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At least 37 records · Page 2

Infrared observations of galactic bulge X-ray sources

Nine unidentified galactic bulge X-ray sources, the recently identified X-ray burster MXB 1728-34, and two optically identified sources (Sco X-1 and MXB 1735-44) were observed with the NASA 3 m Infrared Telescope Facility. The data constrain both the presence of diffuse infrared sources near the X-ray positions and the flux of possible infrared counterparts. None of the nine unidentified sources lies within obscured globular clusters, although there is marginal evidence for diffuse infrared emission near 4U 1822-00 and 4U 1916-05. This implies that at most two additional luminous galactic bulge X-ray sources lie within undiscovered, obscured globular clusters. No infrared counterparts were detected for unidentified sources; the limits derived are consistent with all of the sources observed being similar to the low mass X-ray binary Sco X-1.

Hertz, P.↗

Overview of NASA Glenn Seal Developments

Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing high pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin and increase range. Dr. Lattime presented the design and development status of a new Active Clearance Control Test rig aimed at demonstrating advanced ACC approaches and sensors. Mr. Melcher presented controls considerations for turbine active clearance control. Mr. Geisheimer of Radatech presented an overview of their microwave blade tip sensor technology. Microwave tip sensors show promise of operation in the extreme gas temperatures present in the HPT location. Mr. Justak presented an overview of non-contacting seal developments at Advanced Technologies Group. Dr. Braun presented investigations into a non-contacting finger seal under development by NASA GRC and University of Akron. Dr. Stango presented analytical assessments of the effects of flow-induced radial loads on brush seal behavior. Mr. Flaherty presented innovative seal and seal fabrication developments at FlowServ. Mr. Chappel presented abradable seal developments at Technetics. Dr. Daniels presented an overview of NASA GRC s acoustic seal developments. NASA is investigating the ability to harness high amplitude acoustic waves, possible through a new field of acoustics called Resonant Macrosonic Synthesis, to effect a non-contacting, low leakage seal. Dr. Daniels presented early results showing the ability to restrict flow via acoustic pressures. Dr. Athavale presented numerical results simulating the flow blocking capability of a pre-prototype acoustic seal.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

Large Engine Technology Program. Task 22: Variable Geometry Concepts for Rich-Quench-Lean Combustors

The objective of the task reported herein was to define, evaluate, and optimize variable geometry concepts suitable for use with a Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) combustor. The specific intent was to identify approaches that would satisfy High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) cycle operational requirements with regard to fuel-air ratio turndown capability, ignition, and stability margin without compromising the stringent emissions, performance, and reliability goals that this combustor would have to achieve. Four potential configurations were identified and three of these were refined and tested in a high-pressure modular RQL combustor rig. The tools used in the evolution of these concepts included models built with rapid fabrication techniques that were tested for airflow characteristics to confirm sizing and airflow management capability, spray patternation, and atomization characterization tests of these models and studies that were supported by Computational Fluid Dynamics analyses. Combustion tests were performed with each of the concepts at supersonic cruise conditions and at other critical conditions in the flight envelope, including the transition points of the variable geometry system, to identify performance, emissions, and operability impacts. Based upon the cold flow characterization, emissions results, acoustic behavior observed during the tests and consideration of mechanical, reliability, and implementation issues, the tri-swirler configuration was selected as the best variable geometry concept for incorporation in the RQL combustor evolution efforts for the HSCT.

