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At least 721 records · Page 40

Three-dimensional strong Langmuir turbulence and wave collapse

Results from the first fully three-dimensional simulations of driven damped strong Langmuir turbulence and wave collapse are presented. Key results are that turbulence is maintained at least in part by nucleation, the cores of most collapsing objects are pancake shaped in form, and the power spectrum falls off approximately as the product of a power law and an exponential at large wave number.

Robinson, P. A.↗

Determination of the Brunt-Vaisala frequency from vertical velocity spectra

Recent work on the spectra of vertical velocity oscillations due to gravity waves in the troposphere, stratosphere and the mesosphere has revealed a typical feature which we call the Brunt-Vaisala cutoff. Several observers noticed a spectral peak near the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. This peak often is characterized by a very steep slope at the high frequency part, but a fairly shallow slope towards lower frequencies. Some example spectra of stratosphere observations are given. This distinct spectral shape (most clear at the upper height 22.5 km) can be explained by the fact that the vertical velocity amplitudes of atmospheric gravity waves increase with frequency up to their natural cutoff at the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. The measurement of the frequency of the peak in a vertical velocity spectrum was found to yield most directly the Brunt-Vaisala-frequency profile. Knowing the Brunt-Vaisala frequency profile, one can deduce the potential temperature profile, if one has a calibration temperature at one height. However, even the uncalibrated profile will be quite useful, e.g., to determine fronts (defined by temperature inversions) and the tropopause height. This method fails for superadiabatic lapse rates when the Brunt-Viasala frequency is imaginary. The application of this method will also be difficult when the wind velocity is too high, causing the Doppler effect to smear out the total spectrum and blur the Brunt-Vaisala cutoff. A similar deficiency will also appear if the gravity-wave distribution has a maximum in wind direction.

Rottger, J.↗

On the cosmic ray diffusion in a violent interstellar medium

A variety of the available observational data on the cosmic ray (CR) spectrum, anisotropy and composition are in good agreement with a suggestion on the diffusion propagation of CR with energy below 10(15) eV in the interstellar medium. The magnitude of the CR diffusion coefficient and its energy dependence are determined by interstellar medium (ISM) magnetic field spectra. Direct observational data on magnetic field spectra are still absent. A theoretical model to the turbulence generation in the multiphase ISM is resented. The model is based on the multiple generation of secondary shocks and concomitant large-scale rarefactions due to supernova shock interactions with interstellar clouds. The distribution function for ISM shocks are derived to include supernova statistics, diffuse cloud distribution, and various shock wave propagation regimes. This permits calculation of the ISM magnetic field fluctuation spectrum and CR diffusion coefficient for the hot phase of ISM.

Bykov, A. M.↗

W/V-Band RF Propagation Experiment Design

The utilization of frequency spectrum for space-to-ground communications applications has generally progressed from the lowest available bands capable of supporting transmission through the atmosphere to the higher bands, which have required research and technological advancement to implement. As communications needs increase and the available spectrum in the microwave frequency bands (3 30 GHz) becomes congested globally, future systems will move into the millimeter wave (mm-wave) range (30 300 GHz). While current systems are operating in the Ka-band (20 30 GHz), systems planned for the coming decades will initiate operations in the Q-Band (33 50 GHz), V-Band (50 75 GHz) and W Band (75 110 GHz) of the spectrum. These bands offer extremely broadband capabilities (contiguous allocations of 500 MHz to 1GHz or more) and an uncluttered spectrum for a wide range of applications. NASA, DoD and commercial missions that can benefit from moving into the mm-wave bands include data relay and near-Earth data communications, unmanned aircraft communications, NASA science missions, and commercial broadcast/internet services, all able to be implemented via very small terminals. NASA Glenn Research Center has a long history of performing the inherently governmental function of opening new frequency spectrum by characterizing atmospheric effects on electromagnetic propagation and collaborating with the satellite communication industry to develop specific communications technologies for use by NASA and the nation. Along these lines, there are critical issues related to W/V-band propagation that need to be thoroughly understood before design of any operational system can commence. These issues arise primarily due to the limitations imposed on W/V-band signal propagation by the Earth s atmosphere, and to the fundamental lack of understanding of these effects with regards to proper system design and fade mitigation. In this paper, The GRC RF propagation team recommends measurements that are required to assure that the risk associated with the use of mm-wave is minimized. We develop first order beacon and transponder system payload requirements and beacon terminal requirements. We will suggest and discuss a possible hardware implementation for the space segment, as well for the ground segment. A discussion on a propagation measurement campaign for taking relevant statistical data is also included.

