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At least 541 records · Page 30

Phase-locked laser array having a non-uniform spacing between lasing regions

A phase-locked semiconductor array wherein the lasing regions of the array are spaced an effective distance apart such that the modes of oscillation of the different lasing regions are phase-locked to one another. The center-to-center spacing between the lasing regions is non-uniform. This variation in spacing perturbs the preferred 180.degree. phase difference between adjacent lasing regions thereby providing an increased yield of arrays exhibiting a single-lobed, far-field radiation pattern.

Ackley, Donald E.↗

Superalloy composition modeling

Development of a predictive method for determination of the gamma/gamma prime phase fields, i.e., gamma prime volume fraction as a function of the multicomponent composition, is described. The cluster variation method used for binary alloys in which the precipitated phase is coherent with the matrix phase is extended for application to the multicomponent coherent gamma/gamma prime nickel-based superalloys. It is shown that the cluster variation method can accurately describe the equilibrium (incoherent) gamma/gamma prime phase fields in the binary Ni-Al phase diagram. The gamma/gamma prime phase field for the Ni-Cr-Al ternary phase diagram is computed as a function of temperature. A reasonable fit results between the calculated and the experimental diagrams. The modeling of the six-component Ni-Cr-Al-Co-Mo-Ti base superalloy and the effect of Ni substitution of Co are discussed.

Barefoot, J.↗

Spectral behavior of Hercules X-1 - Its long-term variability and pulse phase spectroscopy

Results are presented of the analysis of the broad-energy-band Her X-1 spectra obtained by HEAO 1. Data from 13 pointed observations covered three 35-day cycles in February, August, and September of 1978. The pulse phase-averaged spectrum did not show any apparent variation during the main-on state, except for the overall intensity. The pulse phase-resolved spectrum, on the other hand, showed a moderately strong phase dependence in each of the main-on state pointings. This may imply that the orientation of the emission region is not changing on a monthly time frame, but the geometry of that region may evolve with time.

Soong, Y.↗

A method for determining optimum phasing of a multiphase propulsion system for a single-stage vehicle with linearized inert weight

A general analytical treatment is presented of a single-stage vehicle with multiple propulsion phases. A closed-form solution for the cost and for the performance and a derivation of the optimal phasing of the propulsion are included. Linearized variations in the inert weight elements are included, and the function to be minimized can be selected. The derivation of optimal phasing results in a set of nonlinear algebraic equations for optimal fuel volumes, for which a solution method is outlined. Three specific example cases are analyzed: minimum gross lift-off weight, minimum inert weight, and a minimized general function for a two-phase vehicle. The results for the two-phase vehicle are applied to the dual-fuel rocket. Comparisons with single-fuel vehicles indicate that dual-fuel vehicles can have lower inert weight either by development of a dual-fuel engine or by parallel burning of separate engines from lift-off.

Martin, J. A.↗

Solar Rotational Modulations of Spectral Irradiance and Correlations with the Variability of Total Solar Irradiance

Aims: We characterize the solar rotational modulations of spectral solar irradiance (SSI) and compare them with the corresponding changes of total solar irradiance (TSI). Solar rotational modulations of TSI and SSI at wavelengths between 120 and 1600 nm are identified over one hundred Carrington rotational cycles during 2003-2013. Methods: The SORCE (Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment) and TIMED (Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics)/SEE (Solar EUV Experiment) measured and SATIRE-S modeled solar irradiances are analyzed using the EEMD (Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition) method to determine the phase and amplitude of 27-day solar rotational variation in TSI and SSI. Results: The mode decomposition clearly identifies 27-day solar rotational variations in SSI between 120 and 1600 nm, and there is a robust wavelength dependence in the phase of the rotational mode relative to that of TSI. The rotational modes of visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) are in phase with the mode of TSI, but the phase of the rotational mode of ultraviolet (UV) exhibits differences from that of TSI. While it is questionable that the VIS to NIR portion of the solar spectrum has yet been observed with sufficient accuracy and precision to determine the 11-year solar cycle variations, the temporal variations over one hundred cycles of 27-day solar rotation, independent of the two solar cycles in which they are embedded, show distinct solar rotational modulations at each wavelength.

