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At least 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

The RHESSI Microflare Height Distribution

We present the first in-depth statistical survey of flare source heights observed by RHESSI. Flares were found using a flare-finding algorithm designed to search the 6-10 keV count-rate when RHESSI's full sensitivity was available in order to find the smallest events (Christe et al., 2008). Between March 2002 and March 2007, a total of 25,006 events were found. Source locations were determined in the 4-10 keV, 10-15 keV, and 15-30 keV energy ranges for each event. In order to extract the height distribution from the observed projected source positions, a forward-fit model was developed with an assumed source height distribution where height is measured from the photosphere. We find that the best flare height distribution is given by g (h) oc exp(-h/lambda) where lambda = 6.1 plus or minus 0.3 Mm is the scale height. A power law height distribution with a negative power law index, gamma = 3.1 plus or minus 0.3 is also consistent with the data. Interpreted as thermal loop top sources, these heights are compared to loops generated by a potential field model (PFSS). The measured flare heights distribution are found to be much steeper than the potential field loop height distribution which may be a signature of the flare energization process.

Christe, P.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Modeling the QBO and SAO Driven by Gravity Waves

Hines' Doppler spread parameterization (DSP) for small scale gravity waves (GW) is applied in a global scale numerical spectral model (NSM) to describe the semi-annual and quasi-biennial oscillations (SAO and QBO) as well as the long term interannual variations that are driven by wave mean flow interactions. This model has been successful in simulating the salient features observed near the equator at altitudes above 20 km, including the QBO extension into the upper mesosphere inferred from UARS measurements. The model has now been extended to describe also the mean zonal and meridional circulations of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere that affect the equatorial QBO and its global scale extension. This is accomplished in part through tuning of the GW parameterization, and preliminary results lead to the following conclusions: (1) To reproduce the upwelling at equatorial latitudes associated with the Brewer/Dobson circulation that in part is modulated in the model by the vertical component of the Coriolis force, the eddy diffusivity in the lower stratosphere had to be enhanced and the related GW spectrum modified to bring it in closer agreement with the form recommended for the DSP. (2) To compensate for the required increase in the diffusivity, the observed QBO requires a larger GW source that is closer to the middle of the range recommended for the DSP. (3) Through global scale momentum redistribution, the above developments are conducive to extending the QBO and SAO oscillations to higher latitudes. Multi-year interannual oscillations are generated through wave filtering by the solar driven annual oscillation in the zonal circulation. (4) In a 3D version of the model, wave momentum is absorbed and dissipated by tides and planetary waves. Thus, a somewhat larger GW source is required to generate realistic amplitudes for the QBO and SAO.

Mayr, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Evaluation of radioisotope tracer and activation analysis techniques for contamination monitoring in space environment simulation chambers

Radioisotope measurement techniques and neutron activation analysis are evaluated for use in identifying and locating contamination sources in space environment simulation chambers. The alpha range method allows the determination of total contaminant concentration in vapor state and condensate state. A Cf-252 neutron activation analysis system for detecting oils and greases tagged with stable elements is described. While neutron activation analysis of tagged contaminants offers specificity, an on-site system is extremely costly to implement and provides only marginal detection sensitivity under even the most favorable conditions.

Smathers, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The induced magnetic field of the moon - Conductivity profiles and inferred temperature.

Electromagnetic induction in the moon driven by fluctuations of the interplanetary magnetic field is used to determine the lunar bulk electrical conductivity. The earlier data are now augmented by an order of magnitude. The present data clearly show the north-south and east-west transfer function difference as well as the high-frequency rollover suggested earlier. The difference is shown to be compatible over the midfrequency range (0.001 to 0.01 Hz) with a noise source associated with the compression of the local remanent field by solar wind dynamic pressure fluctuations. The rollover of the transfer functions is shown to result from higher order magnetic multipole radiation; electric multipoles appear supressed, although a vestigial TM interaction may still be present. Models for two, three, and four layer; current layer, double current layer, and core plus current layer moons are generated by inversion of the data, using a theory that incorporates higher-order multipoles.

Sonett, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Isotope Brayton electric power system for the 500 to 2500 watt range.