Tacina, Robert R.↗

2005 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop, Volume 1

The 2005 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System workshop covered the following topics: (i) Overview of NASA s new Exploration Initiative program aimed at exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond; (ii) Overview of the NASA-sponsored Propulsion 21 Project; (iii) Overview of NASA Glenn s seal project aimed at developing advanced seals for NASA s turbomachinery, space, and reentry vehicle needs; (iv) Reviews of NASA prime contractor, vendor, and university advanced sealing concepts including tip clearance control, test results, experimental facilities, and numerical predictions; and (v) Reviews of material development programs relevant to advanced seals development. Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin, and increase range. Several organizations presented development efforts aimed at developing faster clearance control systems and associated technology to meet future engine needs. The workshop also covered several programs NASA is funding to develop technologies for the Exploration Initiative and advanced reusable space vehicle technologies. NASA plans on developing an advanced docking and berthing system that would permit any vehicle to dock to any on-orbit station or vehicle. Seal technical challenges (including space environments, temperature variation, and seal-on-seal operation) as well as plans to develop the necessary "androgynous" seal technologies were reviewed. Researchers also reviewed tests completed for the shuttle main landing gear door seals.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

2006 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop; Volume 1

The 2006 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System workshop covered the following topics: (i) Overview of NASA s new Exploration Initiative program aimed at exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond; (ii) Overview of NASA s new fundamental aeronautics technology project; (iii) Overview of NASA Glenn Research Center s seal project aimed at developing advanced seals for NASA s turbomachinery, space, and reentry vehicle needs; (iv) Reviews of NASA prime contractor, vendor, and university advanced sealing concepts including tip clearance control, test results, experimental facilities, and numerical predictions; and (v) Reviews of material development programs relevant to advanced seals development. Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing seal leakages as well as high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin, and increase range. Several organizations presented development efforts aimed at developing faster clearance control systems and associated technology to meet future engine needs. The workshop also covered several programs NASA is funding to develop technologies for the Exploration Initiative and advanced reusable space vehicle technologies. NASA plans on developing an advanced docking and berthing system that would permit any vehicle to dock to any on-orbit station or vehicle. Seal technical challenges (including space environments, temperature variation, and seal-on-seal operation) as well as plans to develop the necessary "androgynous" seal technologies were reviewed. Researchers also reviewed seal technologies employed by the Apollo command module that serve as an excellent basis for seals for NASA s new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV).

Steinetz, Bruce, M.↗

2008 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop

The 2008 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop covered the following topics: (i) Overview of NASA s new Orion project aimed at developing a new spacecraft that will fare astronauts to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, and beyond; (ii) Overview of NASA s fundamental aeronautics technology project; (iii) Overview of NASA Glenn s seal project aimed at developing advanced seals for NASA s turbomachinery, space, and reentry vehicle needs; (iv) Reviews of NASA prime contractor, vendor, and university advanced sealing concepts, test results, experimental facilities, and numerical predictions; and (v) Reviews of material development programs relevant to advanced seals development. Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing seal leakage as well as high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin, and increase range. Turbine seal development topics covered include a method for fast-acting HPT blade tip clearance control, noncontacting low-leakage seals, intershaft seals, and a review of engine seal performance requirements for current and future Army engine platforms.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

2007 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop

The 2007 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System workshop covered the following topics: (i) Overview of NASA's new Orion project aimed at developing a new spacecraft that will fare astronauts to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, and beyond; (ii) Overview of NASA's fundamental aeronautics technology project; (iii) Overview of NASA Glenn s seal project aimed at developing advanced seals for NASA's turbomachinery, space, and reentry vehicle needs; (iv) Reviews of NASA prime contractor, vendor, and university advanced sealing concepts, test results, experimental facilities, and numerical predictions; and (v) Reviews of material development programs relevant to advanced seals development. Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing seal leakage as well as high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin, and increase range. Turbine seal development topics covered include a method for fast-acting HPT blade tip clearance control, noncontacting low-leakage seals, intershaft seals, and a review of engine seal performance requirements for current and future Army engine platforms.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

The interactive global fire module pyrE (v1.0)

