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At least 847 records · Page 47

More on Rb-Sr in lunar breccia 14321

The reported Rb-Sr studies demonstrate a complex heterogeneity of lunar polymict breccia 14321 and exclude significant thermal metamorphism of 14321 in a hot ejecta blanket. While basalt clast 14321,371 is found to have an age of about 4.0 b.y., corresponding to the previously determined time of internal equilibration for another sample, the results for two microbreccia clasts from 14321,554 and 14321,220 indicate the lack of complete equilibration at that time. Light matrix samples are indistinguishable from the basalt with respect to K, Rb, and Sr, and, in contrast to the matrix from subsample 14321,184, the light matrix samples contain no appreciable KREEP-rich component.

Mark, R. K.↗

Coordinated photometric and spectroscopic observations of strong extragalactic 90 GHz sources

Nearly simultaneous radio and infrared-optical observations were obtained for several extragalactic radio sources which are strong at 90 GHz. The spectral-flux distributions are generally peaked or flat over the radio portion of the spectrum with a steeper, power-law behavior at infrared-optical frequencies. For all sources, the radio and infrared-optical portions of the spectral-flux distributions can be smoothly joined by physically sensible interpolations over the spectral gap, although spectral breaks are required. For many of the sources, this is consistent with a common (synchrotron) origin of the radio, millimeter, and infrared-optical radiation. However, proof, in terms of correlated temporal variations and polarization properties, is still generally lacking.

Odell, S. L.↗

Instrumentation for dc and low-frequency electric-field measurements on ISEE-A

It has been found that systematic measurements of the various properties of electric fields existing in space are required for an understanding of the plasma environment. Progress has, however, been limited by a lack of opportunities to fly the long antenna-probes required for double-probe measurements. The improved capabilities of ISEE-A should make it possible to conduct systematic studies of the spatial extent and variability of the zone of strong E-fields, or fast convection, in adjacent magnetospheric regions. The objectives of the ISEE-A measurements are discussed along with the symmetric double-probe floating-potential technique and the antenna-probe design. A description of the electronic design is also provided, giving attention to dc-field measurements, spin coupled dc-field measurements, and calibration and plasma impedance measurements.

Heppner, J. P.↗

A search for optical pulsations from GX 1+4 at H-alpha

H-alpha observations of the binary-star candidate for the slowly pulsating hard X-ray source GX 1+4 are reported which were undertaken to search for pulsations in the H-alpha flux that are synchronous with the X-ray period of about 2 min. No significant periodic variation of the candidate star was detected in the frequency band searched. Three-sigma upper limits of 1.7% (sinusoidal pulse shape) and 0.7% (X-ray pulse shape) are set for the pulsed fraction of the H-alpha flux. It is noted that because of possible diffusion from a cloud that is optically thick to Balmer radiation, the observed lack of pulsations in the H-alpha flux need not compromise the identification of GX 1+4 with the candidate star.

Krzeminski, W.↗

Use of a bubble tiltmeter as a horizontal seismometer

A bubble tiltmeter has been used as a horizontal seismometer. With the appropriate filters, the bubble system has good response for displacement over the passband of conventional seismometers (from about 10 Hz to 200 s), and for tilt from about 1 Hz to DC. The accuracy of the response is confirmed by comparing the filtered bubble output to conventional seismic instruments. The agreement between the filtered bubble records and broad band and short period conventional records is extremely good in every case. The small size, broad-band response, and lack of moving parts make the bubble ideal as an instrument for remote environments. In particular, the instrument seems ideal for the ocean bottom, land and marine boreholes and planetary missions.

Miller, W. F.↗

Imp 6 measurements in the distant polar cusp during substorms

High time-resolution data from the magnetic field, plasma, energetic particle, and VLF wave experiments performed aboard Imp 6 in a study of the distant dayside cusp during substorms are described. The cusp was studied when its location was slightly equatorward of its normal location and the geomagnetic dipole was tilted in the appropriate direction. The data support both reconnection and diffusion as methods of particle entry to the magnetosphere. The evidence (1) indicates an acceleration process to explain enhancements of 400 to 600-km/sec protons above their magnetosheath intensities, and (2) suggests convection of field lines over the polar cap as a means of explaining the lack of low-energy protons near the low-latitude boundary of the cusp. Magnetic field fluctuations, a perturbation vector, ion cyclotron waves, and an abrupt change in the intensity of both whistler waves and electrostatic waves are characterized.

Fairfield, D. H.↗

Chemical-vapor-deposition reactor

Reactor utilizes multiple stacked trays compactly arranged in paths of horizontally channeled reactant gas streams. Design allows faster and more efficient deposits of film on substrates, and reduces gas and energy consumption. Lack of dead spots that trap reactive gases reduces reactor purge time.

Chern, S.↗

Brazing titanium to stainless steel

Titanium and stainless-steel members are usually joined mechanically for lack of any other effective method. New approach using different brazing alloy and plating steel member with nickel resolves problem. Process must be carried out in inert atmosphere.

Batista, R. I.↗

Mini-BRU/BIPS foil bearing development

The analysis revealed the failure agent to be a combination of poor teflon coating adhesion, a decrease in bearing sway space and, possibly, lack of flushing flow through the bearing. A change in Teflon coating vendors provided substantially improved coating quality and surface finish. The sway space was increased and the cooling bleed flow was adjusted to flush the bearing. These changes were included in a test conducted in the WHL from 6 April to 22 May 1978 which resulted in the completion of 1006.9 hours of operation at temperature and load. Post-test inspection revealed the bearings to be in excellent condition and capable of completing a much longer test.

