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At least 865 records · Page 48

The dynamics of superclusters - Initial determination of the mass density of the universe at large scales

The radial velocities of cluster members of two rich, large superclusters have been measured in order to probe the supercluster mass densities, and simple evolutionary models have been computed to place limits upon the mass density within each supercluster. These superclusters represent true physical associations of size of about 100 Mpc seen presently at an early stage of evolution. One supercluster is weakly bound, the other probably barely bound, but possibly marginally unbound. Gravity has noticeably slowed the Hubble expansion of both superclusters. Galaxy surface-density counts and the density enhancement of Abell clusters within each supercluster were used to derive the ratio of mass densities of the superclusters to the mean field mass density. The results strongly exclude a closed universe.

Ford, H. C.↗

Prediction of swirling reacting flow in ramjet combustors

Numerical computations have been undertaken for a basic two-dimensional axisymmetric flowfield which is similar to that found in conventional gas turbine and ramjet combustors. A swirling flow enters a larger chamber via a sudden or gradual expansion. The calculation method involves a staggered grid system for axial and radial velocities, a line relaxation procedure for efficient solution of the equations, a two-equation turbulence energy-turbulence dissipation rate turbulence model, a stairstep boundary representation of the expansion flow, and realistic accommodation of swirl effects. The results include recirculation zone characterization and predicted mean streamline patterns. Predictions with and without chemical reaction are obtained. An associated isothermal experimental flow study is providing a useful data base. Successful outcomes of the work can be incorporated into the more combustion- and hardware-oriented activities of industrial concerns.

Lilley, D. G.↗

On the computation of acceleration parallaxes

Rigorous formulas are derived with which one can compute from three observed (coplanar) directions the proper-motion components and the product of parallax and radial velocity of an object (star) which moves uniformly with respect to the observer (earth). The errors of the determination of distance by parallactic acceleration are analyzed and the possibility of determining distances by this method is discussed.

Eichhorn, H.↗

Changes in the high state of AM Herculis - A simultaneous X-ray, optical, polarimetric, and spectroscopic study

Simultaneous UBVR photometry, circular polarimetry, and high resolution spectroscopy observations (during May, 1979), coordinated with a monitor proportional counter and a solid state spectrometer, are reported for the cataclysmic variable AM Her, when it was in its normal 'high' state, where the mean visual magnitude was 12.5 mag versus 15 mag for the infrequent 'low' state. The circular polarization was always negative and had the smallest peak to peak amplitude yet reported. The emission lines He II 4686, H-beta, N III 4634, N III 4640-4641, C III 4650-4651, and He I 4713 present at least two components identified with the broad and sharp components of Greenstein at al. (1977). The radial velocity curve of the broad component shows a 50% reduction of amplitude in comparison to their values, and a third very broad component in 4686 is identified. No correlation between the optical photometry and 1-10 keV X-ray intensity was found on flickering time scales. Results of the observations are discussed within the framework of models with accretion onto one or both magnetic poles of the white dwarf.

Crosa, L.↗

The FK Comae stars

The paper presents IUE observations of three very rapidly rotating G-K giants (v sin i = 100 km/s). The UV spectra show strong chromospheric and transition region emission lines similar to (and in excess of) the RS CVn binaries. These stars show no evidence for radial velocity variations in excess of plus or minus 3 to plus or minus 20 km/s, arguing against duplicity. As a class, they lend support to the rotation-activity hypothesis. Coalesced W UMa binaries, rather than single stars, are the possible progenitors for these FK Com variables.

Bopp, B. W.↗

Analytic investigation of efficiency and performance limits in klystron amplifiers using multidimensional computer programs; multi-stage depressed collectors; and thermionic cathode life studies

Due to complexity of the program which used a hydrodynamic, axially and radially deformable disk-ring model and the resulting long computing time only the output gap was investigated. Results from independent studies were used to initiate the starting conditions for the electrons and the RF voltage using our program. Although this method of computation is less exact than processing the entire klystron interaction in 3-Dimensions it is shown that, for a confined flow focused throughout the penultimate cavity, radial velocities remain very small and the beam is highly laminar. It is concluded that possible errors resulting from treating only the output cavity in 3-D would remain small.

