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NASA NTRS1978

An experiment to verify that the weak interactions satisfy the strong equivalence principle

The construction of a clock based on the beta decay process is proposed to test for any violations by the weak interaction of the strong equivalence principle bu determining whether the weak interaction coupling constant beta is spatially constant or whether it is a function of gravitational potential (U). The clock can be constructed by simply counting the beta disintegrations of some suitable source. The total number of counts are to be taken a measure of elapsed time. The accuracy of the clock is limited by the statistical fluctuations in the number of counts, N, which is equal to the square root of N. Increasing N gives a corresponding increase in accuracy. A source based on the electron capture process can be used so as to avoid low energy electron discrimination problems. Solid state and gaseous detectors are being considered. While the accuracy of this type of beta decay clock is much less than clocks based on the electromagnetic interaction, there is a corresponding lack of knowledge of the behavior of beta as a function of gravitational potential. No predictions from nonmetric theories as to variations in beta are available as yet, but they may occur at the U/sg C level.

Eby, P. B.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A method for determining the weak statistical stationarity of a random process

A method for determining the weak statistical stationarity of a random process is presented. The core of this testing procedure consists of generating an equivalent ensemble which approximates a true ensemble. Formation of an equivalent ensemble is accomplished through segmenting a sufficiently long time history of a random process into equal, finite, and statistically independent sample records. The weak statistical stationarity is ascertained based on the time invariance of the equivalent-ensemble averages. Comparison of these averages with their corresponding time averages over a single sample record leads to a heuristic estimate of the ergodicity of a random process. Specific variance tests are introduced for evaluating the statistical independence of the sample records, the time invariance of the equivalent-ensemble autocorrelations, and the ergodicity. Examination and substantiation of these procedures were conducted utilizing turbulent velocity signals.

Sadeh, W. Z.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Looking for heavier weak bosons with DUMAND

One or more heavier weak bosons may coexist with the standard weak boson, a broad program may be laid out for a search for the heavier W's via change in the total cross section due to the additional propagator, a concomitant search, and a subsequent search for significant antimatter in the universe involving the same annihilation, but being independent of possible neutrino oscillations. The program is likely to require detectors sensitive to higher energies, such as acoustic detectors.

Brown, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Adaptation of the TH Epsilon Mu formalism for the analysis of the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak and electroweak interaction

The TH epsilon mu formalism, used in analyzing equivalence principle experiments of metric and nonmetric gravity theories, is adapted to the description of the electroweak interaction using the Weinberg-Salam unified SU(2) x U(1) model. The use of the TH epsilon mu formalism is thereby extended to the weak interactions, showing how the gravitational field affects W sub mu (+ or -1) and Z sub mu (0) boson propagation and the rates of interactions mediated by them. The possibility of a similar extension to the strong interactions via SU(5) grand unified theories is briefly discussed. Also, using the effects of the potentials on the baryon and lepton wave functions, the effects of gravity on transition mediated in high-A atoms which are electromagnetically forbidden. Three possible experiments to test the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak interactions, which are technologically feasible, are then briefly outline: (1) K-capture by the FE nucleus (counting the emitted X-ray); (2) forbidden absorption transitions in high-A atoms' vapor; and (3) counting the relative Beta-decay rates in a suitable alpha-beta decay chain, assuming the strong interactions obey the equivalence principle.

Fennelly, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Development of a direct experimental test for any violation of the equivalence principle by the weak interaction

Violation of the equivalence principle by the weak interaction is tested. Any variation of the weak interaction coupling constant with gravitational potential, i.e., a spatial variation of the fundamental constants is investigated. The level of sensitivity required for such a measurement is estimated on the basis of the size of a change in the gravitational potential which is accessible. The alpha particle spectrum is analyzed, and the counting rate was improved by a factor of approximately 100.

Parker, P. D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Fast polarization changes in mm microwave emission of weak multistructured solar bursts

Circular polarization of weak multistructured solar bursts was measured at mm microwaves with unprecedented sensitivity (0.03 sfu rms) and high time resolution (1ms). It was shown that sudden changes occur in the degree of polarization with time scales of 0.04 to 0.3 s. In most cases the degree of polarization attained maximum values before the maximum flux in both mm microwaves and hard X-rays with time scales of 0.04 to 1.0 s. The timing accuracy in determining the degree of polarization was 40 ms. Physical phenomena are discussed invoking one or a combination of various possible causes for the observed effects. The bursts at mm microwaves were weak compared to the contribution of the preexisting active regions, and therefore the changes in magnetoionic propagation conditions for emerging radiation plays an important role in the observed effects. Composite effects due to more than one polarizing mechanism or more than one polarized spots within the antenna beam are discussed.

