrometer region previously observed by us using the IRTF, these features are compared to laboratory spectra of candidate materials. We conclude that the 3.0 and 6.1 micrometer feature are carried by H2O, likely in the form of water of hydration in interstellar silicates. The 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, and 6.8 micrometer features are due to CH2, CH3 and C=O stretching and deformation modes in a hydrocarbon grain component. Comparing derived dust abundances, we conclude that silicates dominate the interstellar dust volume. Hydrocarbon and (small) graphite grains contribute each about 0.1. The remainder of the interstellar dust volume does not show strong IR absorption features and is likely in the form of large graphite, amorphous, carbon, or diamond grains.

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗

Effects of anisosmotic stress on cardiac muscle cell length, diameter, area, and sarcomere length

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of anisosmotic stress on adult mammalian cardiac muscle cell (cardiocyte) size. Cardiocyte size and sarcomere length were measured in cardiocytes isolated from 10 normal rats and 10 normal cats. Superfusate osmolarity was decreased from 300 +/- 6 to 130 +/- 5 mosM and increased to 630 +/- 8 mosM. Cardiocyte size and sarcomere length increased progressively when osmolarity was decreased, and there were no significant differences between cat and rat cardiocytes with respect to percent change in cardiocyte area or diameter; however, there were significant differences in cardiocyte length (2.8 +/- 0.3% in cat vs. 6.1 +/- 0.3% in rat, P < 0.05) and sarcomere length (3.3 +/- 0.3% in cat vs. 6.1 +/- 0.3% in rat, P < 0.05). To determine whether these species-dependent differences in length were related to diastolic interaction of the contractile elements or differences in relative passive stiffness, cardiocytes were subjected to the osmolarity gradient 1) during treatment with 7 mM 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), which inhibits cross-bridge interaction, or 2) after pretreatment with 1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N, N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), a bivalent Ca2+ chelator. Treatment with EGTA or BDM abolished the differences between cat and rat cardiocytes. Species-dependent differences therefore appeared to be related to the degree of diastolic cross-bridge association and not differences in relative passive stiffness. In conclusion, the osmolarity vs. cell size relation is useful in assessing the cardiocyte response to anisosmotic stress and may in future studies be useful in assessing changes in relative passive cardiocyte stiffness produced by pathological processes.

Non-NASA Center↗

Small-Satellite Mission Failure Rates

The purpose of this report is to determine the failure rate of small-satellite missions launched between the years 2000 and 2016. This analysis considers the rates of both partial and total mission failure, as well as the failures attributable to failure of the launch vehicle. This study observed that between the years of 2000 to 2016, 41.3% of all small satellites launched failed or partially failed. Of these small satellite missions, 24.2% were total mission failures, another 11% were partial mission failures, and 6.1% were launch vehicle failures. The small satellite failure data reveals an increase in the failure rate as the yearly launch rate has increased. The period 2000 to 2008 averaged 15 launches per year, during which 28.6% of the small satellite missions failed or partially failed. The period from 2009 to 2016 averaged 48 launches per year, during which 42.6% of the small satellite missions failed or partially failed. The launch vehicle failure rate for both periods was the same at around 6.1%. The implication is that for modern small satellite missions, almost one out of every two small satellite missions will result in either a total or a partial mission failure. Counting the partial mission successes as “successful missions” reduces the failure rate, but only to 38.2% for the period 2009 to 2016.

Small Satellite↗

Extending the Capabilities of Thermal Desktop with the OpenTD Application Programming Interface

With the release of Thermal Desktop 6.0, users now had the ability to interface with some of the many elements and constructs of a Thermal Desktop model through external applications developed using the TD API (Application Programming Interface). This file allows applications to be developed in the .NET framework and interface to a number of object types within a Thermal Desktop model. The release of 6.1 expands the subset of objects able to be manipulated and now includes the raw geometrical information of surfaces. With the release of 6.1, the API was now referred to as OpenTD. This paper discusses some of the utilities and capabilities developed using the OpenTD API at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. These include utilities to help with configuration control of models and case sets, addition of logic to better process heater performance, and a methodology implemented to allow for submodel level processing of radiation couplings to include smaller radks where needed in a cryogenic region without using the same criteria for the warmer portions of the model. This last utility is targeting a reduction in run time without sacrificing accuracy. Lastly, some lessons learned, work-arounds, and wishes for the next release of the OpenTD API are also presented.

Thermal Desktop↗

Status of the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Level 1B Algorithm

The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments are on-board the Aqua and Terra spacecraft, launched in 2002 and 1999, respectively. Since beginning operation, they have continued to collect valuable remote sensing data of the Earth in 36 spectral bands ranging in wavelengths from 0.41 to 14.5 μm. The Level 1B (L1B) algorithm produces calibrated top of the atmosphere (TOA) radiances for each Earth-view (EV) pixel and calibrated TOA reflectances for the reflective solar bands using geo-located, uncalibrated instrument data and calibration look up tables (LUTs) produced regularly by the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST). The L1B algorithm also calculates an uncertainty value for each EV pixel. The calibrated radiance and reflectance products are used to generate higher-level science products. A separate L1B code version is maintained for both MODIS instruments so that sensor specific issues can be handled individually. The current L1B algorithm version produces the Collection 6.1 (C6.1) products and was released in 2017. An overview of the C6.1 algorithm is provided together with improvements made since its release. Also discussed briefly are the planned improvements in the Collection 7 L1B algorithm.

MODIS↗

Nuclear gamma rays from solar flares

The theory of gamma ray line emission from solar flares is reviewed and revised. It is shown that the recently observed (Chupp et al., 1972) line emissions at 0.5, 2.2, 4.4 and 6.1 MeV are due to positron annihilation, deuterium deexcitation following neutron capture on hydrogen, and the deexcitation of excited states in carbon and oxygen. From the observed relative line intensities it is possible to determine the spectrum of accelerated protons in the flare region. This spectrum is found to be very similar to that the charged particles from the flare observed near earth. The total numbers of protons at the sun is deduced from the observed absolute line intensities for various interaction models. It is found that if the protons at the sun have a spectrum which is an exponential in rigidity, the total energy in protons is a few times 10 to the 28th power ergs if the gamma rays are produced by protons moving down into the sun; and about 10 to the 30th power ergs if the gamma rays are produced at the site of the acceleration.

Ramaty, R.↗

Evaluation of an experimental short-length annular combustor: One-side-entry dilution airflow concept

A test program was conducted to evaluate an experimental short-length annular combustor that uses a one-side-entry dilution airflow concept. The combustor design features scoops on the outer liner for controlling the primary- and secondary-zone airflow distribution. Combustor inlet total pressures were limited to 62 N/sq cm (90 psia) with inlet-air temperatures from 590 K (600 F) to 890 K (1150 F). At a diffuser inlet Mach number of 0.25, the exit temperature pattern factor was 0.44 with an average exit temperature of 1436 K (2124 F) and a total pressure loss of 4.3 percent. At a diffuser inlet Mach number of 0.31, the exit temperature pattern factor was reduced to 0.29 with an average exit temperature of 1450 K (2151 F) and a total pressure loss of 6.1 percent. Nominal combustion efficiencies of 100 percent were obtained with the ASTM A-1 fuel. Exhaust gas emissions, smoke, and altitude relight data are included with exit-temperature profiles and distribution patterns.

Humenik, F. M.↗