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At least 847 records · Page 47

Spectroscopic Study of Solar Transition Region Oscillations in the Quiet-Sun Observed By IRIS Using Si IV Spectral Line

In the present paper, we use Si IV 1393.755 Å spectral line observed by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) in the quiet-Sun to determine physical nature of the solar transition region (TR) oscillations. We analyze the properties of these oscillations using wavelet tools (e.g., power, cross-power, coherence, and phase difference) along with the stringent noise model (i.e., power-law + constant). We estimate the period of the intensity and Doppler velocity oscillations at each chosen location in the quiet-Sun (QS) and quantify the distribution of the statistically significant power and associated periods in one bright and two dark regions. In the bright TR region, the mean periods in intensity and velocity are 7 min, and 8 min respectively. In the dark region, the mean periods in intensity and velocity are 7 min, and 5.4 min respectively. We also estimate the phase difference between the intensity and Doppler velocity oscillations at each location. The statistical distribution of phase difference is estimated, which peaks at -119°± 13°, 33°± 10°, 102°± 10° in the bright region, while at -153°± 13°, 6°± 20°, 151°± 10° in the dark region. The statistical distribution reveals that the oscillations are caused by propagating slow magnetoacoustic waves encountered with the TR. Some of these locations may also be associated with the standing slow waves. Even, in the given time domain, several locations exhibit presence of both propagating and standing oscillations at different frequencies.

Sun: oscillations↗

The effect of nonuniform wind shear on the intensification and reflection of mountain waves

A study is made of the intensification and reflection of mountain waves when the shear of the basic wind profile is nonuniform. A two-layer atmospheric model is treated, and the wind profile in the troposphere is assumed to be parabolic. The Scorer parameter includes the wind profile curvature term, which may not be neglected if the Richardson number Ri is finite. When Ri is finite, the optimal phase difference across the troposphere for maximum surface velocity intensifications is found to be slightly greater than Pi. As Ri increases, the optimal phase difference decreases with Ri and approaches the limiting value Pi. This implies that waves approximately reverse phase between the surface and the tropopause for maximum wave intensifications in most physically realistic atmospheric situations. The concept of Eliassen and Palm concerning the additivity of the vertical wave energy fluxes is expanded (valid at least up to the parabolic wind profile), by which the upward and downward energy transporting modes are identified.

Hyun, J. M.↗

Spectroscopic Study of Solar Transition Region Oscillations in the Quiet-Sun Observed By IRIS Using the Si IV Spectral Line

In this paper, we use the Si IV 1393.755 Å spectral line observed by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) in the quiet-Sun (QS) to determine the physical nature of the solar transition region (TR) oscillations. We analyse the properties of these oscillations using wavelet tools (e.g. power, cross-power, coherence, and phase difference) along with the stringent noise model (i.e. power law + constant). We estimate the period of the intensity and Doppler velocity oscillations at each chosen location in the QS and quantify the distribution of the statistically significant power and associated periods in one bright region and two dark regions. In the bright TR region, the mean periods in intensity and velocity are 7 min and 8 min, respectively. In the dark regions, the mean periods in intensity and velocity are 7 min and 5.4 min, respectively. We also estimate the phase difference between the intensity and Doppler velocity oscillations at each location. The statistical distribution of the phase difference is estimated, which peaks at −119° ± 13°, 33° ± 10°, 102° ± 10° in the bright region and at −153° ± 13°, 6° ± 20°, 151° ± 10° in the dark regions. The statistical distribution reveals that the oscillations are caused by propagating slow magneto-acoustic waves encountered with the TR. Some of these locations may also be associated with standing slow waves. Moreover, in the given time domain, several locations exhibit the presence of both propagating and standing oscillations at different frequencies.

MHD – Sun: oscillations↗

Optical measurements in rocket engine liquid sprays

The performance of liquid propellant rocket engines is dependent upon many elements of the entire system. One of the most fundamental and most critical is the performance of the injector elements. Their characterization is an important part of the development of combustion devices. Optical measurements within these environments have proven to be invaluable tools in quantifying the physical environment of two phase flows. The effort reported herein involves the measurement of drop velocity, drop size, and most importantly mass flux using Phase-Doppler Particle Anemometry within a spray generated by a single swirl injector element operating in atmospheric pressure conditions. The mass flux has been determined and validated by mechanical patternation methods and by profile integration of the mass flux.