Acosta, Roberto J.↗

Anomalous resistivity resulting from electrostatic ion cyclotron turbulence

The paper considers the generation of electrostatic ion cyclotron turbulence in an isothermal isotropic magnetized plasma where the drift velocity is below that of the ion-acoustic threshold. The saturated turbulence spectrum is found to be that which results from anomalous nonlinear wave damping related to stochastic ion-orbit diffusion in configuration space. An expression is obtained for the collective electrical resistivity resulting from current-driven electrostatic ion cyclotron turbulence.

Ionson, J. A.↗

RF processing

The Loran-C radio frequency processing is discussed. A diagram which generally illustrates the automatic gain control is presented. The augmented differentiator for pulse envelopes adapts conventional communications receiver with wideband AM capability to detect pulse signals such as Loran-C. The circuit enhances reception for surveillance and observation of HF over-the-horizon radar signals or others where time difference estimates between pulse returns are of interest. The high resolution VLF spectrum which receives weak VLF signals by using an HP 3581A wave analyzer detecting signals with a very narrow bandwidth of only 3 Hz is also presented.

Burhans, R. W.↗

Fourier transform methods in local gravity modeling

New algorithms were derived for computing terrain corrections, all components of the attraction of the topography at the topographic surface and the gradients of these attractions. These algoriithms utilize fast Fourier transforms, but, in contrast to methods currently in use, all divergences of the integrals are removed during the analysis. Sequential methods employing a smooth intermediate reference surface were developed to avoid the very large transforms necessary when making computations at high resolution over a wide area. A new method for the numerical solution of Molodensky's problem was developed to mitigate the convergence difficulties that occur at short wavelengths with methods based on a Taylor series expansion. A trial field on a level surface is continued analytically to the topographic surface, and compared with that predicted from gravity observations. The difference is used to compute a correction to the trial field and the process iterated. Special techniques are employed to speed convergence and prevent oscillations. Three different spectral methods for fitting a point-mass set to a gravity field given on a regular grid at constant elevation are described. Two of the methods differ in the way that the spectrum of the point-mass set, which extends to infinite wave number, is matched to that of the gravity field which is band-limited. The third method is essentially a space-domain technique in which Fourier methods are used to solve a set of simultaneous equations.

Harrison, J. C.↗

Inertial transfers in the helical decomposition

The directions of the triadic energy transfers assumed in a previous paper agree with the spectral closures, in a similarity range, if the exponent of the power-law energy spectrum is less than unity. The helical interactions showing a strong local energy transfer when the triad is nonlocal, sum up to a reverse cascade unless the spectrum falls off faster than a -7/3 power of the wave number. The energy cascades from each type of helical interaction are calculated for a -5/3 inertial range using the eddy damped quasinormal Markovian model. One type of interaction is responsible for 86 percent of the cascade. The contributions of the two classes of helical interactions to the subgrid-scale eddy viscosity are presented, together with the contributions from the forward and reverse cascading interactions. An application of the assumption on the triadic energy transfers to turbulence under rapid rotation gives a simple argument for the tendency toward nonlinear two-dimensionalization of the flow.

Waleffe, Fabian↗

The Effect of Inhomogeneities on High-Frequency, Low-1 p-Modes: DIFOS Experiment on CORONAS-I

The investigation of the effects of inhomogeneities of the acoustic modes of the global solar oscillation spectrum has two parts, the first dealing with the prediction of wave fluxes in magnetic flux tubes due to the excitation of longitudinal (i.e. pressure) modes, and the second part, concerning the effects of radiation damping on the p-modes themselves. Part 1 of this work, in collaboration with S.S. Hasan (Indian Institute of Astro- physics, Bangalore), is complete and has resulted in a publication titled Excitation of Longitudinal Modes in Solar Magnetic Flux Tubes, By S.S. Hasan & WK. It is in press in the ASP conference series, containing the proceedings of the Cool Stars conference of 1997, R.A. Donahue and J.A. Bookbinder, editors; publication is expected in 1998. Part 2, in collaboration with Y. Zhugzhda (Izmiran, Moscow) and J. Staude (Sonnenobservatorium Einsteinturm, Potsdam) is in progress and is expected to result in a paper in the forthcoming Boston conference on Helio- and Asteroseismology in June, 1998. A fuller accounting of the work done under the grant will be given when the work started with funding from the grant is complete.

