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At least 667 records · Page 37

Extreme gas pressures in the Galactic bulge

It is proposed that the characteristics of molecular gas in the innermost region of the Galactic Center reflect the existence of high gas pressure - about 5 x 10 exp 6 k/cu cm, or two and half order of magnitude higher than that in the solar neighorhood - in the inner 500 pc of the Galaxy. This high pressure can be inferred from the presence of hot X-ray-emitting gas, which is also known to be present in the bulges of many other galaxies. The molecular gas in these bulges should thus resemble that in the center of the Galaxy.

Spergel, David N.↗

The kinematics of the extended gas in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3516

Long-slit spectroscopy of the extended gas in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3516 reveals considerable substructure in the narrow emission lines with several kinematically distinct components visible in H-alpha and N II lambda 6583. The velocity measurements cover almost all of the 3 kpc scale, Z-shaped emission-line structure seen in narrow-band images and suggest that a significant rotational component is present. At large radii, strong deviations from this rotation are observed, indicating that a radial component of motion to the gas is also required to adequately describe the velocity field. There is a clear antisymmetry in these deviations with the velocities being blueshifted with respect to 'normal' galactic rotation on the southwest side of the nucleus and redshifted with respect to it on the northeast side. Although several models can be invoked to explain the observed velocities, the symmetries in the kinematics and emission-line morphology are most easily explained by a bent bipolar mass outflow from the nucleus. In this simple model, gas is ejected out of the plane of the stellar disk and is then slowed by gravitational forces. As the gas trajectory begins to bend, significant velocity deviations are produced. These observations provide some of the best kinematic evidence for mass outflow, although indirect arguments suggest they may be a common feature in many Seyfert galaxies.

Mulchaey, John S.↗

Gas distribution and starbursts in shell galaxies

Detailed maps of most elliptical galaxies reveal that, whereas the greatest part of their luminous mass originates from a smooth distribution with a surface brightness approximated by a de Vaucouleurs law, a small percentage of their light is contributed by low surface brightness distortions termed 'fine structures'. The sharp-edged features called 'shells' are successfully reproduced by merger and infall models involving accretion from less massive companions. In this context, dwarf spheroidal and compact disk galaxies are likely progenitors of these stellar phenomena. However, it is probable that the sources of shell-forming material also contain significant amounts of gas. This component may play an important role in constraining the formation and evolution of shell galaxies. To investigate the effects of the gaseous component, numerical simulations were performed to study the tidal disruption of dwarf galaxies containing both gas and stars by more massive primaries, and the evolution of the ensuing debris. The calculations were performed with a hybrid N-body/hydrodynamics code. Collisionless matter is evolved using a conventional N-body technique and gas is treated using smoothed particle hydrodynamics in which self-gravitating fluid elements are represented as particles evolving according to Lagrangian hydrodynamic equations. An isothermal equation of state is employed so the gas remains at a temperature 104 K. Owing to the large mass ratio between the primary and companion, the primary is modeled as a rigid potential and the self-gravity of both galaxies is neglected.

Weil, Melinda L.↗

The ionization conditions in the Milky Way halo - Infalling gas toward the North Galactic Pole

Observations of gas in the Milky Way halo are studied with an eye toward the theoretical predictions of the Galactic Fountain model for the production of halo gas. Data are shown that indicate significant variations in the ionization conditions in infalling halo gas in the northern galactic hemisphere. Understanding the nature of Milky Way halo gas plays a critical role in interpreting QSO absorption lines in the investigation of galaxies at high redshift.

Danly, Laura↗

UV absorption and emission lines from highly ionized gas in the Galactic halo

The detection of highly ionized gas in the Galactic halo through UV absorption and emission lines is reported. In absorption the species under consideration include Si IV, C IV, and N V. The presence of N V absorption implies the existence of some gas with a temperature near 200,000 K. The highly ionized absorbing gas toward distant stars in direction b of less than -50 deg has simple and relatively narrow line profiles and small average LSR velocities while the gas in the direction b of greater than 50 deg reveals a complex pattern of motions with substantial inflow and outflow velocities. C IV emission brightens toward the Galactic poles and has a polar intensity of 5000 photons/sq cm s ster. In the nonequilibrium cooling of a Galactic fountain, a flow rate of 4 M sub O/yr to each side of the Galaxy is required to produce the amount of N V absorption found in the halo, while a flow rate five times larger is required to produce the observed level of C IV emission.