Feikema, Douglas A.↗

An implicit, sharp numerical treatment of viscous terms at arbitrarily shaped liquid-gas interfaces in evaporative flows

We report a novel methodology for accurate treatment of viscous terms in evaporation problems. The proposed scheme is an extension of the sharp viscous treatment of Kang et al. (2000) [7] to 3D phase change problems. To ensure accuracy and grid converging solutions, a new implicit approach to computing viscous fluxes across the phase interfaces is proposed, which was previously unavailable in fixed grid numerical schemes. Analytical relations were derived for the jump in velocity gradients across the 2D and 3D phase interfaces, an important constituent of the proposed scheme. The relations show a non-vanishing jump in the tangential gradients across the phase interface that are associated with evaporative flux and interfacial curvature. The proposed methodology demonstrated first order accuracy in canonical test cases. It is general and applicable to arbitrarily oriented interfaces, and can be readily implemented in existing evaporation flow solvers.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multi-dimensional incoherent Thomson scattering system in PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) facility

A multi-dimensional incoherent Thomson scattering diagnostic system capable of measuring electron temperature anisotropies at the level of the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) is implemented on the PHAse Space MApping facility to investigate electron energization mechanisms during magnetic reconnection. This system incorporates two injection paths (perpendicular and parallel to the axial magnetic field) and two collection paths, providing four independent EVDF measurements along four velocity space directions. For strongly magnetized electrons, a 3D EVDF comprised of two characteristic electron temperatures perpendicular and parallel to the local magnetic field line is reconstructed from the four measured EVDFs. As a result, validation of isotropic electrons in a single magnetic flux rope and a steady-state helicon plasma is presented.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Goddard high-resolution spectrograph observations of narrow discrete stellar wind absorption features in the ultraviolet spectrum of the O7.5 III star Xi Persei

We report the observation of transient narrow absorption components (NACs) in the stellar wind of the O giant Xi Per. Two sets of GHRS observations of the Si IV ultraviolet resonance doublet have been obtained. These features are extremely weak, with column densities of approximately 10 exp 12/sq cm and optical depths of order 0.1. The features are narrow, less than 30 km/s, and seem to occur in groups. If the NACs are due to the 1393 A component, they represent previously undetected low-velocity discrete absorption components at V(rad) below -600 km/s. If they are high-velocity features on the 1402 A doublet component, they may represent the decay phase of the discrete absorption components at the terminal velocity. In either case, they are a new aspect of the NAC phenomenon that could not have been detected with previous ultraviolet spectrographs.

Shore, Steven N.↗

Proposed three-phase modeling of Be stars from combined UV and visual observations

Far ultraviolet observations of the behavior of wind velocity and superionization values as a function of the phase of the (Be, B shell, B normal) pattern established by visual observations for gamma Cas and 59 Cyg are translated into a crude atmospheric model for the Be phase and several kinds of mass flux variability across the three phases.

Doazan, V.↗

Theoretical Analysis of the Longitudinal Behavior of an Automatically Controlled Supersonic Interceptor During the Attack Phase

Theoretical analysis of the longitudinal behavior of an automatically controlled supersonic interceptor during the attack phase against a nonmaneuvering target is presented. Control of the interceptor's flight path is obtained by use of a pitch rate command system. Topics lift, and pitching moment, effects of initial tracking errors, discussion of normal acceleration limited, limitations of control surface rate and deflection, and effects of neglecting forward velocity changes of interceptor during attack phase.

Gates, Ordway B., Jr.↗

Limits on Line Bisector Variability for Stars with Extrasolar Planets

We present an analysis of high-resolution synoptic spectra of ten F- and G-type stars, seven of which exhibit periodic radial velocity variations due to the presence of one or more substellar companions. We searched for subtle periodic variations in photospheric line asymmetry, as characterized by line bisectors. In principle, periodic variations in line asymmetry observed at lower spectral resolution could mimic the radial velocity signature of a companion, but we find no significant evidence of such behavior in our data. Observations were obtained from 1998 March to 1999 February using the National Solar Observatory (NSO) 1.52-m McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope Facility on Kitt Peak in conjunction with the solar-stellar spectrograph, achieving a resolving power of 1.2x10(exp5). To characterize line asymmetry, we first measured line bisectors for the unblended Fe I photospheric line at 625.26 nm. To improve sensitivity to small fluctuations, we then combined points in each bisector to form a velocity displacement with respect to the line core. We searched for periodic variations in this displacement, finding no substantial difference between stars with substellar companions and those without reported companions. We find no correlation between bisector velocity displacement and the known orbital phase of substellar companions around our target stars. Simulations of a periodic signal with noise levels that mimic our measurement errors suggest that we can exclude bisector variations with amplitudes greater than about 20 m/s. These results support the conclusion that extrasolar planets best explain the observed periodic variations in radial velocity.

