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At least 433 records · Page 24

First-order inflation

I discuss the most recent model of inflation. In first-order inflation the inflationary epoch is associated with a first-order phase transition, with the most likely candidate being GUT symmetry breaking. The transition from the false-vacuum inflationary phase to the true-vacuum radiation-dominated phase proceeds through the nucleation and percolation of true-vacuum bubbles. The first successful and simplest model of first-order inflation, extended inflation, is discussed in some detail: evolution of the cosmic-scale factor, reheating, density perturbations, and the production of gravitational waves both from quantum fluctuations and bubble collisions. Particular attention is paid to the most critical issue in any model of first-order inflation: the requirements on the nucleation rate to ensure a graceful transition from the inflationary phase to the radiation-dominated phase.

Turner, Michael S.↗

ISEE 3 observations of traveling compression regions in the earth's magnetotail

A comprehensive study is conducted of traveling compression regions (TCRs) in the distant magnetotail; a total of 116 TCRs were studied from ISEE 3 observations. Strong support is obtained for the interpretation of TCRs as large-scale compressions of the lobes that are caused by the rapid downtail motion of plasmoids. TCRs furnish information on the 3D shape and volume of the plasmoid bulge. The close association noted between the substorm expansion phase onset and the TCRs provides strong support for the plasmoid model of magnetotail dynamics.

Slavin, J. A.↗

The Eady problem for a basic state with zero PV gradient but beta does not equal 0

The classic Eady problem is modified to include beta does not equal 0, but with the basic distributions of temperature and zonal flow adjusted to preserve zero meridional gradients of basic-state potential vorticity in the fluid interior. Much of the mathematical simplicity of the classic problem is retained; however, the results differ in important ways. Specifically, the instability now has a long-wave cutoff in addition to the traditional short-wave cutoff. The former is associated with the fact that the phase speeds of the edge waves begin to differ so much as wavenumber is reduced that the two edge waves can no longer interact in order to form unstable modes. For the unstable modes, this manifests itself in that the steering level for unstable modes is always below the middle of the fluid and approaches the lower boundary near the long-wave cutoff. Relatedly, the amplitude of the unstable geopotential perturbations is larger at the upper boundary than at the lower boundary. Finally, below the long-wave cutoff, one of the neutral waves has a phase speed that becomes increasingly easterly as wavenumber decreases. This allows a resonant response to planetary-scale stationary forcing.

Lindzen, Richard S.↗

Measuring Speed Of Rotation With Two Brushless Resolvers

Speed of rotation of shaft measured by use of two brushless shaft-angle resolvers aligned so electrically and mechanically in phase with each other. Resolvers and associated circuits generate voltage proportional to speed of rotation (omega) in both magnitude and sign. Measurement principle exploits simple trigonometric identity.

Howard, David E.↗

Structure and Evolution of an Oceanic Squall Line During South China Sea Monsoon Experiment

The South China Sea Monsoon Experiment (SCSMEX) was conducted in South China Sea (SCS) and surrounding areas during May - June 1998. The primary goal of the experiment is to provide a better understanding of the key physical processes for the onset, maintenance and variability of the monsoon over the Southeast Asia and southern China leading to improved monsoon predictions. As the first comprehensive field experiment aiming on the SCS summer monsoon, the goals of the mesoscale program associated with the primary objective are: (1) to define the initiation, structure, evolution and dynamics of precipitation processes associated with the onset and mature phase of the SCS monsoon, and (2) to obtain quantitative rainfall estimates, vertical air motion and inferences on microphysical structure over a tropical oceanic site.

Wang, Jian-Jian↗

Induced Abnormality In Mir- and Earth-Grown Super Dwarf Wheat

Super-dwarf wheat grown on the Mir space station using the Svet "Greenhouse" exhibited morphological, metabolic and reproductive abnormalities compared with normal wheat. Of prominent importance were the abnormalities associated with reproductive ontogeny and the total absence of seed formation on Mir. Changes in the apical meristem associated with transition from the vegetative phase to floral initiation and development of the reproductive spike were all typical of 'Super Dwarf' wheat up to the point of anthesis. Observation of ruptured anthers from the Mir-grown plants revealed what appeared to be normally developed pollen. These pollen grains however, contain only one nucleus, while normal viable pollen is trinucleate. A potentially important difference in the flight experiment, compared with ground reference studies, was identified - a high level of atmospheric ethylene (1200 ppb). Ground studies conducted exposing "Super-dwarf" wheat to ethylene at just prior to anthesis resulted in manifestation of the same abnormalities observed in the space flight samples.

