Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “data consistent”

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 739 records · Page 41

Gravity results from Pioneer 10 Doppler data

Two-way Doppler data received from Pioneer 10 during its encounter with Jupiter have been analyzed, and preliminary results have been obtained on the mass and the gravity field of Jupiter and on the masses of the four Galilean satellites. The ratios of the masses of the satellites to the mass of Jupiter are approximately 0.00004696 for Io, 0.00002565 for Europa, 0.00007845 for Ganymede, and 0.00005603 for Callisto (all error estimates presented in this paper are standard errors; those for Pioneer 10 represent our evaluation of the real errors as distinguished from formal errors). The ratio of the mass of the sun to the mass of the Jupiter system is about 1047.342, which is in good agreement with recent determinations from the motions of asteroids. The second- and fourth-degree zonal harmonic coefficients in the gravity field of Jupiter are 0.014720 and -0.00065, respectively, based on an equatorial planetary radius of 71,400 km, and the derived dynamical oblateness is 0.0647 at the same radius. The Pioneer 10 data are consistent with the assumption that Jupiter is in hydrostatic equilibrium at all levels.

Anderson, J. D.↗

Evaluation of the energy transfer in the char zone during ablation. Part 2: In-depth response of ablative composites, volume 1

The decomposition of ablative composites is described along with the transport phenomena of pyrolysis gases which result from the decomposition of these plastics as they flow through the porous char of char-forming ablators. The pyrolysis products are those formed by the thermal degradation of nylon-phenolic resin and silicone elastomer composites. Emphasis is placed on the nature and extent of chemical reactions of the pyrolysis products and the char, along with the energy absorbed by the combined pyrolysis and char zone. Chemical reactions with thermodynamically consistent kinetic data are determined in order to develop a realistic analysis for predicting the thermal performance of ablative heat shields.

Pike, R. W.↗

Cosmic ray positron and negatron spectra between 20 and 800 MeV measured in 1974

A balloon-borne spark chamber magnetic spectrometer was used to measure separate spectra of positrons and negatrons in two flights during summer, 1974. The total electron flux is about 0.3 m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) MeV(-1) between 70 and 800 MeV, and increases toward lower energies. The positron spectrum decreases sharply toward lower energies from a value of about 0.08 m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) MeV(-1) at 650 MeV, and only upper limits are obtained for positrons below 200 MeV. At energies above 180 MeV, the spherically symmetric Fokker-Planck equation provides reasonable fits to both the positron and total electron data. At energies below 180 MeV the data are consistent with a continuation of the same diffusion coefficient and local source of negatrons, or a change in the diffusion coefficient to a constant value.

Hartman, R. C.↗

Laser technology for high precision satellite tracking

Fixed and mobile laser ranging stations have been developed to track satellites equipped with retro-reflector arrays. These have operated consistently at data rates of once per second with range precision better than 50 cm, using Q-switched ruby lasers with pulse durations of 20 to 40 nanoseconds. Improvements are being incorporated to improve the precision to 10 cm, and to permit ranging to more distant satellites. These include improved reflector array designs, processing and analysis of the received reflection pulses, and use of sub-nanosecond pulse duration lasers.

Plotkin, H. H.↗

Hard X-ray bursts from flare behind the solar limb

The determination of the location of the region of origin of hard X-rays is important in evaluating the importance of 10-100 keV electrons in solar flares and in understanding flare particle acceleration. At present only limb-occulted events are available to give some information on the height of X-ray emission. In fifteen months of OSO-7 operation, nine major soft X-ray events had no reported correlated H alpha flare. We examine the hard X-ray spectra of eight of these events with good candidate X-ray flare producing active regions making limb transit at the time of the soft X-ray bursts. All eight bursts had significant X-ray emission in the 30-44 keV range, but only one had flux at the 3 sigma level above 44 keV. The data are consistent with most X-ray emission occurring in the lower chromosphere, but some electron trapping at high altitudes is necessary to explain the small nonthermal fluxes observed.

Mckenzie, D. L.↗

Soft X-ray observations of Centaurus X-3 from Copernicus

We have detected soft X-ray emission from Centaurus X-3 in the 0.6-1.9 keV band, using the focusing telescope aboard OAO Copernicus. The flux is compatible with an extrapolation of the harder X-ray spectrum, attenuated by (3-4) times 10 to the 22nd atoms per sq cm of interstellar and/or circumstellar matter. The data are consistent with the distance estimate of 5-10 kpc derived from the spectroscopic modulus of the optical component, and obviate the need to postulate the primary to be an anomalously subluminous hot star. There is currently no compelling evidence that such models must be invoked to explain any of the observed compact X-ray sources.

Margon, B.↗

The imaging photopolarimeter experiment on Pioneer 11

For 2 weeks continuous imaging, photometry, and polarimetry observations were made of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites in red and blue light from Pioneer 11. Measurements of Jupiter's north and south polar regions were possible because the spacecraft trajectory was highly inclined to the planet's equatorial plane. One of the highest resolution images obtained is presented here along with a comparison of a sample of our photometric and polarimetric data with a simple model. The data seem consistent with increased molecular scattering at high latitudes.

