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At least 433 records · Page 24

Polar/Tide Observations of Field Aligned O(+) Flows at 5000 km Altitude over the Auroral Regions in Comparison to UVI Auroral Images

Measurements of thermal O(+) ion parameters from the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) on POLAR obtained near 5000 km altitude are compared with auroral images from the Ultra Violet Imager (UVI), for southern perigee passes. Ion parameters, including parallel velocity, density, and flux are combined with simultaneous auroral images to investigate relationships between their properties and the structure and brightness of the auroral forms. Results indicate field aligned upflowing O(+) ions over bright auroral regions and downward flows over dark regions. These and other relationships will be presented for several POLAR passes when both ion measurements and auroral images are observed under favorable conditions for comparison.

Stevenson, Benjamin Adam↗

Two-Photon Laser-Induced Fluorescence O and N Atoms for the Study of Heterogeneous Catalysis in a Diffusion Reactor

Advanced laser-based diagnostics have been developed to examine catalytic effects and atom/surface interactions on thermal protection materials. This study establishes the feasibility of using laser-induced fluorescence for detection of O and N atom loss in a diffusion tube to measure surface catalytic activity. The experimental apparatus is versatile in that it allows fluorescence detection to be used for measuring species selective recombination coefficients as well as diffusion tube and microwave discharge diagnostics. Many of the potential sources of error in measuring atom recombination coefficients by this method have been identified and taken into account. These include scattered light, detector saturation, sample surface cleanliness, reactor design, gas pressure and composition, and selectivity of the laser probe. Recombination coefficients and their associated errors are reported for N and O atoms on a quartz surface at room temperature.

Pallix, Joan B.↗

A Generalised Porosity Formalism for Isotropic and Anisotropic Effective Opacity and its Effects on X-ray Line Attenuation in Clumped O Star Winds

We present a generalised formalism for treating the porosity-associated reduction in continuum opacity that occurs when individual clumps in a stochastic medium become optically thick. As in previous work, we concentrate on developing bridging laws between the limits of optically thin and thick clumps. We consider geometries resulting in either isotropic or anisotropic effective opacity, and, in addition to an idealised model in which all clumps have the same local overdensity and scale, we also treat an ensemble of clumps with optical depths set by Markovian statistics. This formalism is then applied to the specific case of bound-free absorption of X- rays in hot star winds, a process not directly affected by clumping in the optically thin limit. We find that the Markov model gives surprisingly similar results to those found previously for the single clump model, suggesting that porous opacity is not very sensitive to details of the assumed clump distribution function. Further, an anisotropic effective opacity favours escape of X-rays emitted in the tangential direction (the venetian blind effect), resulting in a bump of higher flux close to line centre as compared to profiles computed from isotropic porosity models. We demonstrate how this characteristic line shape may be used to diagnose the clump geometry, and we confirm previous results that for optically thick clumping to significantly influence X-ray line profiles, very large porosity lengths, defined as the mean free path between clumps, are required. Moreover, we present the first X-ray line profiles computed directly from line-driven instability simulations using a 3-D patch method, and find that porosity effects from such models also are very small. This further supports the view that porosity has, at most, a marginal effect on X-ray line diagnostics in O stars, and therefore that these diagnostics do indeed provide a good clumping insensitive method for deriving O star mass-loss rates.

Sundqvist, Jon O.↗

A Generalised Porosity Formalism for Isotropic and Anisotropic Effective Opacity and Its Effects on X-ray Line Attenuation in Clumped O Star Winds

We present a generalised formalism for treating the porosity-associated reduction in continuum opacity that occurs when individual clumps in a stochastic medium become optically thick. As in previous work, we concentrate on developing bridging laws between the limits of optically thin and thick clumps. We consider geometries resulting in either isotropic or anisotropic effective opacity, and, in addition to an idealised model in which all clumps have the same local overdensity and scale, we also treat an ensemble of clumps with optical depths set by Markovian statistics. This formalism is then applied to the specific case of bound-free absorption of X- rays in hot star winds, a process not directly affected by clumping in the optically thin limit. We find that the Markov model gives surprisingly similar results to those found previously for the single clump model, suggesting that porous opacity is not very sensitive to details of the assumed clump distribution function. Further, an anisotropic effective opacity favours escape of X-rays emitted in the tangential direction (the venetian blind effect), resulting in a bump of higher flux close to line centre as compared to profiles computed from isotropic porosity models. We demonstrate how this characteristic line shape may be used to diagnose the clump geometry, and we confirm previous results that for optically thick clumping to significantly influence X-ray line profiles, very large porosity lengths, defined as the mean free path between clumps, are required. Moreover, we present the first X-ray line profiles computed directly from line-driven instability simulations using a 3-D patch method, and find that porosity effects from such models also are very small. This further supports the view that porosity has, at most, a marginal effect on X-ray line diagnostics in O stars, and therefore that these diagnostics do indeed provide a good clumping insensitive method for deriving O star mass-loss rates.