Savage, Blair D.↗

Segregation of gas and stars in shell galaxies

Using a code which is capable of evolving composite systems of collisionless matter and gas, we explore mergers like those thought responsible for the shells seen around many elliptical galaxies. If a small companion containing both gas and stars is accreted by a more massive primary, the stellar and gaseous debris are rapidly segregated: while the stars are free to oscillate back and forth in the primary's potential, thereby forming shells, the oppositely directed flows near the center of the primary effectively dissipate the orbital kinetic energy of the gas. Consequently, the gas settles into compact disks or rings in the nucleus of the primary, depending on orbital parameters. We note implications of these findings for the production of polar rings and the onset of nuclear activity in galaxies.

Weil, Melinda L.↗

Highly blueshifted H I gas toward the Galactic center

Gusten and Downes (1981) discovered the presence of -190 km/s absorbing H I gas toward the Galactic center. Using the VLA in its most compact hybrid configuration, we were able to image the distribution of this high-negative-velocity H I spectral feature with a spatial and spectral resolution of about 25 arcsec and 6.2 km/s, respectively. The blueshifted H I gas is dominated by systematic radial motion as great as -210 km/s and is localized to within several arcmin of the dynamical center of the Galaxy. We show a striking column of diffuse H I gas extending for several arcmin in the direction along the rotation axis of the molecular disk encircling the Galactic center. The H I optical depth distribution indicates that a total of about 3000 solar masses of neutral material, with -211 to -160 km/sec velocity, appears to be associated with this feature. This unusual kinematic feature appears to coexist with two systems of rotationally supported ionized (Sgr A West) and molecular (circumnuclear disk) gas.

Yusef-Zadeh, Farhad↗

A field gas chromatograph using technology developed for solar system exploration

Trace gas analysis is an integral part of biospheric studies. Analytical instruments, primarily gas chromatographs (GC), are capable of measuring gases and volatiles to the ppb-level in real time. Trace gases significant in the study of biocycles include nitrous oxide, hydrogen sulfide, other nitrogen and sulfur species, as well as methane and ethylene. The concept of a field gas chromatograph is derived from technology being pursued in the design of ultra-compact instruments for solar system exploration. The instrument breadboard incorporates the specialized porous column packings and the highly sensitive metastable ionization detector developed by the Solar System Exploration Office. These parts ensure a broad capability for which the analysis of ambient N2O is one example. A commercial, portable gas chromatograph is currently being extensively modified to incorporate analytical concepts and components derived from flight GC technology. Data storage devices suitable for field use are presently being studied.

Woeller, F. H.↗

Testing balloon gas

In the generation, storage, and use of hydrogen for balloon purposes it is necessary to be able to determine, first, its lifting power, and, secondly, its purity. The lifting power may be determined directly from the specific gravity. Contamination by other gases may be determined by analysis for oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc., by the usual methods of gas analysis. The determination of oxygen is important, since the presence of oxygen in amounts beyond certain limits will make the compressing, handling, and use of the gas hazardous. If the specific gravity of the gas is known, however, it may not be necessary to analyze the gas for oxygen and other gases, because the specific gravity in itself is a delicate criterion of the purity of hydrogen. Report describes a simple, portable apparatus for testing hydrogen, with special reference to its use in balloons.

Edwards, Junius David↗

New Remote Gas Sensor Using Rapid Electro-Optical Path Switching

Innovative gas filter correlation radiometer (GFCR) features nonmechanical switching of internal optical paths. Incoming radiation switched electro-optically, by means of polarization, between two optical paths, one of which contains correlation gas cell while other does not. Advantages include switching speed, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude faster than mechanical techniques, and high reliability. Applications include regional studies of atmospheric chemistry from either manned or unmanned aircraft as well as satellite studies of global distributions, sources and sink mechanisms for key species involved in chemistry of troposphere. Commercial applications: ability to survey many miles of natural gas pipelines rapidly from aircraft, pinpointing gas leaks by measuring methane at 2.3 micrometers.