Kaufmann, P.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Density drift instabilities and weak collisions

A model is developed which describes the effects of weak collisions on the linear kinetic theory of electrostatic density drift instabilities. A dispersion equation valid at all frequencies and wave numbers is derived using the assumptions of a weak, uniform density gradient; a uniform magnetic field; and the BGK collision operator with a modification of the local approximation. The properties of the universal and collisional density drift instabilities at maximum growth rates are examined in detail. The thresholds of the instabilities are examined for an ionospheric model which includes ion-neutral, electron-neutral, and electron-ion collisions, and are compared with the threshold of the lower hybrid density drift instability. It is concluded that the k to the -5th short wavelength density power spectra observed above 280 km in the PLUMEX experiment are due to the effects of the universal density drift instability.

Gary, S. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Reaction times to weak test lights

Maloney and Wandell (1984) describe a model of the response of a single visual channel to weak test lights. The initial channel response is a linearly filtered version of the stimulus. The filter output is randomly sampled over time. Each time a sample occurs there is some probability increasing with the magnitude of the sampled response - that a discrete detection event is generated. Maloney and Wandell derive the statistics of the detection events. In this paper a test is conducted of the hypothesis that the reaction time responses to the presence of a weak test light are initiated at the first detection event. This makes it possible to extend the application of the model to lights that are slightly above threshold, but still within the linear operating range of the visual system. A parameter-free prediction of the model proposed by Maloney and Wandell for lights detected by this statistic is tested. The data are in agreement with the prediction.

Wandell, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Comments on 'Comparative diagnostic case study of east coast secondary cyclogenesis under weak versus strong synoptic-scale forcing'

A comment is presented on a recent paper by Pagnotti and Bosart (1984) which contrasted different forcing mechanisms for weak and strong cyclones along the east coast of the U.S., and Bosart replies. The comment argues that the paper did not give a clear definition of 'weak' upper-level forcing and did not provide sufficient evidence to support its claim that the return branch of transverse circulations may be coupled to the middle as opposed to the lower troposphere.

Uccellini, L. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Evolution of weak solar magnetic fields

The present evaluation of Big Bear videomagnetograph studies of the evolution of weak solar magnetic fields notes that the general weak network fields are the remnants of ephemeral regions which also play a role in the field diffusion as proposed by Marsh (1978). The intranetwork elements show a shorter lifetime and much more rapid motion than the network elements. They are in some cases noted to stream into existing network elements and may merge to form new elements, but need also show no preferential motion to the network edges. There seem to be fewer ephemeral regions in magnetically active areas.

Zirin, H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Linear and weakly nonlinear aspects of free shear layer instability, roll-up, subharmonic interaction and wall influence

The growth of the momentum thickness and the modal disturbance energies are examined to study the nature and onset of nonlinearity in a temporally growing free shear layer. A shooting technique is used to find solutions to the linearized eigenvalue problem, and pseudospectral weakly nonlinear simulations of this flow are obtained for comparison. The roll-up of a fundamental disturbance follows linear theory predictions even with a 20 percent disturbance amplitude. A weak nonlinear interaction of the disturbance creates a finite-amplitude mean shear stress which dominates the growth of the layer momentum thickness, and the disturbance growth rate changes until the fundamental disturbance dominates. The fundamental then becomes an energy source for the harmonic, resulting in an increase in the growth rate of the subharmonic over the linear prediction even when the fundamental has no energy to give. Also considered are phase relations and the wall influence.

Cain, A. B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

SMI adaptive antenna arrays for weak interfering signals

The performance of adaptive antenna arrays is studied when a sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm is used to control array weights. It is shown that conventional SMI adaptive antennas, like other adaptive antennas, are unable to suppress weak interfering signals (below thermal noise) encountered in broadcasting satellite communication systems. To overcome this problem, the SMI algorithm is modified. In the modified algorithm, the covariance matrix is modified such that the effect of thermal noise on the weights of the adaptive array is reduced. Thus, the weights are dictated by relatively weak coherent signals. It is shown that the modified algorithm provides the desired interference protection. The use of defocused feeds as auxiliary elements of an SMI adaptive array is also discussed.