generalised↗

Constraints on Porosity and Mass Loss in O-star Winds from the Modeling of X-ray Emission Line Profile Shapes

We fit X-ray emission line profiles in high resolution XMM-Newton and Chandra grating spectra of the early O supergiant Zeta Pup with models that include the effects of porosity in the stellar wind. We explore the effects of porosity due to both spherical and flattened clumps. We find that porosity models with flattened clumps oriented parallel to the photosphere provide poor fits to observed line shapes. However, porosity models with isotropic clumps can provide acceptable fits to observed line shapes, but only if the porosity effect is moderate. We quantify the degeneracy between porosity effects from isotropic clumps and the mass-loss rate inferred from the X-ray line shapes, and we show that only modest increases in the mass-loss rate (40%) are allowed if moderate porosity effects (h(sub infinity) less than approximately R(sub ∗)) are assumed to be important. Large porosity lengths, and thus strong porosity effects, are ruled out regardless of assumptions about clump shape. Thus, X-ray mass-loss rate estimates are relatively insensitive to both optically thin and optically thick clumping. This supports the use of X-ray spectroscopy as a mass-loss rate calibration for bright, nearby O stars

porosity↗

Inflatable O-ring seal would ease closing of hatch cover plate

Inflatable O-ring seal provides positive sealing means that does not require the manual exertion of a large compressive force during opening or closing of a rotary-type hatch cover plate. The O-ring is deflated during opening and closing and inflated after closure by a gas pressure source.

Neary, K. J.↗

The interaction of O(plus) ions with the interior surface of a copper chamber

Modulated beams of 0(+), Ar(+), and Kr(+) in the 100-300 eV range are directed into a copper box simulating the ante-chamber of an orbiting mass spectrometer. An RF quadrupole mass spectrometer and phase sensitive detection extract the component of the internal mass spectrum correlated with the beam. Intense Ar and Kr signals are observed; however, no O or O2 is detectable, indicating loss of the primary O(+) beam to surface interactions. All four primary ions stimulate sizeable signals at masses 26 and 28. The relevance of these experiments to the interpretation of mass spectra obtained by orbiting satellites is discussed.

Siegel, M. W.↗

Measurements of O(1 D) quenching rates in the F-region

In-situ determinations of the quenching of O(1 D) atoms by N2 and O2 molecules were made from observations of 6300 A nightglow intensity enhancements produced by the Platteville 1.6 MW transmitter. The heating of F-region electrons near the point of reflection of the RF wave leads to electron impact excitation of oxygen atoms to the O(1 D) state. It is shown that the resulting region of enhance 6300 A emission is localized to the region of electron energy absorption for heating at the lower altitudes. At 225 km the measured time constants for intensity buildup following transmitter turn-on and for intensity decay following turn-off are identical and equal to (13 plus or minus 1) sec. Time constants varying from 30 to 80 sec are found for the altitude range 260 to 300 km. The inferred quenching coefficient for the whole altitude range, 225 to 300 km, is 4.4 + 2 or - 1 x 10 to the minus 11th power cu cm/sec at 950 K, in good agreement with laboratory data. The quenching frequency obtained at 225 km, when referred to the altitude 120 km, is equal to (21 plus or minus 2)/sec, in agreement with less direct ionospheric determinations.

Sipler, D. P.↗

Mass spectra stimulated by O+ and Ar+ interacting with a surface.

Beams of O(+) and Ar(+) in the energy range from 100 to 300 eV were directed into an aperture in one face of a copper box. The mass spectrum from a similar aperture in an adjacent face was observed with the aid of a commercial RF quadrupole spectrometer. On the basis of the results obtained it is reported that O(+) beams at about 200 eV may be essentially lost after a few collisions with a surface, in agreement with similar conclusions about atomic oxygen at thermal energies.

Siegel, M. W.↗

Cross sections for production of the CO(A 1 Pi)-(X 1 Sigma) fourth positive band system and O(3 S) by photodissociation of CO2

The CO(A 1 Pi) cross sections reported here, along with previously determined electron impact results, establish the basis for calculating CO fourth positive system volume emission rates in the Martian dayglow. Calculated volume emission rates in turn determine relative distribution of photon vs. electron impact as mechanisms for producing CO(A 1 Pi) in the Mars atmosphere. The smallness of the O(1304) cross section confirms previous indirect evidence that photodissociative excitation of CO2 is not an important source of O(3 S) in the upper atmosphere of Mars.