Kalkofen, Wolfgang↗

An Unusual Rotationally Modulated Attenuation Band in the Jovian Hectometric Radio Emission Spectrum

A well-defined attenuation band modulated by the rotation of Jupiter has been found in the spectrum of Jovian hectometric radiation using data from the Galileo plasma wave instrument. The center frequency of this band usually occurs in the frequency range from about 1 to 3 MHz and the bandwidth is about 10 to 20 percent. The center frequency varies systematically with the rotation of Jupiter and has two peaks per rotation, the first at a system III longitude of about 50 deg, and the second at about 185 deg. It is now believed that the attenuation occurs as the ray path from a high-latitude cyclotron maser source passes approximately parallel to the magnetic field near the northern or southern edges of the Io L-shell. The peak at 50 deg system 3 longitude is attributed to radiation from a southern hemisphere source and the peak at 185 deg is from a northern hemisphere source. The attenuation is thought to be caused by coherent scattering or shallow angle reflection from field-aligned density irregularities near the Io L-shell. The narrow bandwidth indicates that the density irregularities are confined to a very narrow range of L values (Delta L = 0.2 to 0.4) near the Io L-shell.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Atlas 2 Animation

The Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science-2 (ATLAS-2), was designed to collect data on the relationship between the sun's energy output and Earth's middle atmosphere and how these factors affect the ozone layer. The ATLAS-2 flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery's mission SST-56, launched on April 8, 1993. The videotape consists of an animated tour of the instruments that were included as part of the mission. The first half of the tape shows the various instruments, pointing to each in turn and identifying each by the associated initialisms. The instruments identified were: the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS), Millimeter Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS), Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet/A (SSBUV/A) spectrometer, Solar Spectrum Measurement (SOLSPEC) instrument, Solar Ultraviolet Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM), Active Cavity Radiometer (ACR) and Solar Constant (SOLCON).) The second half of the animation shows the same tour without the pointing or the identification of the instruments.

Source record↗

Infrared Database for Process Support Materials

Process support materials' compatibility with cleaning processes is critical to ensure final hardware cleanliness and that performance requirements are met. Previous discovery of potential contaminants in process materials shows the need for incoming materials testing and establishment of a process materials database. The Contamination Control Team of the Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing (MP&M) Department at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has initiated the development of such an infrared (IR) database, called the MSFC Process Materials IR database, of the common process support materials used at MSFC. These process support materials include solvents, wiper cloths, gloves, bagging materials, etc. Testing includes evaluation of the potential of gloves, wiper cloths, and other items to transfer contamination to handled articles in the absence of solvent exposure, and the potential for solvent exposure to induce material degradation. This Technical Memorandum (TM) summarizes the initial testing completed through December 2002. It is anticipated that additional testing will be conducted with updates provided in future TMs.Materials were analyzed using two different IR techniques: (1) Dry transference and (2) liquid extraction testing. The first of these techniques utilized the Nicolet Magna 750 IR spectrometer outfitted with a horizontal attenuated total reflectance (HATR) crystal accessory. The region from 650 to 4,000 wave numbers was analyzed, and 50 scans were performed per IR spectrum. A dry transference test was conducted by applying each sample with hand pressure to the HATR crystal to first obtain a spectrum of the parent material. The material was then removed from the HATR crystal and analyzed to determine the presence of any residues. If volatile, liquid samples were examined both prior to and following evaporation.The second technique was to perform an extraction test with each sample in five different solvents.Once the scans were complete for both the dry transference and the extraction tests, the residue from each scan was interpreted.

Bennett, K. E.↗

A Deep X-Ray View of the Synchrotron-Dominated Supernova Remnant G330.2+1.0

We present moderately deep (125 ks) XMM-Newton observations of supernova remnant G330.2+1.0. This remnant is one of only a few known that fall into the "synchrotron-dominated" category, with the emission almost entirely dominated by a nonthermal continuum. Previous X-ray observations could only characterize the spectra of a few regions. Here, we examine the spectra from 14 regions surrounding the entire rim, finding that the spectral properties of the nonthermal emission do not vary significantly in any systematic way from one part of the forward shock to another, unlike several other remnants of this class. We confirm earlier findings that the power-law index, Γ, ranges from about 2.1-2.5, while the absorbing column density is generally between (2.0-2.6) × 10(exp 22) cm(exp -2). Fits with the srcut model find values of the roll-off frequency in the range of 10(exp 17.1)-10(exp 17.5) Hz, implying energies of accelerated electrons of approximately 100 TeV. These values imply a high shock velocity of approximately 4600 km s(exp -1), favoring a young age of the remnant. Diffuse emission from the interior is nonthermal in origin as well, and fits to these regions yield similar values to those along the rim, also implying a young age. Thermal emission is present in the east, and the spectrum is consistent with approximately 650 km s(exp -1) shock wave encountering interstellar or circumstellar material with a density of approximately 1 cm(exp -3).