Baker, A. L.↗

Apollo laser altimetry and inferences as to lunar structure

Weighted mean laser altimetry data from Apollo 15, 16, and 17 tracks were analyzed, yielding a mean lunar radius of 1737.7 km and an offset of center-of mass from center of figure of 2.55 km toward 24 deg E. Weighted mean elevations with respect to a 1738 km radius sphere for various terrain types are: (1) farside terrae +1.8 km, (2) nearside terrae -1.4 km, (3) ringed maria -4.0 km, and (4) other maria -2.3 km. Comparison of gravity and topography data indicates that there is a variation in density in the outer parts of the moon and that the moon has a crust which is equivalent to at least 60 km of material of 2.95 grams per cu cm density. This result and moment-of-inertia data are consistent with a lunar interior model with a uniform density gradient in the mantle to the bottom of the lithosphere, constant density in the asthenosphere, and no core.

Kaula, W. M.↗

Pioneer Jupiter Orbiter/Probe mission. I - Spacecraft system description

This paper discusses the Pioneer Jupiter Orbiter/Probe mission with emphasis on the orbiter spacecraft system. In this mission, the atmosphere of Jupiter will be investigated for physical and chemical structure by a probe which survives entry and transmits data while descending below the 10-bar level. The spacecraft deflects after probe separation to a nonimpacting approach trajectory, acts as a communications relay for data from the descending probe, and propulsively enters an orbit about Jupiter. As an orbiter, it explores the environment of Jupiter for three years, making in situ measurements of the particles and fields of the Jovian magnetosphere together with remote measurements (including images) of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites. The spacecraft system is logically based on the design of Pioneers 10 and 11 with modifications for these different mission requirements: antenna, receiver, and memory for the probe-spacecraft data link; a retropropulsion system for the high velocity-change requirements of orbit insertion; a data system consistent with the requirements of a line-scan imaging system; and an improved complement of radioisotope-thermoelectric-generator power sources to provide adequate power six years after launch.

Lassen, H. A.↗

A correlative study of simultaneously measured He(++) fluxes in the solar wind and in the magnetosphere utilizing Imp-1 and 1971-089A satellite data

Simultaneously measured He(++) fluxes in the solar wind and in the magnetosphere were studied using data from the plasma spectrometer on the Imp I satellite and the energetic ion mass spectrometer on the low altitude polar orbiting satellite 1971-89A. A detailed comparison of the He(++) energy spectra measured simultaneously in the solar wind and in the low altitude dayside polar cusp on March 7, 1972 was made. The energy-per-unit-charge range of the energetic ion mass spectrometer on board the polar orbiting satellite was 700 eV to 12 keV. Within this range there was a clear maximum in the He(++) energy spectrum at approximately 1.5 keV/nucleon. There was not a clearly defined maximum in the H(+) spectrum, but the data were consistent with a peak between 0.7 and 1.0 keV/nucleon. Both spectra could be reasonably well fit with a convecting Maxwellian plus a high energy tail; however, the mean velocity for He(++) distribution was significantly greater than that for the H(+) distribution. The simultaneous solar wind measurements showed the mean velocities for both ion species to be approximately 600 km/sec. The discrepancies between the relative velocity distributions in the low altitude cusp and those in the solar wind are consistent with a potential difference of approximately 1.4 kV along their flow direction between the two points of observation.

Shelley, E. G.↗

No new limit on the size distribution of gamma-ray bursts

The results of a study (Carter et. al.) of gamma ray bursts using long duration balloon exposure are analyzed. Arguments are presented against the conclusion that the size spectrum extrapolates to a power law with index from -1.0 to -0.5, and that therefore the gamma ray bursts are of galactic origin. It is claimed that the data are consistent with an upper limit over 100 times that proposed, and that therefore no conclusion can be drawn from the measurements regarding the nature or origin of gamma ray bursts. The resulting upper limit to the rate of occurrence of small bursts lies above the -1.5 index power law extrapolation of the size spectrum of known events, i.e., greater than the rate expected from an infinitely extended source region.

Cline, T. L.↗

The thermal structure of Jupiter. II - Observations and analysis of 8-14 micron radiation

Observations of Jovian limb structure at 8.11 and 8.45 microns are reported. These are used along with other limb structure and spectral data in the 8-14 micron region to derive a model of the thermal and cloud structure within the 1.0-0.01 bar pressure regime. The temperature is about 165 K at 1.00 bar, 108 K at 0.10 bar, and 143 K at 0.03 bar. In zones, an optically opaque cloud of NH3 exists near the 143 K (0.60 bar) level. A partly transparent haze of solid NH3 particles overlies the cloud. Belts are free of the cloud and have a much lower abundance of NH3 haze than the zones. The data are consistent with an NH3 gas abundance defined by saturation equilibrium, with a mixing ratio of 0.00015 deep in the atmosphere, and with a CH4 mixing ratio of 0.002, about three times the currently accepted value.