Spectral Solar Irradiance↗

Chandra Observations of Cygnus X-1 at Different Spectral States and Different Orbital Phases

Cygnus X-1 has been observed in different spectral states and at different orbit phases with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer. The observed absorption line and edge features are different in these observations. These differences may be caused by the variations of the column density at different orbit phases in a photoionized-wind accretion system. The variations of the absorption features observed in different states may also provide information about changes in the configuration of the corona and accretion disk around the black hole. We present results of our data analysis and discuss the physical implications of these results.

Feng, Yixin↗

Thermally induced phase changes, lateral heterogeneity of the mantle, continental roots, and deep slab anomalies

Factors which influence the lateral heterogeneity in density and seismic velocity with depth in the upper earth mantle are discussed. It is emphasized that most of the increases in density and seismic velocity with depth are caused by pressure-induced solid-solid phase changes in the high-density high-velocity phases of mineral assemblage, due to variations in temperature. In particular, the ilmenite form of MgSiO3 and the gamma-spinel form of Mg2SiO4 have broad stability fields in cold mantle and are not stable in hotter mantle. It is emphasized that the density and velocity anomalies associated with temperature-induced phase changes in mineral assemblage must be taken into account in the thermal models of the slabs; when these effects are accounted for, the geoid and seismic anomalies associated with subducted slabs are consistent with slab confinement to the upper mantle and with layered models of mantle convection.

Anderson, Don L.↗

The quasi-biennial oscillation in atmospheric ozone

It is noted that the region of strongest relationship between tropical stratospheric zonal winds and total ozone (that is, maximum ozone associated with strong west winds) is in the tropics, in the midlatitudes of the Southern Hemisphere, and, it is thought, at high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. The observed period of the ozone quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) decreases from 27 months at the equator to approximately 24 months in midlatitudes, possibly due to local modification of the QBO, as it propagates poleward. In the tropics the ozone variation is seen to be nearly in phase with the tropical wind QBO while at middle and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and midlatitudes of the Southern Hemisphere and ozone oscillation seems to lag the wind oscillation by about 12-14 months. The out-of-phase relationship at middle and high latitudes indicates a possible interaction between the tropical stratosphere QBO in zonal winds and the annual variation in the poleward transport of ozone by quasi-horizontal eddies.

Oltmans, S. J.↗

Chandra Phase-Resolved X-ray Spectroscopy of the Crab Pulsar II

We present a new study of the X-ray spectral properties of the Crab Pulsar. The superb angular resolution of the Chandra X-ray Observatory enables distinguishing the pulsar from the surrounding nebulosity. Analysis of the spectrum as a function of pulse phase allows the least-biased measure of interstellar X-ray extinction due primarily to photoelectric absorption and secondarily to scattering by dust grains in the direction of the Crab Nebula. We modify previous findings that the line-of-sight to the Crab is under-abundant in oxygen and provide measurements with improved accuracy and less bias. Using the abundances and cross sections from Wilms, Allen & McCray (2000) we find [O/H] = (5.28+\-0.28) x 10(exp -4) (4.9 x 10(exp -4) is solar abundance). \rVe also measure for the first time the impact of scattering of flux out of the image by interstellar grains. \rYe find T(sub scat) = 0.147+/-0.043. Analysis of the spectrum as a function of pulse phase also measures the X-ray spectral index even at pulse minimum - albeit with increasing statistical uncertainty. The spectral variations are, by and large, consistent with a sinusoidal variation. The only significant variation from the sinusoid occurs over the same phase range as some rather abrupt behavior in the optical polarization magnitude and position angle. We compare these spectral variations to those observed in Gamma-rays and conclude that our measurements are both a challenge and a guide to future modeling and will thus eventually help us understand pair cascade processes in pulsar magnetospheres. The data were also used to set new. and less biased, upper limits to the surface temperature of the neutron star for different models of the neutron star atmosphere.