Bubenheim, David L.↗

Induced abnormality in Mir- and Earth grown Super Dwarf wheat

Super-dwarf wheat grown on the Mir space station using the Svet "Greenhouse" exhibited morphological, metabolic and reproductive abnormalities compared with Earth-grown wheat. Of prominent importance were the abnormalities associated with reproductive ontogeny and the total absence of seed formation on Mir. Changes in the apical meristem associated with transition from the vegetative phase to floral initiation and development of the reproductive spike were all typical of 'Super-Dwarf' wheat up to the point of anthesis. Observation of ruptured anthers from the Mir-grown plants revealed what appeared to be normally developed pollen. These pollen gains, however, contained only one nuclei, while normal viable pollen is tri-nucleate. A potentially important difference in the flight experiment, compared with ground reference studies, was the presence of a high level of atmospheric ethylene (1,200 ppb). Ground studies conducted by exposing 'Super-Dwarf' wheat to ethylene just prior to anthesis resulted in manifestation of the same abnormalities observed in the space flight samples. c2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

long duration↗

Limitation of Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modular for Holographic Three-dimensional Displays

In a 3-D display system based on an opto-electronic reconstruction of a digitally recorded hologram, the field of view of such a system is limited by the spatial resolution of the liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) spatial light modular (SLM) used to perform the opto-electronic reconstruction. In this article, the special resolution limitation of LCOS SLM associated with the fringe field effect and interpixel coupling is determined by the liquid crystal detector simulation and the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation. The diffraction efficiency loss associated with the imperfection in the phase profile is studied with an example of opto-electronic reconstruction of an amplitude object. A high spatial resolution LCOS SLM with a wide reconstruction angle is proposed.

Wang, Xinghua↗

Pairwise comparison device

Apparatus for comparing first and second sets of voltages having one-to-one correspondence, and providing an indication responsive to the magnitudes of the pairwise differences of the voltages; typically comprising a plurality of channel waveguides (11), each having a first electrode (12) on one side of the channel (11) and a second electrode (13) on the opposite side of the channel (11); contacts (14) and conductors (16) for connecting each voltage of the first set to the first electrode (12) of one waveguide (11); contacts (b 15) and conductors (17) for connecting each voltage of the second set to the second electrode (13) of the waveguide (11) to the first electrode (12) of which the corresponding voltage of the first set is connected; a coupling prism (18), a beam splitter (19), and a waveguide portion (20) for directing to the input end (21,22) of each waveguide (11) a substantially plane wave of coherent light (as indicated at 23,24,25) having predetermined relative intensity and phase; and a detector (51) and associated circuitry (52,58) responsive to the light emerging (as indicated at 26) from the output end (28,29) of the waveguides (11) (via a beam splitter 44 and a coupling prism 45) for providing an indication that is a function of the pairwise relative magnitudes of the first set of voltages and the second set of voltages.

Verber, Carl M.↗

Incidence of Latent Virus Shedding during Space Flight

Measurements of immune parameters of both cellular and innate immunity indicate alterations in immune function in astronauts. Immune changes are due to stress and perhaps other factors associated with launch, flight, and landing phases. Medical relevance of observed changes is not known. The reactivation of latent viruses has been identified as an important in vivo indicator of clinically relevant immune changes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of specific viral DNA in body fluids. Initial studies demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation during all 3 mission phases. EBV is shed in saliva following reactivation from B-cells. Incidence of EBV in saliva was higher than control subjects during all 3 mission phases. However, quantitative PCR revealed 10-fold higher levels of EBV DNA present in saliva collected during flight than found in pre- and post flight specimens. To determine if other latent viruses showed similar effects, cytomegalovirus (CMV), another herpes virus, shed in urine following reactivation was studied. A very low incidence (less than 2%) of CMV in urine is found in healthy, lowstressed individuals. However, 25-50% of astronauts shed CMV in their urine before, during, or after flight. Our studies are now focused on varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the etiological agent of chicken-pox during childhood and shingles later in life. We demonstrated reactivation of VZV and shedding of the virus during and after spaceflight in saliva of astronauts with no sign of active infection or symptoms. The maximum shedding of VZV occurred during the flight phase and diminishes rapidly during the first five days after landing. We have utilized the same PCR assay for VZV in a clinical study of shingles patients. Generally, shingles patients shed much more VZV in saliva than astronauts. However, the VZV levels in astronauts overlap with the lower range of VZV numbers in shingles patients. Saliva from shingles patients and astronauts were cultured and infectious VZV was recovered from both groups. We have concluded that multiple latent viruses do reactivate before, during, and after spaceflight and serve as very sensitive indicators for diminished cellular immunity. Future plans will be focused on the clinical risks posed by the reactivation of these viruses. Initial efforts will determine the effect of longer missions on the International Space Station on the reactivation patterns of these viruses.