Povich, M. S.↗

Double-Referenced, Pulsed, Phase-Locked Loop - DRP2L2

System allows precise measurement of phase shift between two toneburst signals initially derived from same periodic source but delayed by different amounts through either path-length differences, propagation velocity differences, or both. Used to measure accurately phase shift encountered by acoustic wave striking front and back surfaces of sample. Velocity known, resulting measurement is of sample thickness. Thickness known, measurement is of sound velocity. Technique applies to many sources of radiation and not limited to acoustics.

Heyman, J. S.↗

Driven electrostatic phase space vortices in a 1D weakly dissipative Vlasov–Poisson system

In this paper, the effect of collisions on driven electrostatic phase space vortices is analyzed by means of Eulerian simulation for two different collision models. It was demonstrated recently that in the absence of collisions, at late times, steady state phase space vortices manifest to form a plateau in the resonant region of the particle velocity distribution function, due to trapping of particles supporting multiextrema giant phase space vortices (PSVs). In the presence of collisions, over long time, this multiextrema plateau are found to smooth out, since collisions drive the velocity distribution toward Maxwellian, irrespective of how weak the collisions are as long as they are non-zero. In these conditions, kinetic processes and collisionality are found to be in competition, and the evolution of the plasma is found, therefore, to be a result of nontrivial combination of these two effects. An attempt has been made by means of numerical simulations to study the effect of weak collisionality on the electrostatic driven phase space vortices with two types of collision operators: (1) Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (Krook) collision operator, where the colliding particles can be treated as isolated pairs and, (2) Fokker–Planck (FP) type collision operator (Zakharov–Karpman) in one dimension, where many weak collisions lead to particle diffusion in velocity space. It is shown that depending on the collision model used, the nature of smoothing in velocity space of giant PSVs results in qualitatively very different phase space structures. However, irrespective of the collision model used, excess density fractions over 10% are retained.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Evaluation of a Candidate Trace Contaminant Control Subsystem Architecture: The High Velocity, Low Aspect Ratio (HVLA) Adsorption Process

Traditional gas-phase trace contaminant control adsorption process flow is constrained as required to maintain high contaminant single-pass adsorption efficiency. Specifically, the bed superficial velocity is controlled to limit the adsorption mass-transfer zone length relative to the physical adsorption bed; this is aided by traditional high-aspect ratio bed design. Through operation in this manner, most contaminants, including those with relatively high potential energy are readily adsorbed. A consequence of this operational approach, however, is a limited available operational flow margin. By considering a paradigm shift in adsorption architecture design and operations, in which flows of high superficial velocity are treated by low-aspect ratio sorbent beds, the range of well-adsorbed contaminants becomes limited, but the process flow is increased such that contaminant leaks or emerging contaminants of interest may be effectively controlled. To this end, the high velocity, low aspect ratio (HVLA) adsorption process architecture was demonstrated against a trace contaminant load representative of the International Space Station atmosphere. Two HVLA concept packaging designs (linear flow and radial flow) were tested. The performance of each design was evaluated and compared against computer simulation. Utilizing the HVLA process, long and sustained control of heavy organic contaminants was demonstrated.

Kayatin, Matthew J.↗

Effect of liquid droplets on turbulence in a round gaseous jet

The main objective of this investigation is to develop a two-equation turbulence model for dilute vaporizing sprays or in general for dispersed two-phase flows including the effects of phase changes. The model that accounts for the interaction between the two phases is based on rigorously derived equations for turbulence kinetic energy (K) and its dissipation rate epsilon of the carrier phase using the momentum equation of that phase. Closure is achieved by modeling the turbulent correlations, up to third order, in the equations of the mean motion, concentration of the vapor in the carrier phase, and the kinetic energy of turbulence and its dissipation rate for the carrier phase. The governing equations are presented in both the exact and the modeled formes. The governing equations are solved numerically using a finite-difference procedure to test the presented model for the flow of a turbulent axisymmetric gaseous jet laden with either evaporating liquid droplets or solid particles. The predictions include the distribution of the mean velocity, volume fractions of the different phases, concentration of the evaporated material in the carrier phase, turbulence intensity and shear stress of the carrier phase, droplet diameter distribution, and the jet spreading rate. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Mostafa, A. A.↗

A field–particle correlation analysis of a perpendicular magnetized collisionless shock