An extensive study was conducted at the Lewis Research Center to evaluate an isotope Brayton electric power system for use in the 500 to 2500 W power range. The study emphasized overall system simplicity in order to reduce parasitic power losses and improve system reliability. The study included detailed parametric cycle analysis, conceptual component designs, and evaluation of system packaging. The study has resulted in the selection of a single-loop system (gas) with six major components including one rotating unit. Calculated net system efficiency varies from 23 to 28% over the power range. The use of the Pu-238 heat source being developed for the Multi-Hundred-Watt Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator program was assumed.

Macosko, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mesoscale history of a small patch of clear air turbulence.

Sequential analyses of data from a network of eight special rawinsonde stations 100 km apart demonstrate the important effects of mesoscale disturbances in a 2.5-hr episode of light-to-moderate clear air turbulence (CAT). The most significant feature was the development of two turbulent fields below and above a 2-km region of a wind minimum which passed over Wallops Island, Va., near 1530 GMT on Feb. 4, 1970. The small scale of these features precludes their detection in the standard 12-hr observation sequence. The rawinsonde network utilized, which incorporates fine-scale details in both space and time, is adequate to provide a very useful current CAT depiction and an excellent source for the preparation of a short-range forecast of CAT.

Boucher, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Experimental estimation of the statistical parameters of vibrations of a shell (using a digital computer), 1

The distribution pattern of the amplitudes of vibrations, measured at various points on the surface of a shell, stimulated by a point source of harmonic force in the sound frequency range was studied experimentally. This pattern permits a valid spacing estimate to be carried out of the average structural characteristics of the vibrations, which are used for both estimation of the vibration excitability of the structure and for estimation of the effectiveness of use of a vibration-absorbing covering.

Kanayev, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A nonsaturating dc-to-dc parallel power converter

Device is conventional circuit modified with pair of diode rectifiers coupled to switching transistors via feedback winding. Transient-causing collector-current overlap between transistors is eliminated. Technique may be used with nonsaturating parallel-transistor converters operating from voltage source which remains fixed or varies over small range.

Lavigna, T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Studies in support of the analysis of astronomical data from Apollo 16

The Apollo Gamma Ray Spectrometer which was part of the scientific instrument module aboard Apollo 16 obtained more than 20 hours of astronomical data near the end of the transearth coast phase of the mission. During this time the vehicle was maneuvered so that every part of the sky as seen by the spectrometer was eventually occulted by the spacecraft, providing a valuable data base for gamma ray astronomy in the 100 keV to 5 MeV spectral range. Schemes classified according to the underlying assumed source distribution are analyzed. It is known that there is at least one point source, the Crab, and it can be seen in the data. Methods for data analysis are shown. In one method looking only for point sources, some preliminary results concerning the Crab nebula are presented which confirm previous measurement of the strength of that source.

Greisen, K. I.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Luna 24 - Mineral chemistry of 90-150 micron clasts

The mineralogy, composition and source relations of monomineralic clasts in the size range 0.09 to 0.15 mm have been studied for seven grain mounts from the Luna 24 core, obtained in Mare Crisium. One of the core horizons, which showed the greatest number of mafic mineral clasts, apparently represents a less reworked level or one which received a greater average influx of gabbroic and/or basaltic ejecta. Most of the mafic minerals in the core were probably derived from the comminution of clasts of very low titanium basalts and/or gabbros. A small number of mineral clasts may have originated from a Mg-rich gabbro. A mixture of local mare basalts and ejecta from Fahrenheit crater probably makes up most of the regolith at the Luna 24 site.

Meyer, H. O. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

IUE observations of a luminous M supergiant that exhibits intense continuum in the far ultraviolet

Observations of the late type M supergiant TV Gem (M1Iab) reveal strong UV continuum between 1200 A and 3200 A. The continuum is essentially featureless with the exception of a number of broad absorption features in the short wavelength spectra range. An absorption feature centered around 1400 A could be due to Si IV absorption found typically in spectra of middle B type stars. UV emission from this star is unexpected because earlier ground-based observations give no indication of a possible association with an early companion or circumstellar ionized nebulosity. A B9 or A1 III - IV type star approximately 2to 3 magnitudes fainter than the M star could explain the level of UV continuum observed, but a fully self consistent explanation that includes the B-V color index of TV Gem is not as yet possible. The continuum flux dependence with wavelength in the UV spectral range could be attributed to a high energy source such as an accretion disc. It is suggested TV Gem is a good candidate for HEAO-2 (Einstein) satellite observations because a high energy object in close proximity to the M star would likely be a source of soft X-ray emission.

