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At least 361 records · Page 20

Two-dimensional vortex motion and 'negative temperatures.'

Explanation of the novel phenomenon, tentatively identified as the 'ergodic boundary' in a space of initial conditions for turbulent flow, suggested by the recent numerical integration of the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations at high Reynolds numbers reported by Deem and Zabusky (1971). The proposed explanation is presented in terms of negative temperatures for a point vortex model.

Montgomery, D.↗

Anomalous type III bursts explained in terms of intermittent solar wind streams observed by Pioneer spacecraft.

Occasional solar radio bursts drift downward in frequency (like type III bursts), but the drift slows or ceases or it may even reverse. These anomalous forms are called L-bursts, U-bursts, etc., and are observed as low as 1 MHz by spacecraft. The conventional explanation involves guidance of relativistic exciting particles by solar magnetic fields that do not have the spiral shape expected in undisturbed conditions. A reasonable alternative explanation is possible and, indeed, it follows directly from the inferences which have been drawn from the Stanford dual-frequency experiment flown on four Pioneer spacecraft. Analysis of temporal variations in these data leads to the conclusion that narrow streams of enhanced concentration have lifetimes which are typically about one day and the streams seem to be intermittently ejected by long-enduring sources at the sun. Each enhancement is thought to lie along a spiral and to have a beginning and an end. It may happen that relativistic exciters encounter the tail of such a discrete streamer; the concentration encountered by such exciters would initially decline but, at the streamer tail, it would level off and perhaps increase. The plasma frequency versus time (the burst frequency) would then cease to drop in the typical type III profile and would level off or increase (as in a U-burst).

Croft, T. A.↗

Special technical services for investigation of light flash phenomena

Details are presented of an investigation aimed at an explanation of the phenomenon of light flashes observed by Apollo crew members. The various theories considered include: penetration of the eye by cosmic particles resulting in retinal stimulation; production of phosphenes or sensations of light through ionization or excitation; appearance of heavily ionized single tracks misinterpreted as light flashes; Cerenkov radiation; and direct excitation of neural tissue by penetrating cosmic rays. It is concluded that the latter two theories are the likeliest mechanisms for the development of a definitive explanation.

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Cautionary note concerning the CuSO4 X-ray laser

For the so far unconfirmed lasing action claimed by Kepros et al. (1972) to have been obtained by focusing a 1.06-micron radiation of a q-switched Nd(3+) glass laser to a small cylindrical volume inside a CuSO4-doped gelatin medium supported between two glass plates, an alternate explanation is proposed that does not depend on the assumption of laser action in copper. The proposed explanation shows how collimated X-ray beams might be created under the experimental conditions described by Kepros et al.

Billman, K. W.↗

McLaughlin and Mars

McLaughlin formulated a novel explanation for the Martian albedo markings and their variations. This explanation, the volcanic-aeolian hypothesis, is one of the very few prespacecraft views of planet-wide phenomena on Mars which have stood the test of time. The distribution of albedo markings is considered along with secular changes on Mars and seasonal changes in region Syrtis Major. Mariner 9 has demonstrated that aeolian transport is the dominant factor in determining the distribution of albedo markings on Mars.

Veverka, J.↗

Research for preparation of cation-conducting solids by high-pressure synthesis and other methods

It was shown that two body-centered-cubic skeleton structures, the Im3 KSbO3 phase and the defect-pyrochlore phase A(+)B2X6, do exhibit fast Na(+)-ion transport. The placement of anions at the tunnel intersection sites does not impede Na(+)-ion transport in (NaSb)3)(1/6 NaF), and may not in (Na(1+2x)Ta2 5F)(Ox). The activation energies are higher than those found in beta-alumina. There are two possible explanations for the higher activation energy: breathing of the bottleneck (site face or edge) through which the A(+) ions must pass on jumping from one site to another may be easier in a layer structure and/or A(+)-O bonding may be stronger in the cubic structures because the O(2-) ion bonds with two (instead of three) cations of the skeleton. If the former explanation is dominant, a lower activation energy may be achieved by optimizing the lattice parameter. If the latter is dominant, a new structural principle may have to be explored.