Mehta, Satish K.↗

Ares I-X Launch Abort System, Crew Module, and Upper Stage Simulator Vibroacoustic Flight Data Evaluation, Comparison to Predictions, and Recommendations for Adjustments to Prediction Methodology and Assumptions

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Constellation Program (CxP) has identified a series of tests to provide insight into the design and development of the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Ares I-X was selected as the first suborbital development flight test to help meet CxP objectives. The Ares I-X flight test vehicle (FTV) is an early operational model of CLV, with specific emphasis on CLV and ground operation characteristics necessary to meet Ares I-X flight test objectives. The in-flight part of the test includes a trajectory to simulate maximum dynamic pressure during flight and perform a stage separation of the Upper Stage Simulator (USS) from the First Stage (FS). The in-flight test also includes recovery of the FS. The random vibration response from the ARES 1-X flight will be reconstructed for a few specific locations that were instrumented with accelerometers. This recorded data will be helpful in validating and refining vibration prediction tools and methodology. Measured vibroacoustic environments associated with lift off and ascent phases of the Ares I-X mission will be compared with pre-flight vibration predictions. The measured flight data was given as time histories which will be converted into power spectral density plots for comparison with the maximum predicted environments. The maximum predicted environments are documented in the Vibroacoustics and Shock Environment Data Book, AI1-SYS-ACOv4.10 Vibration predictions made using statistical energy analysis (SEA) VAOne computer program will also be incorporated in the comparisons. Ascent and lift off measured acoustics will also be compared to predictions to assess whether any discrepancies between the predicted vibration levels and measured vibration levels are attributable to inaccurate acoustic predictions. These comparisons will also be helpful in assessing whether adjustments to prediction methodologies are needed to improve agreement between the predicted and measured flight data. Future assessment will incorporate hybrid methods in VAOne analysis (i.e., boundary element methods, BEM and finite element methods, FEM). These hybrid methods will enable the ability to import NASTRAN models providing much more detailed modeling of the underlying beams and support structure of the ARES 1-X test vehicle. Measured acoustic data will be incorporated into these analyses to improve correlation for additional post flight analysis.

Smith, Andrew↗

Construction of Solar-Wind-Like Magnetic Fields

Fluctuations in the solar wind fields tend to not only have velocities and magnetic fields correlated in the sense consistent with Alfven waves traveling from the Sun, but they also have the magnitude of the magnetic field remarkably constant despite their being broadband. This paper provides, for the first time, a method for constructing fields with nearly constant magnetic field, zero divergence, and with any specified power spectrum for the fluctuations of the components of the field. Every wave vector, k, is associated with two polarizations the relative phases of these can be chosen to minimize the variance of the field magnitude while retaining the\random character of the fields. The method is applied to a case with one spatial coordinate that demonstrates good agreement with observed time series and power spectra of the magnetic field in the solar wind, as well as with the distribution of the angles of rapid changes (discontinuities), thus showing a deep connection between two seemingly unrelated issues. It is suggested that using this construction will lead to more realistic simulations of solar wind turbulence and of the propagation of energetic particles.

Roberts, Dana Aaron↗

Multi-Arc Filtering During the Navigation Campaign of the OSIRIS-REx Mission

The Navigation Campaign of the OSIRIS-REx mission consisted of three phases: Approach, Preliminary Survey and Orbital-A. These phases were designed to optimize the initial characterization of Bennu's mass, shape and spin-state to support a safe orbit insertion and a quick transition to landmark-based optical navigation tracking. The standard orbit determination filtering techniques used to navigate the spacecraft were unable to fit data from these three phases simultaneously due to numerical issues associated with the nonlinear dynamics and the long arc length. Consequently, a multi-arc filtering algorithm was implemented in order to combine the information from each of these arcs. Multi-arc solutions for Bennu's spin state and gravity field are presented here.