Orton, G. S.↗

Ultraviolet observations of cool stars. IV - Intensities of Lyman-alpha and Mg II in epsilon Pegasi and epsilon Eridani, and line width-luminosity correlations

A spectrometer on the Copernicus satellite has been used to confirm the existence of a line width-luminosity relation for the Ly-alpha and Mg II 2800-A chromospheric emission lines in K-type stars by observation of a K2 dwarf (epsilon Eri) and a K2 supergiant (epsilon Peg). Combined with previously reported observations of lines in three K giants (alpha Boo, alpha Tau, and beta Gem), the data are consistent with an identical dependence of line width on absolute visual magnitude for the Ca II K, Ly-alpha, and Mg II 2795-A lines. Surface fluxes of Ly-alpha, Mg II 2800-A, and O V 1218-A (upper limit) for epsilon Eri, and of Mg II 2800-A for epsilon Peg are also compared with values reported previously for the three giant stars.

Mcclintock, W.↗

The spectral energy distribution of NGC 1275

An analysis of absolute spectral energy distributions for NGC 1275 (Per A) covering the wavelength interval from 3300 A to 10,800 A is presented. The data are consistent with the heavy reddening discovered by Wampler (1971). The H-alpha intensity varied by less than 10% between the times of Wampler's earlier measurements and the two occasions of the present observations. The line-emitting region has a characteristic density of about 10 to the 4.5 power per cu cm, a mass of about 10 to the 5.5 power solar masses, and a volume filling factor of about 10 to the -6th power. The gas may be ionized by shock waves or by nonthermal or stellar radiation. It is suggested, in the vein of Minkowski's (1957) original proposal, that the high-velocity emission-line knots described by Minkowski are H II regions in a Perseus-cluster galaxy or intergalactic gas cloud seen in projection against NGC 1275.

Shields, G. A.↗

Interpretation of recent positron-electron measurements between 20 and 800 MeV

Recently measured positron and negatron spectra are discussed with regard to the problem of solar modulation. At energies above 180 MeV, the spherically symmetric Fokker-Planck equation with a diffusion coefficient proportional to particle rigidity provides reasonable fits to both the positron and total electron data. At energies below 180 MeV, the data are consistent with a continuation of the same diffusion coefficient and a local source of negatrons or with a change in the diffusion coefficient to a constant value.

Pellerin, C. J.↗

Cosmic-ray positron and negatron spectra between 20 and 800 MeV measured in 1974

The flux density of cosmic-ray positrons and electrons was measured by a balloon-borne spark chamber magnetic spectrometer in two flights in an attempt to study the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays. The total electron flux was found to be about 0.03/cu m/s/sr/MeV between 70 and 800 MeV and to increase toward lower energies, while the positron flux decreased sharply toward lower energies from about 0.008/cu m/s/sr/MeV at 650 MeV and only upper limits were obtained for positrons below 200 MeV. At energies above 180 MeV, the spherically symmetrical Fokker-Planck equation with a diffusion coefficient proportional to the particle rigidity provided a reasonable fit to both positron and total electron data, while at energies below 180 MeV, the data were consistent with a continuation of the same diffusion coefficient and local source of electrons, or a change in the diffusion coefficient to a constant value.

Hartman, R. C.↗

Composition and structure of the Martian atmosphere - Preliminary results from Viking 1

Results from the aeroshell-mounted neutral mass spectrometer on Viking 1 indicate that the upper atmosphere of Mars is composed mainly of CO2 with trace quantities of N2, Ar, O, O2, and CO. The mixing ratios by volume relative to CO2 for N2, Ar, and O2 are about 0.06, 0.015, and 0.003, respectively, at an altitude near 135 kilometers. Molecular oxygen is a major component of the ionosphere according to results from the retarding potential analyzer. The atmosphere between 140 and 200 kilometers has an average temperature of about 180 plus or minus 20 deg K. Atmospheric pressure at the landing site for Viking 1 was 7.3 millibars at an air temperature of 241 deg K. The descent data are consistent with the view that CO2 should be the major constituent of the lower Martian atmosphere.

Nier, A. O.↗

Argon content of the Martian atmosphere at the Viking 1 landing site - Analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

Spectra provided by the Viking 1 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer operating in the calibration mode (without a soil sample in the analysis chamber) were analyzed to determine the argon content of the Martian atmosphere at the landing site. This was found to be less than or equal to 0.15 millibar, or not more than 2% by volume, consistent with data obtained by the entry mass spectrometer and by the mass spectrometer on the lander. It is anticipated that analysis of the K content of surface samples using X-ray fluorescence data will provide information on the evolution of the atmosphere, since most atmospheric argon is apparently produced by decay of K-40.

Clark, B. C.↗