Kosmahl, H. G.↗

High dispersion observations of selected regions in the Orion Nebula

High resolution spectral observations were made of several regions of the Orion Nebula near theta (2) Ori A using the IUE. The positions were selected using a moderate spatial resolution map from a previous low dispersion IUE survery of this section of the nebula. With the SWP and LWR cameras, 28 pectra were obtained of the bright bar, three Taylor-Munch cloudlets, and several surrounding locations. Emission lines of He, C, N, O, Mg, and Si allow a characterization of these cloudlets and of the gas in and around the bar. Small aperture observations provide radial velocity information for the ultraviolet emission of these features. These data show ionization variations from region to region and are suggestive of stellar wind interactions between the cloudlets and theta(2) Ori A.

Boeshaar, G. O.↗

Solar analysis of solar-constant monitoring package (SMM)

The activity cavity radiometer irradiance monitor is supplying the first high precision data on solar total irradiance at the Earth. Thee classes of variability were discovered: large variations of amplitudes up to 0.2%; small high frequency variations in the form of a continuum in the periodogram, extending up to the Nyquist frequency; and sharp spikes at frequencies corresponding to the individual p modes already known from radial velocity measurements. The observed variations (up to 0.3%, on time scales of several days) were identified with sunspot darkness. The data analysis is expected to give information about the solar interior, as well as about the solar input to the terrestrial climate.

Hudson, H. S.↗

Doppler radar observations of the three-dimensional turbulent structure of a quasi-steady thunderstorm

The spatial patterns and temporal evolution of Doppler radar-inferred turbulence within a quasi-steady, left-moving thunderstorm are reported. An organized downdraft circulation was observed, which maintained a persistent, continuously-propagating, anticyclonic and turbulent updraft. The updrafts attained peak speeds of 25 m/s, and maximum estimated reflectivity factors exhibited peak magnitudes of 50-55 dBZ. Mechanical and buoyant production appeared to be the primary generators of turbulence, although buoyancy generation may have also significantly contributed, since turbulent and dynamic entrainment into the vertically accelerating updraft was appreciable below the strongest turbulent activity at 7 km. Patterns of the radial shears of radial velocity exhibited a significant decrease in strength and areal coverage as the storm weakened, which is attributed to decreased activity of large turbulent eddies and the diminution of large-scale mean wind gradients produced by vertical exchanges of horizontal momentum and strong updraft gradients.

Knupp, K. R.↗

The visual surface brightness relation and the absolute magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars. I - Theory

A theoretical relation analogous to the Barnes-Evans relation between stellar surface brightness and V-R color is derived which is applicable to the temperatures and gravities appropriate to RR Lyrae stars. Values of the visual surface brightness and V-R colors are calculated for model stellar atmospheres with effective temperatures between 6000 and 8000 K, log surface gravities from 2.2 to 3.5, and A/H anbundance ratios from -0.5 to -3.0. The resulting relation is found to be in reasonable agreement with the empirical relation of Barnes, Evans and Moffet (1978), with, however, small sensitivities to gravity and metal abundance. The relation may be used to derive stellar angular diameters from (V,R) photometry and to derive radii, distances, and absolute magnitudes for variable stars when combined with a radial velocity curve. The accuracies of the radii and distances (within 10%) and absolute magnitudes (within 0.25 magnitudes) compare favorably with those of the Baade-Wesselink method currently in use.

Manduca, A.↗

Prospects for detecting other planetary systems

Prospects for the detection of extrasolar planetary systems using ground and space-based techniques are surveyed. The likely observable manifestations of another planetary system are considered, including angular displacements in stellar position, Doppler shifts in stellar radiation and stellar dimming due to the transit of an unseen companion (indirect techniques), and direct evidence of the thermal and reflected components of planetary radiation. The current status and prospects for future improvement of ground-based detection based on astrometric and radial velocity measurements are reviewed, and the limitations of future space-based systems that may be used in astrometric or direct searches for other planetary systems, the IRAS and the Space Telescope, are discussed. It is concluded that a comprehensive search program must involve both ground- and space-based instruments.