Goodenough, J. B.↗

X-ray astronomy in the Uhuru epoch and beyond /Newton Lacy Pierce Prize Lecture/

A review of results from the Uhuru satellite is presented. An intensive treatment of two subjects is given, rather than a broad review. First, Cyg X-1, a stellar X-ray source and a candidate for a black hole, is discussed; second, the X-ray source in the Perseus cluster of galaxies, which may be a cloud of hot intergalactic gas, is treated. In both cases, the train of logic used in establishing the nature of these objects is presented and evaluated. For both, while alternative explanations cannot be completely eliminated, they become more difficult to sustain when examined in detail, suggesting that the candidate explanations are more likely correct.

Kellogg, E. M.↗

AMPS data management requirements study, appendix 1

Flow charts and display formats for the simulation of five experiments are given. The experiments are: (1) electromagnetic wave transmission; (2) passive observations of ambient plasma; (3) ionospheric measurements with subsatellite; (4) electron accelerator beam measurements; and (5) measurement of acoustical gravity waves in the sodium layer using lasers. A detailed explanation of the simulation procedure, definition of variables, and an explanation of how the experimenter makes display choices is also presented. A functional description is included on each flow chart and the assumptions and definitions of terms and scope of the flow charts and displays are presented.

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A General Simulator Using State Estimation for a Space Tug Navigation System

A general simulation program is presented (GSP) involving nonlinear state estimation for space vehicle flight navigation systems. A complete explanation of the iterative guidance mode guidance law, derivation of the dynamics, coordinate frames, and state estimation routines are given so as to fully clarify the assumptions and approximations involved so that simulation results can be placed in their proper perspective. A complete set of computer acronyms and their definitions as well as explanations of the subroutines used in the GSP simulator are included. To facilitate input/output, a complete set of compatable numbers, with units, are included to aid in data development. Format specifications, output data phrase meanings and purposes, and computer card data input are clearly spelled out. A large number of simulation and analytical studies were used to determine the validity of the simulator itself as well as various data runs.

Boland, J. S., III↗

Magnetic field generated resistivity maximum in graphite

In zero magnetic field, B, the electrical resistivity, rho(O,T) of highly oriented pyrolytic (polycrystalline) graphite drops smoothly with decreasing T, becoming constant below 4 K. However, in a fixed applied magnetic field B, the resistivity rho(B,T) goes through a maximum as a function of T, with larger maximum for larger B. The temperature of the maximum increases with B, but saturates to a constant value near 25 K (exact T depends on sample) at high B. In single crystal graphite a maximum in rho(B,T) as a function of T is also present, but has the effects of Landau level quantization superimposed. Several possible explanations for the rho(B,T) maximum are proposed, but a complete explanation awaits detailed calculations involving the energy band structure of graphite, and the particular scattering mechanisms involved.

Wollam, J. A.↗

Magnetic field generated resistivity maximum in graphite

In a zero magnetic field, the electrical resistivity of highly oriented pyrolytic (polycrystalline) graphite drops smoothly with decreasing temperature, becoming constant below 4 K. However, in a fixed applied magnetic field, the resistivity goes through a maximum as a function of temperature, with a larger maximum for a larger field intensity. The temperature of the maximum increases with field intensity, but saturates to a constant value near 25 K (the exact temperature depends on the sample) at high intensity. In single-crystal graphite, a maximum in resistivity as a function of temperature is also present, but has the effects of Landau level quantization superimposed. Several possible explanations for the resistivity maximum are proposed, but a complete explanation awaits detailed calculations involving the energy band structure of graphite, and the particular scattering mechanisms involved.

Woollam, J. A.↗

Constraints on the nature of the ancient lunar magnetic field

Assuming that the physical properties of solar-wind ions have remained unchanged over the past 4 billion years, the observation of solar-wind ions in lunar breccias with compaction ages greater than 3.2 billion years places constraints on the nature and origin of the ancient lunar magnetic field. Solar-wind ions would not be expected to occur in old lunar breccias if a surface magnetic field of more than 0.03 gauss was present. Several explanations of this phenomenon are consistent with the global lunar dynamo theory of the origin of the lunar dipole field, including a wandering of the lunar dipole axis, late onset of dynamo action, and reversals of the lunar dipole field, producing a long-term field close to zero. Models invoking external field magnetization as the cause of the ancient lunar magnetic field constrain the dipole axis, precluding field reversals, and do not provide an alternative explanation for the observed occurrence of solar-wind ions in lunar breccias.

Goswami, J. N.↗

Gamma-rays and the case for baryon symmetric big-bang cosmology

The baryon symmetric big-bang cosmologies offer an explanation of the present photon-baryon ratio in the universe, the best present explanation of the diffuse gamma-ray background spectrum in the 1-200 MeV range, and a mechanism for galaxy formation. In regard to He production, evidence is discussed that nucleosynthesis of He may have taken place after the galaxies were formed.