Michalitsianos, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The infrared emission from the elliptical galaxy NGC 1052

Multi-aperture IR photometry of the elliptical galaxy NGC 1052 shows that its IR excess is confined to a region smaller than 2 arc sec (300 pc) in diameter coincident with the visible nucleus. It is suggested that the emission in the 5-20 micron range arises from dust heated by the nonthermal source seen at other wavelengths.

Becklin, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Frequency of gamma-ray bursts greater than 3 x 10 to the -6th erg/sq cm

Results are presented for gamma-ray burst observations with the Large Area Sky Survey instrument on HEAO-1. It is noted that during the time HEAO-1 was operational, the instrument detected at least 12 confirmed gamma-ray bursts with intensities greater than 3 microerg/sq cm and identified six additional unconfirmed bursts. The rates of gamma-ray bursts are estimated to be about 125 per yr for intensities greater than 3 microerg/sq cm and approximately 50 per yr for intensities greater than 10 microerg/yr. The data are shown to yield a log N - log S relation for gamma-ray bursts that is consistent with a spherical distribution of sources within the Galaxy and having a broad range of intrinsic luminosities.

Share, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The 1950 sulfur flow of Mauna Loa: Considerations for Io

Some of the geological relationships observed in the Mauna Loa sulfur flow may apply in considering volcanic processes on Io. Given the presence of sulfur/sulfur compounds in the eruption plumes and on the surface of Io, it is likely that extensive secondary deposits of sulfur exist, some of which may be of fumarolic origin and analogous to the Mauna Loa deposit. Given the likelihood of silicate volcanism of Io based on the inferred material properties of some flows, and the attendant high temperatures for silicate volcanism, it is likely that the secondary surface deposits of sulfur would have been mobilized without being heated to the high viscosity stage. Mobilized sulfur flows on Io may flow long distances as a result of: (1) low viscosities in the melting range; (2) sustained effusion resulting from continued heating source area; (3) continued remobilization within the flow as a consequence of surges from the source; and (4) extension via lava tubes, or similar conduits through which there is little heat loss. Sulfur flows may form a relatively thin veneer over silicate flows and other surface units, given their fluidity and low mobilization temperature. Active splashing and splattering may spread sulfur over a wider area contributing the bright blooms observed in association with some Ionian flows.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Observations of eight close binaries with the Einstein Observatory

Eight close binaries were observed with the Imaging Proportional Counter aboard the Einstein Observatory. The binaries R Ara, Zeta Aur, RZ Cas, 31 Cyg, Delta Lib, U Sge, RZ Sct, and RW Tau all show strong indications of active mass flow in their ground-based and/or ultraviolet spectra. The systems R Ara, RZ Cas, 31 Cyg, Delta Lib, and U Sge were detected as X-ray sources while only upper limits on the X-ray luminosities of Zeta Aur, RZ Sct, and RW Tau could be determined. Nondetection of the latter three is probably attributable to their distance. With the exception of 31 Cyg which has an X-ray luminosity of about 10 to the 32nd erg/s, the detected sources have X-ray luminosities in the range 10 to the 30th-31st erg/s. These luminosities are approximately equal to those observed for single stars of similar spectral types. It appears that the X-ray luminosity of 31 Cyg is at least 60 times higher than that of Zeta Aur.

Mccluskey, G. E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The joint NASA/Goddard-University of Maryland research program in charged particle and high energy photon detector technology

The first measurements of Fe charge states in two coronal hole-association high speed streams, using the sensor on ISEE-3, are presented. Eight event intervals from the January to June 1983 timeframe were chosen for the study of magnetotail dynamics and its relationship to substorm activity and the possible formation of plasmoids. Techniques are being explored for measurement of secondary electrons which are characteristically emitted when ions hit a target material. Efforts are continuing to understand kilometer wavelength shock associated radio events. An all-sky survey of fast X-ray transients of duration of 5 to 10,000 s was completed. Research using high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy of celestial sources in the 20 keV to 20 MeV range to search for and study narrow lines in low-energy gamma-ray spectrum continues. Research in high energy radiation from pulsars is being conducted.

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