Sachse, G. W.↗

Cubic GaS: A Surface Passivator For GaAs

Thin films of cubic form of gallium sulfide (GaS) formed on surfaces of gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates via metal/organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Deposited cubic GaS, crystalline lattice matched to substrate GaAs, neutralizes electrically active defects on surfaces of both n-doped and p-doped GaAs. Enabling important GaAs-based semiconducting materials to serve as substrates for metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) capacitors. Cubic GaS enables fabrication of ZnSe-based blue lasers and light-emitting diodes. Because GaS is optically transparent, deposited to form window layers for such optoelectronic devices as light-emitting diodes, solar optical cells, and semiconductor lasers. Its transparency makes it useful as interconnection material in optoelectronic integrated circuits. Also useful in peeled-film technology because selectively etched from GaAs.

Hepp, Aloysius F.↗

Sulfur gas exchange in Sphagnum-dominated wetlands

Sulfur gases are important components of the global cycle of S. They contribute to the acidity of precipitation and they influence global radiation balance and climate. The role of terrestrial sources of biogenic S and their effect on atmospheric chemistry remain as major unanswered questions in our understanding of the natural S cycle. The role of northern wetlands as sources and sinks of gaseous S was investigated by measuring rates of S gas exchange as a function of season, hydrologic conditions, and gradients in trophic status. The effects of inorganic S input on the production and emission of gaseous S were also investigated. Experiments were conducted in wetlands in New Hampshire, particularly a poor fen, fens within the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in Ontario, Canada and in freshwater and marine tundra. Emissions were determined using Teflon enclosures, gas cryotrapping methods, and gas chromatography (GC) with flame photometric detection. Dynamic (sweep flow) and static enclosures were employed. Dissolved gases were determined by gas stripping followed by GC.

Hines, Mark E.↗

Combustor technology for future small gas turbine aircraft

Future engine cycles proposed for advanced small gas turbine engines will increase the severity of the operating conditions of the combustor. These cycles call for increased overall engine pressure ratios which increase combustor inlet pressure and temperature. Further, the temperature rise through the combustor and the corresponding exit temperature also increase. Future combustor technology needs for small gas turbine engines is described. New fuel injectors with large turndown ratios which produce uniform circumferential and radial temperature patterns will be required. Uniform burning will be of greater importance because hot gas temperatures will approach turbine material limits. The higher combustion temperatures and increased radiation at high pressures will put a greater heat load on the combustor liners. At the same time, less cooling air will be available as more of the air will be used for combustion. Thus, improved cooling concepts and/or materials requiring little or no direct cooling will be required. Although presently there are no requirements for emissions levels from small gas turbine engines, regulation is expected in the near future. This will require the development of low emission combustors. In particular, nitrogen oxides will increase substantially if new technologies limiting their formation are not evolved and implemented. For example, staged combustion employing lean, premixed/prevaporized, lean direct injection, or rich burn-quick quench-lean burn concepts could replace conventional single stage combustors.

Lyons, Valerie J.↗

Gas-evaporation in low-gravity field (cogelation mechanism of metal vapors) (M-14)

When metal and alloy compounds are heated and vaporized in a rare gas such as helium, argon, or xenon, the vaporized substances diffused in the rare gas are supersaturated resulting in a smoke of fine particles of the material congealing as snow or fog. The gas vaporizing method is a fine particle generation method. Though the method has a variety of applications, the material vapor flow is disturbed by gravitational convection on Earth. The inability to elucidate the fine particle generation mechanism results in an obstruction to improving the method to mass production levels. As no convection occurs in microgravity in space, the fine particle generation mechanism influenced only by diffusion can be investigated. Investigators expect that excellent particles with homogeneous diameter distribution can be obtained. Experiment data and facts will assist in improving efficiency, quality, and scale or production processes including element processes such as vaporization, diffusion, and condensation. The objective of this experiment is to obtain important information related to the mechanism of particle formation in the gas atmosphere (smoke particles) and the production of submicron powders of extremely uniform size.

Wada, N.↗

Flight 20 (STS-45) polysulfide gas path investigation

This report documents the results of the investigation into causes of gas paths on the 20A and 20B case-to-nozzle joints on STS-42. The investigation was conducted by the Investigation Board appointed by the senior vice president and general manager of Space Operations, Mr. R. E. Lindstrom, on 7 Feb. 1992. The probability of gas path occurrence in the nozzle-to-case-joint polysulfide had been identified during joint redesign. However, actual flight gas path incidence has been limited to RSRM-11 and the 20A and 20B segments. The blow-by condition on the 20A segment was a first time occurrence which was a special concern. The investigation covered all technical aspects associated with the gas path and blow-by conditions: materials and processing history, design requirements and as-built compliance to the design, thermal and structural analyses, computer modeling, and laboratory experimentation with the materials involved. The investigation was coordinated with Mr. Ken Jones at NASA Marshall in bi-weekly teleconferences. The Board also supported Dr. James C. Blair's independent NASA investigation team by providing copies of collected data, conducting requested analyses, and supporting several all-day teleconferences to provide understanding and resolve issues. The Dr. Blair support requirement was successfully concluded on 4 Mar. 1992.

