Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “STELLAR STRUCTURE”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Abundances, planetary nebulae, and stellar evolution

Among Henry Norris Russell's many achievements were his contributions to solar and stellar spectroscopy, in particular, to an analysis of the chemical composition of the solar atmosphere. The question of composition differences between stars was hotly debated; some distinguished astronomers argued that all stars had the solar composition. Some early challenges to this doctrine are described. Determinations of chemical compositions of gaseous nebulae were much more difficult. If we observe the lines of a given chemical element in one ionization stage in a stellar spectrum, we can deduce readily the abundance of that element. No such luxury is available for a planetary or diffuse gaseous nebula. We must measure lines of as many ionization stages as we can. Furthermore, a nebula is an extended object. Often detailed spectroscopy is at hand only for narrow pencil columns taken through the image. Different observers use a variety of apertures. Fortunately it is possible to calculate theoretical spectra for any arbitrary cross section taken through a symmetrical model, so UV, optical, and IR observations all can be compared properly with a prediction. The value of high-resolution spectra obtained with instruments such as the Hamilton Echelle Spectrograph at Lick Observatory is emphasized. Improved fluxes for weak but important transitions are found. Close blends of lines of different ions can be resolved, and checks can be made on predictions of atomic parameters such as Einstein A-values and collision strengths. High spectral resolution data have been obtained and reduced for 22 planetary nebulae of varying size, structure, stellar population membership, dustiness, level of excitation, evolutionary status, and chemical compositions. The promise seems justified that with such extensive, high quality data, additional insights on nebular genesis and late states of stellar evolution can be found. The present survey is confined to nebulae of high surface brightness, but among these are found some engaging objects such as NGC 7027, IC 4997, and NGC 6572.

Aller, Lawrence H.↗
NASA NTRS2022

The Effects of Surface Fossil Magnetic Fields on Massive Star Evolution: IV. Grids of Models at Solar, LMC, and SMC Metallicities

Magnetic fields can drastically change predictions of evolutionary models of massive stars via mass-loss quenching, magnetic braking, and efficient angular momentum transport, which we aim to quantify in this work. We use the MESA software instrument to compute an e xtensiv e main-sequence grid of stellar structure and evolution models, as well as isochrones, accounting for the effects attributed to a surface fossil magnetic field. The grid is densely populated in initial mass (3–60 M ), surface equatorial magnetic field strength (0–50 kG), and metallicity (representative of the Solar neighbourhood and the Magellanic Clouds). We use two magnetic braking and two chemical mixing schemes and compare the model predictions for slowly rotating, nitrogen- enriched (‘Group 2’) stars with observations in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We quantify a range of initial field strengths that allow for producing Group 2 stars and find that typical values (up to a few kG) lead to solutions. Between the subgrids, we find notable departures in surface abundances and evolutionary paths. In our magnetic models, chemical mixing is al w ays less efficient compared to non-magnetic models due to the rapid spin-down. We identify that quasi-chemically homogeneous main sequence evolution by efficient mixing could be prevented by fossil magnetic fields. We recommend comparing this grid of evolutionary models with spectropolarimetric and spectroscopic observations with the goals of (i) revisiting the derived stellar parameters of known magnetic stars, and (ii) observationally constraining the uncertain magnetic braking and chemical mixing schemes.

stars: abundances↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dark Matter Candidates of a Very Low Mass

We review dark matter (DM) candidates of a very low mass appearing in the window below the traditional weakly interacting massive particle (m χ ≲ 10 GeV) and extending down to m χ ≳ 1 meV, somewhat below the mass limit at which DM becomes wavelike. Such candidates are motivated by hidden sectors such as hidden valleys, which feature hidden forces and rich dynamics, but have evaded traditional accelerator searches for New Physics because of their relatively weak coupling to the Standard Model (SM). Such sectors can still be detected through dedicated low-energy colliders, which, through their intense beams, can have sensitivity to smaller couplings, or through astrophysical observations of the evolution of DM halos and stellar structures, which, through the Universe's epochs, can be sensitive to small DM interactions. We also consider mechanisms whereby the DM abundance is fixed through the interaction with the SM, which directly motivates the search for light DM in terrestrial experiments. The bulk of this review is dedicated to the new ideas that have been proposed for direct detection of such DM candidates of a low mass through nuclear recoils, electronic excitations, or collective modes such as phonons and magnons. The rich tapestry of materials and modes in the condensed matter landscape is reviewed along with specific prospects for detection.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling the Progenitor Stars of Observed Type IIP Supernovae

Abstract Type IIP supernovae (SNe IIP) are thought to originate from the explosion of massive stars >10M ⊙ . Their luminosity is primarily powered by the explosion energy and the radioactive decay energy of 56 Co, with the photosphere location regulated by hydrogen recombination. However, the physical connections between SNe IIP and their progenitor stars remain unclear. This paper presents a comprehensive study of SNe IIP and their progenitor stars by using the one-dimensional stellar evolution code,MESA. Our model grids consider the effects of stellar metallicity, mass, and rotation in the evolution of massive stars, as well as the explosion energy and 56 Ni production in modeling supernovae. To elucidate the observed SNe IIP and their origins, we compare their light curves (LCs) with our models. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of stellar parameters on LCs by considering stellar mass, metallicity, rotation, explosion energy, and 56 Ni production. We find that more massive stars exhibit longer plateaus due to increased photon diffusion time caused by massive ejecta. Higher metallicity leads to increased opacity and mass loss of progenitor stars. Rapid rotation affects internal stellar structures, enhancing convective mixing and mass loss, potentially affecting the plateau’s brightness and duration. Higher explosion energy results in brighter but shorter plateaus due to faster-moving ejecta. 56 Ni mass affects late-time luminosity and plateau duration, with larger masses leading to slower declines.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
NASA NTRS1972

A new two-metric theory of gravity with prior geometry

A theory is presented of gravity which has the same post-Newtonian (PN) as that of general relativity. The field equations, and a calculation of the PN limit of the theory are discussed along with the equations of stellar structure for static spherically symmetric stars. A special exterior spherically symmetric solution, time dependent solutions, conservations, and gravitational waves are analyzed.

