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At least 55 records · Page 3

A theory of theories

Theory comparisons with facts obtained by reduction of observed data

Sturrock, P. A.↗

On the use of the Hill variables in artificial satellite theory - Brouwer's theory.

By reformulating Brouwer's first-order satellite theory in terms of the Hill variables, it is demonstrated that these variables possess several advantages over the Delaunay variables. The final algorithm is simpler and more compact, there is no singularity at zero eccentricity, and the process of deriving the perturbations is considerably simplified. An algorithm for the computation of position and velocity is presented which is significantly simpler and faster in use than Brouwer's algorithm. Moreover, whereas the latter algorithm breaks down for circular and equatorial orbits, the present one holds for all eccentricities less than one and for all inclinations, with the exception of the critical inclination.

Aksnes, K.↗

Correlation effects in the theory of combined Doppler and pressure broadening. I - Classical theory

An investigation is conducted of the combined effects of radiator-perturber collisions and radiator translational motion in the context of foreign gas broadening of optical transitions in neutral radiators. Questions concerning the speed-dependent collision frequency are considered and aspects of general theory are explored, taking into account the correlation function, the ensemble average, and the kinetic equation formalism. An elementary solution is discussed along with a one-perturber approximation, inverse power law model calculations, and a comparison with the Voigt profile.

Ward, J.↗

Observations and theory of Mg II lines in early type stars. II - Theory and predicted profiles. III - The observations and a comparison with the predictions

Profiles of the UV Mg II lines in the spectra of early type stars are computed in a grid of model atmospheres with effective temperatures between 8000 and 35,000 K and log g values of 2.5 to 4.0 using the LTE and non-LTE theories of line formation. The theoretical results indicate that the line cores are strengthened by non-LTE effects over the entire temperature range, resonance-line wings are weaker in the cooler models than in the LTE case, and very large deviations from LTE occur in the hot low-gravity models. These predictions are compared with the equivalent widths of the UV Mg II lines in 106 stars and of the visual lines in 48 stars (spectral types O4 to A3). The observed equivalent widths of normal stars in luminosity classes II through V are found to agree with the predictions over the entire range from O8 to A2 if a certain Mg/H abundance is adopted. The line intensities observed in supergiants, Be, Bp, and Ap stars are discussed.

Snijders, M. A. J.↗

Kinetic theory of turbulent compressible flows and comparison with classical theory

A complete set of turbulent correlations is given in terms of expansion coefficients in a double series of Hermite polynomials of a two-particle correlation in phase space. Only two of these coefficients, corresponding to Reynolds stress and turbulent heat flux, are shown to appear in gasdynamic equations of turbulence. This is accomplished by incorporating the phase-space correlation in the collision integral of Boltzmann's equation and by deriving generalized Navier-Stokes and Fourier transport relations. In contrast to the classical formalism, the simple expression remains invariant in form whether the flow is compressible or not. Nevertheless, a bilinear transformation of fluctuating quantities shows that the two formalisms are identical with regard to terms of double correlations. The kinetic theory justifies nonexistence of the higher-order correlations characteristic of compressible-turbulence equations in the classical regime.

Tsuge, S.↗

A theory of local and global processes which affect solar wind electrons. I - The origin of typical 1 AU velocity distribution functions - Steady state theory

A kinetic theory for the velocity distribution of solar wind electrons which illustrates the global and local properties of the solar wind expansion is proposed. By means of the Boltzmann equation with the Krook collision operator accounting for Coulomb collisions, it is found that Coulomb collisions determine the population and shape of the electron distribution function in both the thermal and suprathermal energy regimes. For suprathermal electrons, the cumulative effects of Coulomb interactions are shown to take place on the scale of the heliosphere itself, whereas the Coulomb interactions of thermal electrons occur on a local scale near the point of observation (1 AU). The bifurcation of the electron distribution between thermal and suprathermal electrons is localized to the deep solar corona (1 to 10 solar radii).

Scudder, J. D.↗

A theory of stationary long waves. I - A simple theory of blocking. II - Resonant Rossby waves in the presence of realistic vertical shears

A theory of stationary long waves in the atmosphere is developed, with attention given to the blocking phenomenon caused by the resonant amplification of large-scale planetary waves in a uniform zonal flow and to resonant Rossby waves in an atmosphere with winds varying with height. A simple model is presented to illustrate the temporal behavior of Rossby waves forced by topography and differential heating of the land and the sea, using a beta-plane approximation and assuming a spatially uniform zonal wind which may vary in time, and quasi-geostrophic disturbances. Results are then extended to the case of resonant Rossby waves in the presence of realistic vertical shears. Numerical experiments in which the wind profiles are varied in a number of physically possible manners reveal the most favorable wind configurations for resonance.

Tung, K. K.↗

A modified Lorentz theory as a test theory of special relativity

Attention has been given recently to a modified Lorentz theory (MLT) that is based on the generalized Galilean transformation. Some explicit formulas within the framework of MLT, dealing with the one-way velocity of light, slow-clock transport, and the Doppler effect are derived. A number of typical experiments are analyzed on this basis. Results indicate that the empirical equivalence between MLT and special relativity is still maintained to second order terms. The results of previous works that predict that the MLT might be distinguished from special relativity at the third order by Doppler centrifuge tests capable of a fractional frequency detection threshold of 10 to the -15th are confirmed.

Chang, T.↗

Literacity: A multimedia adult literacy package combining NASA technology, recursive ID theory, and authentic instruction theory

An important part of NASA's mission involves the secondary application of its technologies in the public and private sectors. One current application under development is LiteraCity, a simulation-based instructional package for adults who do not have functional reading skills. Using fuzzy logic routines and other technologies developed by NASA's Information Systems Directorate and hypermedia sound, graphics, and animation technologies the project attempts to overcome the limited impact of adult literacy assessment and instruction by involving the adult in an interactive simulation of real-life literacy activities. The project uses a recursive instructional development model and authentic instruction theory. This paper describes one component of a project to design, develop, and produce a series of computer-based, multimedia instructional packages. The packages are being developed for use in adult literacy programs, particularly in correctional education centers. They use the concepts of authentic instruction and authentic assessment to guide development. All the packages to be developed are instructional simulations. The first is a simulation of 'finding a friend a job.'

Willis, Jerry↗

Recent Advances in Open-Shell Perturbation Theory and Coupled-Cluster Theory

Comparisons of various recently developed open-shell RHF perturbation theories will be presented. Among the aspects considered are spin-contamination, computational cost, and quality of numerical results. In addition, a new approach to avoid the disk storage and I/O bottlenecks in large scale coupled-cluster calculations will be discussed.

Lee, Timothy J.↗