Fires affect the composition of the atmosphere and Earth’s radiation balance by emitting a suite of reactive gases and particles. An interactive fire module in an Earth system model (ESM) allows us to study the natural and anthropogenic drivers, feedbacks, and interactions of open fires. To do so, we have developed pyrE, the NASA GISS (Goddard Institute for Space Studies) interactive fire emissions *module. The pyrE module is driven by environmental variables like flammability and cloud-to-ground lightning, calculated by the GISS ModelE ESM, and parameterized by anthropogenic impacts based on population density data. Fire emissions are generated from the flaming phase in pyrE (active fires). Using pyrE, we examine fire occurrence, regional fire suppression, burned area, fire emissions, and how it all affects atmospheric composition. To do so, we evaluate pyrE by comparing it to satellite-based datasets of fire count, burned area, fire emissions, and aerosol optical depth (AOD). We demonstrate pyrE’s ability to simulate the daily and seasonal cycles of open fires and resulting emissions. Our results indicate that interactive fire emissions are biased low by 32 %–42 %, depending on emitted species, compared to the GFED4s (Global Fire Emissions Database) inventory. The bias in emissions drives underestimation in column densities, which is diluted by natural and anthropogenic emissions sources and production and loss mechanisms. Regionally, the resulting AOD of a simulation with interactive fire emissions is underestimated mostly over Indonesia compared to a simulation with GFED4s emissions and to MODIS AOD. In other parts of the world pyrE’s performance in terms of AOD is marginal to a simulation with prescribed fire emissions.

Fires↗

X-ray spectrum and variability of the quasar PG 1211+143

We present preliminary results of an ASCA observation of the classic soft-excess quasar PG 1211+143. The overall ASCA spectrum can be characterized by a blackbody with a temperature of approximately 125 eV (quasar frame) and a power law with photon index of approximately 2. Simultaneous ROSAT data are suggestive of further steepening of the spectrum just below the ASCA band. Comparison with previous observations shows that the soft flux in the 0.1-2 keV band varies by at least a factor of approximately 16, scaling roughly as the square of the hard flux in the 2-10 keV band over a timescale of approximately 13.5 yr. We also find evidence of short-term amplitude variability of up to a factor of approximately 2 on a timescale of approximately 2 x 10(exp 4) sec, in both the soft and hard flux so that the soft and hard photons are likely to originate from the same, compact, region. The data rule out variable absorption (cold or ionized) as the origin of the soft excess, favoring an intrinsic emission component. However, we argue against optically thin emission for the 'blue bump' in PG 1211+143. The large amplitude soft X-ray variability may be indicative of variations in the effective temperature, or peak, of the soft component. There is only marginal evidence for Fe K line emission between 6-7 keV in the quasar frame.

Yaqoob, Tahir↗

The Swift BAT Perspective on Non-Thermal Emission in HIFLUGCS Galaxy Clusters

The search for diffuse non-thermal, inverse Compton (IC) emission from galaxy clusters at hard X-ray energies has been underway for many years, with most detections being either of low significance or controversial. Until recently, comprehensive surveys of hard X-ray emission from clusters were not possible; instead, individually proposed-for. long observations would be collated from the archive. With the advent of the Swift BAT all sky survey, any c1u,;ter's emission above 14 keV can be probed with nearly uniform sensitivity. which is comparable to that of RXTE, Beppo-SAX, and Suzaku with the 58-month version of the survey. In this work. we search for non-thermal excess emission above the exponentially decreasing, high energy thermal emission in the flux-limited HIFLUGCS sample. The BAT emission from many of the detected clusters is marginally extended; we are able to extract the total flux for these clusters using fiducial models for their spatial extent. To account for thermal emission at BAT energies, XMM-Newton EPIC spectra are extracted from coincident spatial regions so that both the thermal and non-thermal spectral components can be determined simultaneou,;ly in joint fits. We find marginally significant IC components in 6 clusters, though after closer inspection and consideration of systematic errors we are unable to claim a clear detection in any of them. The spectra of all clusters are also summed to enhance a cumulative non-thermal signal not quite detectable in individual clusters. After constructing a model based on single temperature

Wik, Daniel R.↗

Copernicus observations of Ly-alpha and Mg II emission from HR 1099 /V711 Tauri/ and UX Ari