Gentieu, E. P.↗

Drag coefficients for spheres in free molecular flow in O at satellite velocities

The drag coefficients for the Echo 1 and Explorer 24 spherical surfaces in an O environment were experimentally determined over an energy range of 4 to 200 eV. The experiment was performed by generating a beam of atomic oxygen ions of the proper energy, neutralizing a portion of the beam, and then allowing only the neutral O particles to strike a very sensitive torsion balance. The momentum transferred to the surface was determined from the deflection of the torsion balance. At the lower energies, the more intense ion beam had to be used instead of the neutral beam. The drag coefficients are found to be slightly greater than 2 at energies corresponding to satellite velocities.

Boring, J. W.↗

Are HO radicals produced in the reaction of O(3P) with 1-C4H8 ?

The reaction of O(3P) with 1-C4H8 was examined in the presence of CO which scavenges HO radicals to produce CO2. From the CO2 quantum yield, an upper limit to the efficiency of HO production in the reaction of O(3P) with 1-C4H8 was found to be 0.020 at both 298 and 473 K.

Luria, M.↗

O(D-1) production in ozone photolysis near 310 nm

Relative quantum yields of O(D-1)production, phi, in ozone photolysis from 275 nm to 334 nm were determined in the gas phase at 233 K. The O(D-1) was monitored by means of its reaction with isobutane to form isobutyl alcohol. The light source was a high pressure mercury lamp combined with a monochromator, with a bandwidth of 1.6 nm. The results show a constant phi below 300 nm, which is taken as unity on the basis of previous work. There is a very sharp fall-off in phi which is centered at 308 nm. At 313 nm phi is not greater than 0.1.

Lin, C.↗

O(minus 2) grain boundary diffusion and grain growth in pure dense MgO

Grain growth behavior in fully dense compacts of MgO of very high purity was studied, and the results compared with other similar behaving materials. The activation energy for the intrinsic self-diffusion of Mg(2minus) is discussed along with the grain boundary diffusion of O(2minus). Grain boundary diffusion of O(2minus) is proposed as the controlling mechanism for grain growth.

Kapadia, C. M.↗

Twilight airglow. I - Photoelectrons and forbidden O I 5577-angstrom radiation.

A payload consisting of a number of experiments to study the earth's atmosphere was launched from White Sands on Feb. 8, 1971. The differential photoelectron flux spectrum was measured as a function of altitude. The energy distribution revealed the N2 vibrational structure appearing at 2.8 V, rising to a maximum at 4 eV, decreasing to an 8-volt-wide plateau at 20 V, and then further decreasing. The ion and electron density distributions were measured simultaneously. An optical measurement of forbidden O I 5577-A radiation was made. Both electron impact on atomic oxygen and dissociative recombination of O2(+) were found to produce this emission above 150 km. The recombination rate for the O(1 S) found from a reported nightglow profile is 2.5 plus or minus 1.5 x 10 to the minus 9th cu cm/sec. Between 140 and 120 km, photodissociation is a source of 5577 radiation. Chapman three-body recombination is dominant below 120 km.

Hays, P. B.↗

Conjugate photoelectron excitation of O I 4368 airglow emission.

Conjugate photoelectron fluxes are shown to be mainly responsible for the excitation of O I 4368 radiation observed with a grille spectrometer located at Langmuir Laboratory, New Mexico (L equals 1.7). On the basis of observations of O I 7774 and 4368 tropical emissions at Agulhas, Negras, Brazil (L equals 1.1), the contribution of radiative recombination to the New Mexico intensity is shown to be small. Conjugate photoelectron excitation at the Brazilian site has not been observed.

Christensen, A. B.↗

Noise characteristics of the O-1 airplane and some approaches to noise reduction

A brief study of the O-1A airplane to determine possible means for reducing the aircraft aural detection distance was conducted. This effort involved measuring the noise signature of the basic airplane, devising methods to attenuate the noise, and then estimating the effect of several selected modifications on the aural detection distance of the aircraft. A relatively simple modification utilizing a 6.5 ft diameter, six-blade propeller and including a muffler having a volume of 0.725 cu ft is indicated to reduce the aural detection distance of the O-1 aircraft from about 6 miles at an altitude of 1,000 ft and 2 to 3 miles at an altitude of 300 ft to approximately half these values. The flyover noise data suggest that routing the exhaust stacks up and over the wing would provide immediate noise reduction of about 5 dB with an attendant reduction in detection distance. Furthermore, all these studies confirm the work of other investigators that the 1/3 octave band (center frequency=125 cps) is the most critical in reducing aural detection distance.

Connor, A. B.↗