Dobler, F. X.↗

Satellite Power System (SPS) microwave subsystem impacts and benefits

The impacts and benefits to society of the microwave subsystem resulting from the developing, construction and operating of a space solar power to earth, electric power delivery system are presented and discussed. The primary benefit (usable energy) is conveyed mainly in the fundamental frequency portion of the RF radiation beam that is intercepted and converted to electric power output. The small fraction of the microwave and other electromagnetic energy that does not end up in the electric utility grid, yields most of the subsystem impacts. The impacts range from harmonics and noise radiated by the transmitting antenna, through potential interference with ionospheric communications and navigation caused by the power beam heating the ionosphere, to the potential large land area requirements for the rectennas and low level microwave radiation around the rectennas. Additional benefits range from a very low level of waste heat liberated and lack of atmospheric emissions including noise while operating to having no residual ionizing radiation from the rectenna when it is deactivated.

Dickinson, R. M.↗

The determination of gravity anomalies from geoid heights using the inverse Stokes' formula, Fourier transforms, and least squares collocation

A numerical method for the determination of gravity anomalies from geoid heights is described using the inverse Stokes formula. This discrete form of the inverse Stokes formula applies a numerical integration over the azimuth and an integration over a cubic interpolatory spline function which approximates the step function obtained from the numerical integration. The main disadvantage of the procedure is the lack of a reliable error measure. The method was applied on geoid heights derived from GEOS-3 altimeter measurements in the calibration area of the GEOS-3 satellite.

Rummel, R.↗

Isokinetic exercise: A review of the literature

Isokinetic muscle training has all the advantages of isometrics and isotonics while minimizing their deficiencies. By holding the speed of movement constant throughout the full range of motion, isokinetic training devices respond with increased resistance rather than acceleration when the power output of the muscle is increased. Isokinetic training is superior to isometric and isotonic training with respect to increases in strength, specificity of training, desirable changes in motor performance tasks, lack of muscle soreness, and decreases in relative body fat.

Olree, H. D.↗

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.↗

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Review of LACIE methodology, a project evaluation of technical acceptability

The author has identified the following significant results. Results indicated that the LANDSAT data and the classification technology can estimate the small grains area within a sample segment accurately and reliably enough to meet the LACIE goals. Overall, the LACIE estimates in a 9 x 11 kilometer segment agree well with ground and aircraft determined area within these segments. The estimated c.v. of the random classification error was acceptably small. These analyses confirmed that bias introduced by various factors, such as LANDSAT spatial resolution, lack of spectral resolution, classifier bias, and repeatability, was not excessive in terms of the required performance criterion. Results of these tests did indicate a difficulty in differentiating wheat from other closely related small grains. However, satisfactory wheat area estimates were obtained through the reduction of the small grain area estimates in accordance with relative amounts of these crops as determined from historic data; these procedures are being further refined.

Source record↗

Slicing of silicon into sheet material: Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array project

The limits of blade tolerance were defined. The standard blades are T-2 thickness tolerance. Good results were obtained by using a slurry fluid consisting of mineral oil and a lubricity additive. Adjustments of the formulation and fine tuning of the cutting process with the new fluid are necessary. Test results and consultation indicate that the blade breakage encountered with water based slurries is unavoidable. Two full capacity (974 wafer) runs were made on the large prototype saw. Both runs resulted in extremely low yield. However, the reasons for the low yield were lack of proper technique rather than problems with machine function. The test on the effect of amount of material etched off of an as-sawn wafer on solar cell efficiency were completed. The results agree with previous work at JPL in that the minimum material removed per side that gives maximum efficiency is on the order of 10 microns.

Fleming, J. R.↗

The 16-39 micron spectroscopy of oxygen-rich stars

Airborne observations of the 16-39 microns spectra of ten oxygen-rich stars with excess emission in the infrared was obtained. The stars show excess emission attributed to circumstellar dust grains in the 16-39 microns region in the form of a broad hump peaking near 18 microns and falling smoothly to longer wavelengths. The emission is similar in character to the emission from the Trapezium region of the Orion nebula indicating the grain materials are quite similar in these objects. The existence of a feature in the 20 microns region is consistent with the 0-Si-0 bending resonance expected for silicate material. The lack of any sharp structure in the spectra indicates the silicate is in an amorphous, disordered form. A simple model of small grains of carbonaceous chondrite silicate material in a diffuse circumstellar envelope is shown to give a good qualitative fit to the observed 8-39 microns circumstellar spectra. Comparison of the observed spectra with the model spectra indicates the grain emissivity falls as 1/lambda squared from 20 microns to 40 microns.

Forrest, W. J.↗

Phase Two of the Array Automated Assembly Task for the Low Cost Solar Array Project

Various top contact metal systems were studied. Only Ti Pd Cu approaches baseline (Ti Pd Ag) quality, but this system shows a lack of long term stability. Aluminum back surface field structures were fabricated and thicknesses of p superscript + material of up to 7.0 microns were achieved with open circuit voltages of 0.59V. A general purpose ultrasonic welder was purchased and tests using various metal foils are under way. During fabrication of the demonstration module, several cells became cracked. Due to redundancy of interconnections, the module was not open circuited but the efficiency was reduced to 8.8%. The broken cell was interconnected with a strap across the back and the efficiency was increased to 11.5%. A cost analysis was made and the results indicate a selling price of $0.56/watt peak (in 1986 with 1975 dollars).

Campbell, R. B.↗

Modelled and measured energy exchange at a snow surface

Results of a model developed at JPL for the energy interchange between the atmosphere and the snow are compared with measurements made over a snowfield during a warm period of March, 1978. Both model and measurements show that turbulent fluxes are considerably smaller than the radiative fluxes, especially during the day. The computation of turbulent fluxes for both model and data is apparently lacking because of problems inherent in the stable atmosphere.

Halberstam, I.↗