Bjorkman, Rey C.↗

Evaporation in equilibrium, in vacuum, and in hydrogen gas

Evaporation experiments were conducted for SiO2 in three different conditions: in equilibrium, in vacuum, and in hydrogen gas. Evaporation rate in vacuum is about two orders of magnitude smaller than that in equilibrium, which is consistent with previous works. The rate in hydrogen gas changes depending on hydrogen pressure. The rate at 10 exp -7 bar of hydrogen pressure is as small as that of free evaporation, but at 10 exp -5 bar of hydrogen pressure it is larger than that in equilibrium. In equilibrium and in vacuum, the evaporation rate is limited by decomposition of SiO2 on the crystal surface, but it is limited by a diffusion process for evaporation in hydrogen gas. Therefore, evaporation rate of minerals in the solar nebula can be shown neither by that in equilibrium nor by that in vacuum. The maximum temperature of the solar nebula at the midplane at 2-3 AU where chondrites are believed to have originated is calculated to be as low as 150 K, 1500 K, or in between them. The temperature is, in any case, not high enough for total evaporation of the interstellar materials. Therefore, evaporation of interstellar materials is one of the most important processes for the origin and fractionation of solid materials. The fundamental process of evaporation of minerals has been intensively studied for these several years. Those experiments were carried out either in equilibrium or in vacuum; however, evaporation in the solar nebula is in hydrogen (and much smaller amount of helium) gas. In order to investigate evaporation rate and compositional (including isotopic) fractionation during evaporation, vaporization experiments for various minerals in various conditions are conducted. At first, SiO2 was adopted for a starting material, because thermochemical data and its nature of congruent vaporization are well known. Experiments were carried out in a vacuum furnace system.

Nagahara, Hiroko↗

Combustor technology for future small gas turbine aircraft

To enhance fuel efficiency, future advanced small gas turbine engines will utilize engine cycles calling for overall engine pressure ratios, leading to higher combustor inlet pressures and temperatures. Further, the temperature rise through the combustor and the corresponding exit temperature are also expected to increase. This report describes future combustor technology needs for small gas turbine engines. New fuel injectors with large turndown ratios which produce uniform circumferential and radial temperature patterns will be required. Uniform burning will be of greater importance because hot gas temperatures will approach turbine material limits. The higher combustion temperatures and increased radiation at high pressures will put a greater heat load on the combustor liners. At the same time, less cooling air will be available as more of the air will be used for combustion. Thus, improved cooling concepts and/or materials requiring little or no direct cooling will be required. Although presently there are no requirements for emissions levels from small gas turbine engines, regulation is anticipated in the near future. This will require the development of low emission combustors. In particular, nitrogen oxides will increase substantially if new technologies limiting their formation are not evolved and implemented. For example, staged combustion employing lean, premixed/prevaporized, lean direct injection, or rich burn-quick quench-lean burn concepts could replace conventional single stage combustors. Due to combustor size considerations, staged combustion is more easily accommodated in large engines. The inclusion of staged combustion in small engines will pose greater combustor design challenges.

Lyons, Valerie J.↗

Numerical Analysis of an Impinging Jet Reactor for the CVD and Gas-Phase Nucleation of Titania

We model a cold-wall atmospheric pressure impinging jet reactor to study the CVD and gas-phase nucleation of TiO2 from a titanium tetra-iso-propoxide (TTIP)/oxygen dilute source gas mixture in nitrogen. The mathematical model uses the computational code FIDAP and complements our recent asymptotic theory for high activation energy gas-phase reactions in thin chemically reacting sublayers. The numerical predictions highlight deviations from ideality in various regions inside the experimental reactor. Model predictions of deposition rates and the onset of gas-phase nucleation compare favorably with experiments. Although variable property effects on deposition rates are not significant (approximately 11 percent at 1000 K), the reduction rates due to Soret transport is substantial (approximately 75 percent at 1000 K).

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.↗