Ultraviolet observations of two RS CVn binaries obtained with Copernicus are described. High-resolution (0.05 A) U1 observations indicate that both HR 1099 and UX Ari display broad Ly-alpha emission. The Ly-alpha emission strength from HR 1099 is variable and seems to be correlated with orbital phase, while the UX Ari results indicate no significant variation. Moderate resolution (0.51 A) V2 scans of both systems show variable Mg II h and k emission-line profiles which usually matched the velocity of the more active star in each binary. Additionally, displaced emission components were seen at velocities of up to + or - 250 km/s, indicative of high-velocity gas motions. The radial velocities of these emission features from HR 1099 are marginally correlated with orbital phase. Highly active and variable chromospheric phenomena are found to be the most consistent explanation of these results.

Weiler, E. J.↗

Evaluation of a Mobile Phone for Aircraft GPS Interference

Measurements of spurious emissions from a mobile phone are conducted in a reverberation chamber for the Global Positioning System (GPS) radio frequency band. This phone model was previously determined to have caused interference to several aircraft GPS receivers. Interference path loss (IPL) factors are applied to the emission data, and the outcome compared against GPS receiver susceptibility. The resulting negative safety margins indicate there are risks to aircraft GPS systems. The maximum emission level from the phone is also shown to be comparable with some laptop computer's emissions, implying that laptop computers can provide similar risks to aircraft GPS receivers.

Nguyen, Truong X.↗

Rotational modulation and flares on RS CVn and BY Dra stars. III - IUE observations of V711 Tau (= HR 1099), II Peg, and AR Lac

Observations of three RS CVn stars, which were obtained over the stellar rotation cycles with the IUE satellite, are presented. Emission lines from high-temperature transition regions and chromospheres analogous to those observed in the solar spectrum were observed. The only visible component of II Peg and both components of V711 Tau and AR Lac appear to be chromospherically active. For the latter systems, the Mg II line surface flux from the G-type star is higher than that from the K subgiant, which dominates the observed UV line flux. Moreover, evidence of long-term ultraviolet variability is presented for AR Lac. The emission line fluxes for II Peg and, marginally, for the other two systems were observed to vary in antiphase with the optical variations at the time of the IUE observations. By comparing the results of Rodono et al. (1986) for two-spot models with the variation of UV line flux, evidence of a close spatial correlation between spot and plagelike features is found.

Rodono, M.↗

Circumnuclear molecular gas in starburst and Seyfert galaxies

In order to investigate circumnuclear molecular gaseous contents and their relation to the nuclear activity, researchers made a search for circumnuclear (12)CO (J=1-0) emission from 28 starburst-nucleus galaxies (SBNs) and 12 Seyfert galaxies with the recession velocities less than 5000 km/s, using the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 45-m telescope. The full half-power beam width of 17 arcsec covers a region of less than about 5 kpc in diameter for the sample galaxies. The circumnuclear CO emission was detected from twelve SBNs (one is marginal) and four Seyfert galaxies. The main results and conclusions are summarized. Researchers derived the circumnuclear surface density of molecular gas which is corrected for inclination of the galaxies. This analysis shows that the surface density spans a wide range over two orders of magnitude. Further, there is no significant difference in the surface densities between types 1 and 2 Seyfert galaxies. Thus, we may conclude that the circumnuclear molecular content is not a key parameter producing the dichotomy of the Seyfert galaxies. It is also shown that there is no significant difference in the circumnuclear surface densities of molecular gas among the Seyfert, starburst, and normal galaxies. This implies that the circumnuclear gaseous content is not a key parameter determining which activity occurs in nuclei. We may conclude that more centrally condensed (i.e., less than 10 - 100 pc in diameter) gas components play an essential role on the occurrence of nuclear activities. Comparing results with the previous ones, researchers deduced radial distribution of surface density of molecular gases. They cannot obtain evidence for strong central concentration of molecular gas in the sample Seyfert galaxies except for NGC 3227. This is consistent with the previous result by Blitz, Mathieu, and Bally (1986). Comparing the CO emission line profiles with the previous ones taken with the larger beams, researchers discovered circumnuclear components of molecular gases. In particular, they found that molecular gas clouds may be absent in the SE of the nucleus of NGC 7469 where the high-excitation emitting region is discovered by Heckman et al. (1986). It is suggested that the nuclear activity (strong radiation and/or wind) may destruct the molecular clouds in that region.