Weisskopf, Martin C.↗

Phase difference statistics related to sensor and forest parameters

The information content of ordinary synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is principally contained in the radiometric polarization channels, i.e., the four Ihh, Ivv, Ihv and Ivh backscattered intensities. In the case of clutter, polarimetric information is given by the four complex degrees of coherence, from which the mean polarization phase differences (PPD), correlation coefficients or degrees of polarization can be deduced. For radiometric features, the polarimetric parameters are corrupted by multiplicative speckle noise and by some sensor effects. The PPD distribution is related to the sensor, speckle and terrain properties. Experimental results are given for the variation of the terrain hh/vv mean phase difference and magnitude of the degree of coherence observed on bare soil and on different pine forest stands.

Lopes, A.↗

Subresolution imaging - Use of wavelength and angular diversity techniques

The paper demonstrates the possibility of using an illumination system tunable in angle or wavelength to determine the amplitude and height structure of an object within the resolution cell defined by the resolving power of some imaging system. It is noted that since the value of the electric field at a point on the image of an object varies with the wavelength or angle of illumination on the object, the Fourier transform of this variation provides directly the amplitude and phase structure of the object within the resolution cell corresponding to the image point of interest. This Fourier transform is calculated, and it is shown that the transform of the electric-field intensity with respect to the inverse wavelength dimension is simply the autocorrelation of the electric-field variation with wavelength. Practical techniques that can be employed to measure the subresolution detail of an object are briefly discussed.

Jain, A.↗

The effect of tantalum on the structure/properties of two polycrystalline nickel-base superalloys: B-1900 + Hf MAR-M247

The microstructure, phase compositions, and phase fractions were studied in conventionally cast B-1900 + Hf and both conventionally cast and directionally solidified MAR-M247 as a function of tantalum concentration. The hot tensile and creep rupture properties of the solutionized and aged MAR-M247-type alloys were also determined as a function of tantalum level. The effects of tantalum on the microstructure and phase compositions of B-1900 + Hf and MAR-M247 (conventionally cast and directionally solidified) were found to be very similar. The addition of tantalum to the as cast and heat treated alloys was shown to cause the partial replacement of the Hf in the MC carbides by Ta, although the degree of replacement was decreased by the solutionizing and aging heat treatment. The gamma prime and minor phase fractions (primarily MC type carbides) both increased approximately linearly with tantalum concentration. The gamma prime phase compositions were relatively insensitive to tantalum variations with the exception of the tantalum and/or hafnium levels. Bulk tantalum additions increased the tantalum, chromium, and cobalt levels of the gamma phase in both alloy series. The increase in the concentrations of the latter two elements in the gamma phase was a result of the decrease in the gamma phase fraction with increasing bulk tantalum concentration and constant gamma/gamma prime partitioning ratio. Tantalum additions increased the yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of the directionally solidified MAR-M247 type alloys and had no significant effect on ductility.

Janowski, G. M.↗

Lightcurves and phase relations of the asteroids 82 Alkmene and 444 Gyptis

The asteroids 82 Alkmene and 444 Gyptis were observed photoelectrically at Table Mountain Observatory and at Torino Observatory during their 1979 opposition in order to determine their rotation periods and phase relations. The observations of 82 Alkmene yielded a rotation period of 12.999 h + or 0.002 h and an amplitude of variation of 0.55. The measured and corrected absolute magnitudes, when plotted against phase angle, is the best fit Lumme and Bowell (1981) theoretical phase function. The rotation period and amplitude of variation for 444 Gyptis are 6.214 h and 0.15, respectively. The phase relation of this asteroid is poorly fit by the Lumme and Bowell theory when only the multiple scattering parameter and the zero phase angle are treated as variables. A good fit can be obtained by adjusting some of the other parameters of their theory, but the physical interpretation is ambiguous.