Williams, Brian J.↗

VHF radar remote sensing of atmospheric parameters over Taiwan during the time period of Typhoon Wayne

The VHF radar located at the subtropical and low latitude observing site of Taiwan has been used to observe atmospheric parameters from the troposphere to the middle atmosphere during the time passage of Typhoon Wayne in August 1986. Time-dependent wind velocities with three-dimensional profiles have been plotted by processing the recorded data of the backscattered echo power and the Doppler spectral width of the signal returns from the VHF radar. Propagation characteristics of the gravity waves excited by the enhanced convective motions of Typhoon Wayne have been detected from the Fourier power spectrum analysis of the three-dimensional wind velocities from multiple beams of the VHF radar and their cross-correlation analysis. The density perturbations caused by the propagation of the gravity waves can be calculated from the VHF radar observations. The VHF radar can also be used to detect time-dependent vertical profiles of the liquid water content. The present study shows that the equivalent rainfall rate calculated from the VHF radar is in good agreement with the ground-based measurement of rainfall rate at the same area.

Hung, R. J.↗

Optical emission from a fast shock wave - The remnants of Tycho's supernova and SN 1006

The faint optical filaments in Tycho's supernova remnant appear to be emission from a shock front moving at 5600 km/s. The intensity of the hydrogen lines, the absence of forbidden lines of heavy elements in the spectrum, and the width of the filaments are explained by a model in which a collisionless shock wave is moving into partially neutral gas. The presence of the neutral gas can be used to set an upper limit of approximately 5 x 10 to the 47th power ergs to the energy in ionizing radiation emitted by a Type I supernova. The patchy neutral gas is probably part of the warm neutral component of the interstellar medium. The existing information on the remnant of SN 1006 indicates that its emission is similar in nature to that from Tycho's remnant.

Chevalier, R. A.↗

Apparent electrostatic ion cyclotron waves in the diffuse aurora

Emissions that have properties consistent with electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) waves have been observed at low altitude in the diffuse aurora by a sounding rocket payload. Peaks were observed in the power spectrum of the electric field near the hydrogen and oxygen ion cyclotron frequencies. Doppler shift and polarization analyses have been performed using EIC wave parameters derived from linear theory. Both analyses indicated that these emissions had properties consistent with those expected for H(+) and O(+) EIC waves. The two analyses indicated that both emission bands were due to waves propagating eastward parallel to the poleward boundary of the diffuse aurora. The large local cold plasma density and resulting Landau damping require that the source be local. Magnetometer data indicated the presence of a downward parallel current density of 5 microamps/sq m. Sufficient free energy for the waves was available from this current, although the waves were observed frequently at altitudes where the ion-neutral collision frequency exceeded the oxygen cyclotron frequency.

Bering, E. A.↗

Frequency tracked gated pulse technique for ultrasonic frequency

A tracking generator 21 is slaved to a spectrum analyzer 23 to produce an input signal having a frequency that follows the frequency of the spectrum analyzer sweeping local oscillator 22. The input signal is gated to a transducer 26 by a transmitter gate 25 to produce ultrasonic waves in the sample 28. The resulting ultrasonic echoes are converted into electrical signals by the transducer and then gated into the spectrum analyzer by receiver gate 29. This arrangement produces spectra that are equivalent to shock-exciting the transducer with a true delta function shock-excitation.

Cantrell, Jr., John H.↗

A numerical study of diffusive shock acceleration of cosmic rays in supernova shocks

The evolution of the energy spectrum of cosmic rays accelerated by the first order Fermi mechanism, by a supernova remnant shock wave, including adiabatic deceleration effects behind the front, is carried out by means of a time-dependent numerical code. The calculations apply to the adiabatic stage (or Sedov stage) of the supernova explosion, and the energetic particle spectrum is calculated in the test particle limit (i.e., the back reaction of the cosmic rays on the flow is not included). The particles are injected mono-energetically at the shock. The radial distribution, The radial distribution, and the spectrum of the accelerated and decelerated particles is shown.

Ko, C. M.↗