Lightman, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

On the theory of thermal runaway in the hydrogen envelope of a white dwarf

An evolutionary sequence was calculated for a white dwarf on which a hydrogen rich envelope is assumed to increase with time. The stellar models were computed by integrating numerically the system of stellar structure equations by means of the Henyey method. The accretion of matter was assumed to be quasi-static. Near the point of the chemical discontinuity, a temperature maximum is shown to arise, and hydrogen ignites; a thin shell energy source is formed which is thermally unstable. The resulting thermal runaway was investigated numerically and by means of a simple approximation based on the energy balance in the hydrogen burning shell source.

Redkoborodyy, Y. N.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Scale-covariant theory of gravitation and astrophysical applications

A scale-covariant theory of gravitation is presented which is characterized by a set of equations that are complete only after a choice of the scale function is made. Special attention is given to gauge conditions and units which allow gravitational phenomena to be described in atomic units. The generalized gravitational-field equations are derived by performing a direct scale transformation, by extending Riemannian geometry to Weyl geometry through the introduction of the notion of cotensors, and from a variation principle. Modified conservation laws are provided, a set of dynamical equations is obtained, and astrophysical consequences are considered. The theory is applied to examine certain homogeneous cosmological solutions, perihelion shifts, light deflections, secular variations of planetary orbital elements, stellar structure equations for a star in quasi-static equilibrium, and the past thermal history of earth. The possible relation of the scale-covariant theory to gauge field theories and their predictions of cosmological constants is discussed.

Canuto, V.↗
NASA NTRS1977

What is a stellar atmosphere

The nonequilibrium thermodynamic basis for modeling a stellar structure, subatmosphere, and atmosphere is formulated, along with the thermodynamic characterization of a star as a concentration of matter and energy in the interstellar medium. The analytical formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamic models is discussed in the case where the nonisothermal storage modes are kinetic modes.

Thomas, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Theoretical studies of the RS cannum venaticorum stars

Four areas of research were investigated: chromospheric modelling; starspot modelling; supersonic transition locus (STL) crossing; and STL crossing and T Tauri phenomena. Relationships among these areas of research are presented. Stellar structure and mass ejection for these stars were examined along with chromospheric analysis.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Cooling of young neutron stars and the Einstein X-ray observations

Cooling of neutron stars is calculated using an exact stellar evolution code. The full general relativistic version of the stellar structure equations are solved, with the best physical input available. For neutron stars with a stiff equation of state, it is found that the deviation from the isothermality in the interior is significant and that it takes at least a few thousand years to reach the isothermal state. By comparing theoretical and observational results, it is concluded that for Cas A, SN1006, and probably Tycho, standard cooling is inconsistent with the results from the Einstein Observatory, if neutron stars are assumed to be present in these objects. On the other hand, the detection points for RCW103 and the Crab are consistent with these theoretical results.

Nomoto, K.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Understand B-type stars

When observations of B stars made from space are added to observations made from the ground and the total body of observational information is confronted with theoretical expectations about B stars, it is clear that nonthermal phenomena occur in the atmospheres of B stars. The nature of these phenomena and what they imply about the physical state of a B star and how a B star evolves are examined using knowledge of the spectrum of a B star as a key to obtaining an understanding of what a B star is like. Three approaches to modeling stellar structure (atmospheres) are considered, the characteristic properties of a mantle, and B stars and evolution are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1983

The analysis of solar models: Neutrinos and oscillations

Tests of solar neutrino flux and solar oscillation frequencies were used to assess standard stellar structure theory. Standard and non-standard solar models are enumerated and discussed. The field of solar seismology, wherein the solar interior is studied from the measurement of solar oscillations, is introduced.

Ulrich, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Solar oscillations - A method for deriving nonlinear effects

The frequencies of solar oscillations are so closely spaced that nonlinear interactions among modes are probable. The rate of interaction is proportional to an integral involving the eigenfunctions of the interacting modes, which usually are known only numerically. An approximation in which the eigenfunctions are strictly sinusoidal functions of a suitably defined radial variable, and the numerical details of stellar structure are banished to a coefficient in the integrand, are here explored. The physical assumptions are the same as in the asymptotic approximation of p- or g-modes. This method should allow a general investigation as to likely nonlinear interactions and which modes may participate in such interactions. The coupling of two p-modes by possible large-scale internal magnetic fields is introduced as an anisotropic pressure response to a displacement. Pairs of modes differing in frequency by less than the fraction magnetic/thermal pressure are strongly coupled, and energy appears to oscillate slowly between the two associated spherical harmonics. Potentially, upper limits may be derived for internal magnetic fields.

Wentzel, Donat G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

LYMAN - The far ultraviolet explorer

The LYMAN FUSE mission concept for far ultraviolet astronomy is presented. The wavelength window from 100 to 1200 A provides access to a wide range of important scientific problems in cosmology, galactic structure, stellar evolution, and planetary magnetospheres, which cannot be studied in any other way. The LYMAN FUSE Phase A study is examining in detail mission operations, instrumentation technology, the construction of the instrument module, and the interfaces between the Instrument Module and the Explorer Platform Mission. Most of the mission observing time will be allotted through a competitive Guest Observer program analogous to that in operation for the IUE.

Moos, Warren↗