Harris, A. W.↗

Energy and mass balance in the three-phase interstellar medium

Details of the energy and mass balances are considered in the context of a three-phase interstellar medium. The rates of mass exchange between the different phases are derived based on the pressure variations created by supernova remnant expansions. It is shown that the pressure-confined warm and cold gases have stable temperatures under a variety of interstellar conditions. The three-phase quasi-static configuration is found to be a natural outcome, and both warm and cold phases generally contribute about half of the total mass density to the diffuse interstellar gas. The model is also likely to be self-regulatory in the sense that variations of the input parameters do not strongly alter the general result, which is consistent with most current observations. The consequences of extreme conditions on this model are considered, and the possible implications for interstellar medium in other galaxies are briefly discussed.

Wang, Zhong↗

Vegetation Interaction Enhances Interdecadal Climate Variability in the Sahel

The role of naturally varying vegetation in influencing the climate variability in the Sahel is explored in a coupled atmosphere-land-vegetation model. The Sahel rainfall variability is influenced by sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the oceans. Land-surface feedback is found to increase this variability both on interannual and interdecadal time scales. Interactive vegetation enhances the interdecadal variation significantly, but can reduce year to year variability due to a phase lag introduced by the relatively slow vegetation adjustment time. Variations in vegetation accompany the changes in rainfall, in particular, the multi-decadal drying trend from the 1950s to the 80s.

Zeng, Ning↗

Satellite sensing of aerosol absorption

A method is developed for remote sensing of aerosol absorption from satellite images of the earth's surface. The method is based on the measurement of the change in the upward radiances between a clear and a hazy day over a varying surface reflectance. For a zero change balance between brightening due to scattering and darkening due to absorption and scattering is reached. This balance is utilized via a radiative transfer model to derive the aerosol single-scattering albedo. A sensitivity study is performed, and the method is tested against laboratory measurements. It is suggested that for the case of haze introduced on top of an existing background aerosol and with a fair estimate of the scattering phase function, the error in the remotely sensed single-scattering albedo is in the range of 0.03-0.05. The main errors in the method arise from variations in the surface reflectance between the clear and the hazy days, uncertainty in the scattering phase function, and variation of the aerosol and gaseous absorption between these two days. If the satellite calibration varies with time, the measurements of single-scattering albedo can be substantially affected.

Kaufman, Yoram J.↗

Semiannual variation of geomagnetic activity.

It is proposed that the semiannual variation in geomagnetic activity is caused by a semiannual variation in the effective southward component of the interplanetary field. The southward field arises because the interplanetary field is ordered in the solar equatorial coordinate system, whereas the interaction with the magnetosphere is controlled by a magnetospheric system. Several simple models utilizing this effective modulation of the southward component of the interplanetary field are examined. One of these closely predicts the observed phase and amplitude of the semiannual variation. This model assumes that northward interplanetary fields are noninteracting and that the interaction with southward fields is ordered in solar magnetospheric coordinates. The prediction of the diurnal variation of the strength of the interaction at the magnetopause by this model, does not, however, match the diurnal variation of geomagnetic activity as derived from ground-based data.

Russell, C. T.↗

Observation of spatial and temporal variations in X-ray bright point emergence patterns

Observations of X-ray bright points (XBP) over a six-month interval in 1973 show significant variations in both the number density of XBP as a function of heliographic longitude and in the full-sun average number of XBP from one rotation to the next. The observed increases in XBP emergence are estimated to be equivalent to several large active regions emerging per day for several months. The number of XBP emerging at high latitudes varies in phase with the low-latitude variation and reaches a maximum approximately simultaneous with a major outbreak of active regions. The quantity of magnetic flux emerging in the form of XBP at high latitudes alone is estimated to be as large as the contribution from all active regions.

Golub, L.↗