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At least 865 records · Page 48

U, B, V light curves of CO Lacertae

CO Lacertae is one of the very few known binaries with both a short period of apsidal motion and good M, L, R data. The new U, B, V light curves presented here provide two times of minima and a check on Semeniuk's value for P(aps). This is the first published example of an eclipsing binary analyzed in terms of a physical model (as opposed to a model based on spherical or ellipsoidal star figures) which allows for eccentric orbit effects. The light curves show some peculiarities - particularly a large, probably intrinsic, scatter.

Wilson, R. E.↗

Electrostatic discharges in Saturn's B-ring

The Voyager observations of electrical discharges in Saturn's rings strongly support earlier speculations on the role played by electrostatics, magnetic fields, and lightning phenomena in the primitive solar system. They also suggest conditions then by direct analogy rather than by extrapolating backwards through time from conditions now. The observed discharges show a pronounced 10h periodicity, which suggests a source in Keplerian orbit at 1.80 + or - 0.01 Saturn radii. In that region, the B ring is thicker than optical depth 1.8 for about 5,000 km. At 1.805 + or - 0.001 Saturn radii, however, the ring is virtually transparent for a gap of width 200 m. It is concluded that a small satellite orbits Saturn at that radius and clears the gap. The gap edges must prevent diffusive filling of the gap by fine material which is especially abundant at this position in the rings and would otherwise destroy the gap in minutes. The discharges represent the satellite's interaction with the outer edge of the gap. Spoke formation may involve the interaction of ring material in the vicinity of the gap.

Warwick, J. W.↗

The inner edge of Saturn's B ring

The sharp, 90-km wide transition from an optical depth of 0.2 in the C ring to 1 in the B ring begins at 91,970 km from Saturn's center. This radius is found to be almost exactly at the inward stability limit of charged particles launched in the ring plane at the local Kepler velocity, provided these particles have large charge to mass ratio. The zonal harmonic models of Saturn's magnetic field from the Voyager data and the gravitational field model from Pioneer data are essential to get the very close agreement between theory and observation. The theoretical stability limits are 91,973 + or - 145 km from Voyager 1 magnetic field data and 91,991 + or 145 km from Voyager 2 magnetic data. The zonal harmonic magnetic field lines are not perpendicular to the ring plane. Therefore, in addition to the magnetic mirror, gravitational, and centrifugal forces, an unknown force must be postulated to produce equilibrium in the ring plane and make the stability calculation meaningful.

Northrop, T. G.↗

Observational evidence of Z and L-O mode waves as the origin of auroral kilometric radiation from the Jikiken (EXOS-B) satellite

The present investigation has the objective to present new information on the polarization of the auroral kilometric radiation detected by the Jikiken (EXOS-B) satellite. On September 16, 1978, the satellite had been launched into an orbit with altitudes of the initial apogee and perigee of 30,050 km and 250 km, respectively, and an inclination of -31 deg. This orbit provides the conditions for suitable observations of the spectra of auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) in the proximity of the source regions. A study has been conducted of the discovered Z mode waves. These waves are found to be refracted to a nearly perpendicular direction of propagation with respect to the magnetic field vector within a very short distance of the source position. AKR spectra have been observed at positions where the ambient plasma defines a lower edge of the spectra by the cutoff effects of the waves propagating in the local plasma.

Oya, H.↗

ATOPS B-737 inner-loop control system linear model construction and verification

Nonlinear models and block diagrams of an inner-loop control system for the ATOPS B-737 Research Aircraft are presented. Continuous time linear model representations of the nonlinear inner-loop control systems are derived. Closed-loop aircraft simulations comparing nonlinear and linear dynamic responses to step inputs are used to verify the inner-loop control system models.

Broussard, J. R.↗

Dynamic assessment of B-52B-008 carrier aircraft for the revised Space Shuttle solid rocket booster decelerator subsystem drop test vehicle

The structural integrity of B-52B-008, pylon, and hooks for the drop test missions was determined by theoretical analysis. The results of the analysis and conclusions are presented in this document. The major modification to the drop test vehicle was shortening it about 54 inches, which resulted in the forward hook attach structure being located at the base of the nosecone. The shims that are located in the aft hook structures are increased from two inches to three inches. Airspeed, aerodynamic configuration, and load charts are included.

Doty, L. J.↗

A geometric modeler based on a dual-geometry representation polyhedra and rational b-splines

For speed and data base reasons, solid geometric modeling of large complex practical systems is usually approximated by a polyhedra representation. Precise parametric surface and implicit algebraic modelers are available but it is not yet practical to model the same level of system complexity with these precise modelers. In response to this contrast the GEOMOD geometric modeling system was built so that a polyhedra abstraction of the geometry would be available for interactive modeling without losing the precise definition of the geometry. Part of the reason that polyhedra modelers are effective is that all bounded surfaces can be represented in a single canonical format (i.e., sets of planar polygons). This permits a very simple and compact data structure. Nonuniform rational B-splines are currently the best representation to describe a very large class of geometry precisely with one canonical format. The specific capabilities of the modeler are described.

Klosterman, A. L.↗

Final STS-11 (41-B) best estimate trajectory products: Development and results from the first Cape landing

The STS-11 (41-B) postflight data processing is completed and the results published. The final reconstructed entry trajectory is presented. The various atmospheric sources available for this flight are discussed. Aerodynamic Best Estimate of Trajectory BET generation and plots from this file are presented. A definition of the major maneuvers effected is given. Physical constants, including spacecraft mass properties; final residuals from the reconstruction process; trajectory parameter listings; and an archival section are included.