French, Andrew S.↗

Effects of heat treating PM Rene' 95 slightly below the gamma-prime solvus

An investigation was performed on As-HIP Rene' 95 to obtain additional information on the variation of the amount of gamma-prime with solutioning temperatures near the gamma-prime solvus temperature and the resulting effects on tensile and stress rupture strengths of As-HIP Rene' 95. The amount of gamma-prime phase was found to increase at a rate of about 0.5% per degree Celsius as the temperature decreased from the solvus temperature to about 50 C below the gamma-prime solvus temperature. The change in the amount of gamma-prime phase with decreasing solutioning temperature was observed to be primarily associated with decreasing solubilities of Al+Ti+Nb and increasing solubility of Cr in the gamma phase. For As-HIP Rene' 95 solutioned at either 1107 or 1135 C and subsequently water-quenched and double aged for 4 hours at 815 C followed by 24 hours at 650 C, the higher solution temperature resulted in significantly greater yield strengths at room temperature and 650 C as well as a greater room-temperature ultimate strength. Also, longer stress rupture lives at 650 C were associated with the higher solution temperature.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

The X-ray signature of solar coronal mass

The coronal response to six solar X-ray flares has been investigated. At a time coincident with the projected onset of the white-light coronal mass ejection associated with each flare, there is a small, discrete soft X-ray enhancement. These enhancements (precursors) precede by typically about 20 m the impulsive phase of the solar flare which is dominant by the time the coronal mass ejection has reached an altitude above 0.5 solar radii. Motions of hot X-ray emitting plasma, during the precursors, which may well be a signature of the mass ejection onsets, are identified. Further investigations have also revealed a second class of X-ray coronal transient, during the main phase of the flare. These appear to be associated with magnetic reconnection above post-flare loop systems.

Harrison, R. A.↗

Simulations of phase space distributions of storm time proton ring current

We use results of guiding-center simulations of ion transport to map phase space densities of the stormtime proton ring current. We model a storm as a sequence of substorm-associated enhancements in the convection electric field. Our pre-storm phase space distribution is an analytical solution to a steady-state transport model in which quiet-time radial diffusion balances charge exchange. This pre-storm phase space spectra at L approximately 2 to 4 reproduce many of the features found in observed quiet-time spectra. Using results from simulations of ion transport during model storms having main phases of 3, 6, and 12 hr, we map phase space distributions from the pre-storm distribution in accordance with Liouville's theorem. We find stormtime enhancements in the phase space densities at energies E approximately 30-160 keV for L approximately 2.5 to 4. These enhancements agree well with the observed stormtime ring current. For storms with shorter main phases (approximately 3 hr), the enhancements are caused mainly by the trapping of ions injected from open night side trajectories, and diffusive transport of higher-energy (greater than or approximately 160 keV) ions contributes little to the stormtime ring current. However, the stormtime ring current is augmented also by the diffusive transport of higher-energy ions (E greater than or approximately 160 keV) durinng stroms having longer main phases (greater than or approximately 6 hr). In order to account for the increase in Dst associated with the formation of the stormtime ring current, we estimate the enhancement in particle-energy content that results from stormtime ion transport in the equatorial magnetosphere. We find that transport alone cannot account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst typical of a major storm. However, we can account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst by realistically increasing the stormtime outer boundary value of the phase space density relative to the quiet-time value. We compute the magnetic field produced by the ring current itself and find that radial profiles of the magnetic field depression resemble those obtained from observational data.

Chen, Margaret W.↗

Effects of heat treating PM Rene' 95 slightly below the gamma' solvus

An investigation was performed on as-hot-isostatically-pressed (As-HIP) Rene' 95 to obtain additional information on the variation of the amount of gamma prime with solutioning temperatures near the gamma prime solvus temperature and the resulting effects on tensile and stress rupture strength of As-HIP Rene' 95. The amount of gamma prime phase was found to increase at a rate of about 0.5% per degree Celsius as the temperature decreased from the solvus temperature to about 50 C below the gamma prime solvus temperature. The change in the amount of gamma prime phase with decreasing solutioning temperature was observed to be primarily associated with decreasing solubilities of Al+Ti+Nb and increasing solubility of Cr in the gamma phase.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