Stecker, F. W.↗

Viking labeled release biology experiment - Interim results

All results of the labeled-release life-detection experiment conducted on Mars prior to conjunction are summarized. Tests at both landing sites provide remarkably similar evolution of radioactive gas upon addition of a radioactive nutrient to the Mars sample. The 'active' agent in the sample is stable to 18 C, but is substantially inactivated by heat treatment for 3 hours at 50 C and completely inactivated at 160 C, as would be anticipated if the active response were caused by microorganisms. Results from test and heat-sterilized control samples are compared with those obtained from terrestrial soils and a lunar sample. Possible nonbiological explanations of the Mars data are reviewed. Although such explanations of the labeled-release data depend on UV irradiation, the labeled-release response does not appear to depend on recent direct UV activation of surface material. Available facts do not yet permit a conclusion regarding the existence of life on Mars.

Levin, G. V.↗

The rings of Saturn - Two-frequency radar observations

Results are reported for a two-frequency dual-polarization radar-echo study of Saturn's rings which involved monostatic operation at a wavelength of 3.5 cm and bistatic operation at 12.6 cm. The radar observations show that the rings effectively depolarize linearly and circularly polarized incident waves at the two wavelengths; that the ring particles are unusually efficient radar reflectors, yielding approximately the same high total cross section at both wavelengths; and that there is an apparent excess of power at the 'central' Doppler shifts when compared with homogeneous scattering models based on the optically observed ring distributions. Several possible explanations for these three radar properties are considered. It is found that a model which hypothesizes a thick cloud of irregular water-ice chunks a few centimeters or larger in radius and a model which postulates a monolayer of multimeter-sized water-frost-coated metallic chunks both seem capable of explaining the first two radar properties. But no consistent explanation is found for the excess low-frequency spectral power.

Goldstein, R. M.↗

An alternative analysis of low- and high-altitude observations of ring current ions during a storm recovery phase

Explorer 45 equatorial observations of ring current ions during a storm recovery phase have shown pitch angle distributions and decay rates inconsistent with proton charge exchange with neutral hydrogen. This inconsistency has led to the suggestion that recovery phase ring current ions at L less than or equal to 4 and energies not greater than 50 keV are dominated by He(+) rather than protons. The absence of He(+) on flux tubes from which H(+) and O(+) were precipitating in ion mass spectrometer measurements made during the same period by the low-altitude polar-orbiting satellite 1971-089A led Sharp et al. to suggest a source of H(+) and O(+) to L = 3 during this period. An alternative explanation, in which the magnetic field lines labeled L = 3 at the earth's surface near local midnight were mapped to about 3.7 earth radii in the equatorial plane during the storm recovery phase and during the period of enhanced activity, is proposed. If the proposed explanation is correct, the observations of Sharp et al. are not incompatible with the conclusion that the recovery phase ions at less than 50 keV were dominated by He(+) for L not greater than 3.7.

Lyons, L. R.↗

Gamma rays and the case for baryon symmetric big-bang cosmology

The baryon symmetric big-bang cosmologies offer an explanation of the present photon-baryon ratio in the universe, the best present explanation of the diffuse gamma-ray background spectrum in the 1 to 200 MeV range, and a mechanism for galaxy formation. In the context of an open universe model, the value of omega which best fits the present gamma-ray data is omega equals approx. 0.1 which does not conflict with upper limits on Comptonization distortion of the 3K background radiation. In regard to He production, evidence is discussed that nucleosynthesis of He may have taken place after the galaxies were formed.

Stecker, F. W.↗

Study of the NASTRAN input/output systems

The basic characteristics of the NASTRAN level 16 I/O subsystem are presented with particular reference to blocking/deblocking aspects, I/O methods used on the IBM, CDC, and UNIVAC machines, definition of basic NASTRAN I/O control tables, and portability of parts of the I/O subsystem to other programs outside the NASTRAN environment are included. An explanation of the IBM primary, secondary, and tertiary files defined by the data definition (DD) cards in the NASTRAN JCL procedure. The explanation is intended to enlighten users as to the purpose of these DD cards, how they relate to one another, and why there are no similar type definition cards required on the CDC and UNIVAC versions. Enhancements designed to increase overall efficiency and decrease core requirements are also recommended.

Brown, W. K.↗