Using the field–particle correlation technique, we examine the particle energization in a three-dimensional (one spatial dimension and two velocity dimensions; 1D-2V) continuum Vlasov–Maxwell simulation of a perpendicular magnetized collisionless shock. The combination of the field–particle correlation technique with the high-fidelity representation of the particle distribution function provided by a direct discretization of the Vlasov equation allows us to ascertain the details of the exchange of energy between the electromagnetic fields and the particles in phase space. We identify the velocity-space signatures of shock-drift acceleration of the ions and adiabatic heating of the electrons arising from the perpendicular collisionless shock by constructing a simplified model with the minimum ingredients necessary to produce the observed energization signatures in the self-consistent Vlasov–Maxwell simulation. We are thus able to completely characterize the energy transfer in the perpendicular collisionless shock considered here and provide predictions for the application of the field–particle correlation technique to spacecraft measurements of collisionless shocks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A Dual-Line Detection Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic Technique for the Combustion of Hydrocarbon Fuels and Filtered UV Rayleigh Scattering for Gas Velocity Measurements

Non-intrusive techniques for the dynamic measurement of gas flow properties such as density, temperature and velocity, are needed in the research leading to the development of new generation high-speed aircraft. Accurate velocity, temperature and density data obtained in ground testing and in-flight measurements can help understand the flow physics leading to transition and turbulence in supersonic, high-altitude flight. Such non-intrusive measurement techniques can also be used to study combustion processes of hydrocarbon fuels in aircraft engines. Reliable, time and space resolved temperature measurements in various combustor configurations can lead to a better understanding of high temperature chemical reaction dynamics thus leading to improved modeling and better prediction of such flows. In view of this, a research program was initiated at Polytechnic University's Aerodynamics Laboratory with support from NASA Lewis Research Center through grants NAG3-1301 and NAG3-1690. The overall objective of this program has been to develop laser-based, non-contact, space- and time-resolved temperature and velocity measurement techniques. In the initial phase of the program a ND:YAG laser-based dual-line Rayleigh scattering technique was developed and tested for the accurate measurement of gas temperature in the presence of background laser glare. Effort was next directed towards the development of a filtered, spectrally-resolved Rayleigh/Mie scattering technique with the objective of developing an interferometric method for time-frozen velocity measurements in high-speed flows utilizing the uv line of an ND:YAG laser and an appropriate molecular absorption filter. This effort included both a search for an appropriate filter material for the 266 nm laser line and the development and testing of several image processing techniques for the fast processing of Fabry-Perot images for velocity and temperature information. Finally, work was also carried out for the development of a new laser-based strain-rate and vorticity technique for the time-resolved measurement of vorticity and strain-rates in turbulent flows.

Otugen, M. Volkan↗

LIDAR-Aided Inertial Navigation with Extended Kalman Filtering for Pinpoint Landing

In support of NASA s Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) project, an extended Kalman filter routine has been developed for estimating the position, velocity, and attitude of a spacecraft during the landing phase of a planetary mission. The proposed filter combines measurements of acceleration and angular velocity from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with range and Doppler velocity observations from an onboard light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. These high-precision LIDAR measurements of distance to the ground and approach velocity will enable both robotic and manned vehicles to land safely and precisely at scientifically interesting sites. The filter has been extensively tested using a lunar landing simulation and shown to improve navigation over flat surfaces or rough terrain. Experimental results from a helicopter flight test performed at NASA Dryden in August 2008 demonstrate that LIDAR can be employed to significantly improve navigation based exclusively on IMU integration.

Busnardo, David M.↗

Shear banding, intermittency, jamming, and dynamic phases for skyrmions in inhomogeneous pinning arrays

In this work, we examine driven skyrmion dynamics in systems with inhomogeneous pinning where a strip of strong pinning coexists with a region containing no pinning. For driving parallel to the strip, we find that the initial skyrmion motion is confined to the unpinned region and the skyrmion Hall angle is zero. At larger drives, a transition occurs to a phase in which motion also appears within the pinned region, creating a shear band in the skyrmion velocity, while the skyrmion Hall angle is still zero. As the drive increases further, the flow becomes disordered and the skyrmion Hall angle increases with drive until saturating at the highest drives when the system transitions into a moving crystal phase. The different dynamic phases are associated with velocity and density gradients across the pinning boundaries. We map out the dynamic phases as a function of pinning strength, skyrmion density, and Magnus force strength, and correlate the phase boundaries with features in the velocity-force curves and changes in the local and global ordering of the skyrmion structure. For large Magnus forces, the shear banding instability is replaced by large-scale intermittent flow in the pinned region accompanied by simultaneous motion perpendicular to the direction of the drive, which appears as oscillations in the transport curves. We also examine the case of a drive applied perpendicular to the strip, where we find a jamming effect in which the skyrmion flow is blocked by skyrmion-skyrmion interactions until the drive is large enough to induce plastic flow.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