Kelly, G. M.↗

NASA B-57B Severe Storms Flight Program

Plots of winds encountered in-flight are presented for a severe turbulence case from JAWS flight 7 (near Denver on the afternoon of July 15, 1982). During the flight the B-57B showed a 30-knot increase in airspeed over a distance of about 426 ft and then a more gradual decrease of 40 to 50 knots over a distance of about 3.2 miles. This suspected outflow feature was associated with downdraft in excess of 20 knots. The horizontal wind direction changed almost 180 deg during the pass through the feature, and the intensity of velocity differences decreased for all three components within the downdraft. Calculated probability density functions for u, v, and w showed a jagged character; and distributions for Delta-u, Delta-v, and Delta-w were distinctly non-Gaussian. Based on skewness and kurtosis values, the data could probably best be modeled by a Pearson type VII (Student's t) distribution.

Painter, W. D.↗

Nearby molecular clouds. I - Ophiuchus-Sagittarius, b greater than 10 deg

Observations of a 370-sq-deg area at b = 10-24 deg in the Oph-Sag region at the 115-GHz 1-0 transition of CO, obtained with a 256-channel spectrometer on the 1.2-m mm-wave telescope at Columbia University during winter 1980-1981 are reported. Observing parameters include full beamwidth at half power 8 arcmin, resolution 1 or 0.5 deg, velocity resolution 0.65 km/s, and frequency-shifting-mode shift 5 MHz; the data-processing scheme is described in detail. The results are presented in a map and a diagram and discussed with regard to other observations. An extended complex of molecular clouds near the sun and probably connected with the Aquila Rift, the Rho Oph Cloud, and the Gould Belt is detected. A correlation is found between the CO line intensity and the H I deficiency observed in the region, suggesting H2 formation with H2 column densities up to 1 x 10 to the 21st/sq cm.

Huang, Y.-L.↗

Nucleation of (He-3)-B from the A phase - A cosmic-ray effect?

When He-3 is liquified and subsequently cooled, it undergoes, at a temperature of approximately 2.0-2.5 mK, a second-order transition into the so-called A phase. On further cooling, a first-order transition occurs, and the liquid passes into the B phase. Supercooling occurs with respect to the second transition, and the problem of nucleation arises. In connection with the experimental interest in studying metastable (He-3)-A down to the lowest temperatures in weak magnetic fields, the understanding of the mechanism of this transition and the feasibility of its inhibition is of some importance. The present investigation is concerned with the possibility that the transition is nucleated by the passage of a cosmic ray through the sample cell.

Leggett, A. J.↗

The ac power line protection for an IEEE 587 Class B environment

The 587B series of protectors are unique, low clamping voltage transient suppressors to protect ac-powered equipment from the 6000V peak open-circuit voltage and 3000A short circuit current as defined in IEEE standard 587 for Category B transients. The devices, which incorporate multiple-stage solid-state protector components, were specifically designed to operate under multiple exposures to maximum threat levels in this severe environment. The output voltage peaks are limited to 350V under maximum threat conditions for a 120V ac power line, thus providing adequate protection to vulnerable electronic equipment. The principle of operation and test performance data is discussed.

Roehr, W. D.↗

The interpretation of SIR-B imagery of surface waves and other oceanographic features using in-situ, meteorological satellite, and infrared satellite data

The overall aim is to interpret Shuttle Imaging Radar-B imagery of selected ocean areas near the United Kingdom using available data from ships and buoys, with particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms involved in the backscattering of microwaves from the sea surface and their relationship to surface gravity waves. The secondary objective is to use a multispectral approach to study sea-surface expressions such as slicks, internal waves, and eddies. Data acquisition, handling, and analysis approaches and expected results are discussed.

Allan, T.↗

Nonradial Pulsation and Mass Loss in Early B Stars

It has been firmly established that nonradial pulsation (NRP) probably occurs in nearly all sharp-lined early B stars near the main sequence. A recent breakthrough occurred with the discovery of quasi emission/absorption bumps moving across the line profiles of the rapid rotators zeta Oph and alpha Vir. It was found that an intermediate-1 (1=8) NRP mode is responsible for these features in zeta Oph. Some 20 Be and Bn stars were monitored and convincing evidence for NRP in 13 of them was found. Line profile variations suggestive of NRP in the other 7 were also discovered. A search for line profile variables among moderate rotators has turned up NRP in epsilon and eta Lep, with v sin i's of 140 and 70 km/sec, respectively. It now seems that NRP can be present at all rotational velocities with equal frequency (near 100%! . However, at most 20% of these stars exhibit detectable photometric variations.

Penrod, G. D.↗

Usefulness of multifrequency MST radar measurements, part 2.6B

Scattering of radio waves from atmospheric refractive-index irregularities induced by turbulence was invoked almost four decades ago to explain the characteristics of signals received on VHF/UHF ionospheric and tropospheric forward-scatter links. Due to the bistatic geometry of these links a slender, horizontally extended, common volume or cell is formed in space. The principal contribution to scattering arises from refractive-index fluctuations in this volume at the Bragg wave number K approx. sub B = K approx. sub i -k approx. sub s vectors. It has been surmised that the use of more than one frequency in probing the middle-atmosphere regions should help resolve several issues pertaining to the scattering mechanism. These issues are briefly re-examined in this note. The implications of the radar equation are discussed. The problems arising due to layered structure of turbulence and the choice of frequencies most suitable for multifrequency measurements are considered.

Rastogi, P. K.↗