Taniguchi, Yoshiaki↗

Reduction of gaseous pollutant emissions from gas turbine combustors using hydrogen-enriched jet fuel

Recent progress in an evaluation of the applicability of the hydrogen enrichment concept to achieve ultralow gaseous pollutant emission from gas turbine combustion systems is described. The target emission indexes for the program are 1.0 for oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, and 0.5 for unburned hydrocarbons. The basic concept utilizes premixed molecular hydrogen, conventional jet fuel, and air to depress the lean flammability limit of the mixed fuel. This is shown to permit very lean combustion with its low NOx production while simulataneously providing an increased flame stability margin with which to maintain low CO and HC emission. Experimental emission characteristics and selected analytical results are presented for a cylindrical research combustor designed for operation with inlet-air state conditions typical for a 30:1 compression ratio, high bypass ratio, turbofan commercial engine.

Clayton, R. M.↗

Observations of DCO/plus/ - The electron abundance in dark clouds

The J equals 2-1 rotational line of DCO(plus) has been definitely detected in five molecular clouds, including three dark clouds, L63, L134, and L134 N, and marginally detected in four others. The DCO(plus) emission has been mapped in L134 N and extends over a region of 3 arcmin. The DCO(plus)/HCO(plus) abundance ratio found at the centers of dark clouds is large and implies a fractional electron abundance of less than one hundred millionth. This low electron density sets constraints on the metals and possibly CO as well as on the hydrogen density.

Guelin, M.↗

A Study of the Electrical Properties and Mineralogy of the Surface of Venus

This final report contains a listing of published papers and abstracts which address the electrical properties and minerology of the surface of Venus. The topics of these papers include: Subduction on the margins of coronae on Venus: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity measurements; The weathering process on Venus takes 2-3 hundred million years: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity signatures at coronae; SO2 and CH4 levels in the Venusian atmosphere, measured by Pioneer Venus: Caused by plinian-style volcanic activity at Maat Mons?; Magellan reveals Venus; Recent volcanic activity on Venus: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity signatures; Occurrences of low-emissivity surface material at low altitudes on Venus: A window to the past; Must the Venus surface material contain hematite?; Rock weathering on the surface of Venus; and Comment on "The Rate of Pyrite Decomposition on the Surface of Venus."

Wood, John A.↗

A Study of the Electrical Properties and Mineralogy of the Surface of Venus

This annual progress report is a list of papers on a study of the electrical properties and mineralogy of the surface of Venus. These papers were written by P. I. Wood and C. A. Robinson. Titles include: Subduction on the margins of coronae on Venus: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity measurements; The weathering process on Venus takes 2-3 hundred million years: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity signatures at coronae; SO2 and CH4 levels in the Venusian atmosphere, measured by Pioneer Venus: Caused by plinian-style volcanic activity at Maat Mons; Magellan reveals Venus; Recent volcanic activity on Venus: Evidence from radiothermal emissivity signatures; Occurrences of low-emissivity surface material at low altitudes on Venus: A window to the past; Must the Venus surface material contain hematite; Rock weathering on the surface of Venus; Comment on "The Rate of Pyrite Decomposition on the Surface of Venus-by J. A. Wood, and R. Brett; and Complex dielectric constants and magnetic permeabilities of mineral mixtures-by De Roo, R.D, C.A. Robinson, F.T. Ulaby, and J.A. Wood.

Wood, John A.↗