Gupta, I. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

SMI adaptive antenna arrays for weak interfering signals

The performance of adaptive antenna arrays in the presence of weak interfering signals (below thermal noise) is studied. It is shown that a conventional adaptive antenna array sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm is unable to suppress such interfering signals. To overcome this problem, the SMI algorithm is modified. In the modified algorithm, the covariance matrix is redefined such that the effect of thermal noise on the weights of adaptive arrays is reduced. Thus, the weights are dictated by relatively weak signals. It is shown that the modified algorithm provides the desired interference protection.

Gupta, Inder J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A Taylor weak-statement algorithm for hyperbolic conservation laws

Finite element analysis, applied to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problem classes, presents a formal procedure for establishing the ingredients of a discrete approximation numerical solution algorithm. A classical Galerkin weak-statement formulation, formed on a Taylor series extension of the conservation law system, is developed herein that embeds a set of parameters eligible for constraint according to specification of suitable norms. The derived family of Taylor weak statements is shown to contain, as special cases, over one dozen independently derived CFD algorithms published over the past several decades for the high speed flow problem class. A theoretical analysis is completed that facilitates direct qualitative comparisons. Numerical results for definitive linear and nonlinear test problems permit direct quantitative performance comparisons.

Baker, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The sn stars - Magnetically controlled stellar winds among the helium-weak stars

The paper reports observations of magnetically controlled stellar mass outflows in three helium-weak sn stars: HD 21699 = HR 1063; HD 5737 = Alpha Scl; and HD 79158 = 36 Lyn. IUE observations show that the C IV resonance doublet is variable on the rotational timescale but that there are no other strong-spectrum variations in the UV. Magnetic fields, which reverse sign on the rotational timescale, are present in all three stars. This phenomenology is interpreted in terms of jetlike mass loss above the magnetic poles, and these objects are discussed in the context of a general survey of the C IV and Si IV profiles of other more typical helium-weak stars.

Shore, Steven N.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Conditions for the validity of unmagnetized-plasma theory in describing weakly magnetized plasmas

The application of the unmagnetized-plasma theory to the derivation of the expression for the dielectric tensor for weakly magnetized plasmas is examined. The analysis of Baldwin et. al. (1969) is employed to determine the conditions under which the magnetic effects on the dielectric tensor of a plasma are small. The relation between wave and plasma parameters and the plasma distribution function is studied. Axisymmetric distribution functions in magnetized plasma are considered. The derived conditions are analyzed in terms of resonance ellipses of the cyclotron maser theory. Examples are presented in which the conditions are applied to a nonrelativistic Maxwellian distribution and the dispersion and instability of Langmuir and Bernstein waves in weakly magnetized plasma. The data reveal that the conditions under which the magnetic field can be completely neglected depend on the forms of the distribution function.

Robinson, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Accurate experimental and theoretical comparisons between superconductor-insulator-superconductor mixers showing weak and strong quantum effects

A systematic study of the gain and noise in superconductor-insulator-superconductor mixers employing Ta based, Nb based, and Pb-alloy based tunnel junctions was made. These junctions displayed both weak and strong quantum effects at a signal frequency of 33 GHz. The effects of energy gap sharpness and subgap current were investigated and are quantitatively related to mixer performance. Detailed comparisons are made of the mixing results with the predictions of a three-port model approximation to the Tucker theory. Mixer performance was measured with a novel test apparatus which is accurate enough to allow for the first quantitative tests of theoretical noise predictions. It is found that the three-port model of the Tucker theory underestimates the mixer noise temperature by a factor of about 2 for all of the mixers. In addition, predicted values of available mixer gain are in reasonable agreement with experiment when quantum effects are weak. However, as quantum effects become strong, the predicted available gain diverges to infinity, which is in sharp contrast to the experimental results. Predictions of coupled gain do not always show such divergences.

Mcgrath, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

An experimental SMI adaptive antenna array for weak interfering signals

A modified sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm designed to increase the suppression of weak interference is implemented on an existing experimental array system. The algorithm itself is fully described as are a number of issues concerning its implementation and evaluation, such as sample scaling, snapshot formation, weight normalization, power calculation, and system calibration. Several experiments show that the steady state performance (i.e., many snapshots are used to calculate the array weights) of the experimental system compares favorably with its theoretical performance. It is demonstrated that standard SMI does not yield adequate suppression of weak interference. Modified SMI is then used to experimentally increase this suppression by as much as 13dB.

Dilsavor, R. L.↗