Black, D. C.↗

A first look at the eclipsing cataclysmic variable Lanning 10

Photometry and spectroscopy of a new cataclysmic variable star, Lanning 10 are presented. The star is shown to be an eclipsing binary with a 7h 42m orbital period. Blue flickering is observed to occur on a time scale of 10 minutes. The light curve is analyzed with a numerical simulation of the eclipse of the accretion disk by the lobe-filling star. The disk nearly spans the Roche lobe of the white dwarf, and its surface brightness is a steep function of radius. Spectra show broad H alpha and He I 6678 A emission lines from the accretion disk and a weak absorption feature from the red dwarf. Radial velocity measurements of the H alpha emission line vary systematically with binary phase. The observed velocity amplitude 240 km/s, gives the mass function 0.46 solar masses. A phase shift of the velocity curve relative to the eclipse ephemeris indicates that a brightness asymmetry exists in the inner parts of the disk.

Horne, K.↗

Outer atmospheres of cool stars. X - HR 1099 at quadrature

IUE high-dispersion, far-UV spectra of the active-chromosphere RS CVn binary HR 1099 are reported. The emission features produced by such high-temperature species as C II and C IV are found to be very bright, to exhibit structure, change significantly in the one-week interval separating the two exposures, and generally follow the radial velocity motion of the K subgiant primary, while the less massive G dwarf secondary appears only weakly in the composite spectrum. It is concluded that chromospheric and transition region emission in RS CVn binaries is a stellar rather than system phenomenon, and the structure evident in some of the emission line shapes is interpreted as a patchy brightness distribution on and above the K star surface that is spread out in velocity by the rapid rotation.

Ayres, T. R.↗

Discovery of carbon stars in the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy

A grating prism survey of the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy that is 97% areally complete has led to the discovery of three carbon stars. Membership of these stars in Draco is firmly established from luminosity, proper motion, and radial velocity considerations. Optical and preliminary infrared photometry suggest that the Draco carbon stars are more closely related to the CH stars in omega Cen than to the luminous carbon stars found in the Fornax and Carina dwarfs. One of the carbon stars possesses an unusual emission line spectrum which might be indicative of either a very hot degenerate companion or a preplanetary evolutionary stage. Carbon stars have now been located in all four of the dwarf spheroidals that have been examined using transmission grating prism techniques. The rarity of these stars in galactic globulars, systems with which the dwarf spheroidals are often compared, indicates a fundamental population difference whose cause is not yet fully understood.

Aaronson, M.↗

An intense, quasi-steady thunderstorm over mountainous terrain. III - Doppler radar observations of the turbulent structure

The evolution of the turbulent structure of the intense, quasi-steady thunderstorm that occurred on July 19, 1977, over South Park, Colorado, is examined. Doppler radar estimates of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rates and radial shears of raw radial velocity are used, and a comparison is made between turbulent patterns and mean storm airflow. Turbulent intensity and activity peaked at mid to upper storm levels, and the primary storm updraft was almost turbulence-free at low levels. It is suggested that buoyancy and wind shear acted together to generate turbulent eddies at middle storm levels, and at mid to upper levels, maximum estimated dissipation rate estimates approached 0.15 sq m/cu s.

Knupp, K. R.↗

Three dimensional turbulent boundary layer development on a fan rotor blade

This paper is concerned with an experimental study undertaken to measure the boundary layer growth on a fan rotor blade. The measurements were carried out using a miniature 'X' configuration hot wire probe at various chordwise and radial locations on both surfaces of the blade. The streamwise and radial velocity profiles as well as the corresponding intensity components are interpreted and correlated. The validity of conventional velocity profiles such as the 'law of the wall' for the streamwise profile and the hodograph plot for the cross flow profile are examined. The measured values of boundary-layer gross properties are compared with the predictions based on a momentum-integral technique.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

Periodic spectrum variations in helium-rich stars

Spectroscopic observations of four helium-rich stars are presented. In HD 37776, antiphase variations of Si III and He I have been found, which represent another point of similarity to the Ap phenomenon. The remarkable H-alpha emission variations in Sigma Ori E are illustrated with uniform phase coverage, and strict periodicity over a five-year interval is shown. A radial-velocity study of HD 64740 shows constancy to within the accuracy of the observations. Finally, Delta Ori B is confirmed as a helium-rich star.

Walborn, N. R.↗

Observed dynamics of superclusters

Radial velocity measurements of two large, rich superclusters show evidence of a gravitational slowing of the Hubble flow within the superclusters. Models assuming spherically symmetric, noncrossing mass shells yield mass density estimates for the clusters ranging from less than one to several times the critical density, and preliminary counts of galaxies and Abell clusters indicate a density enhancement within the superclusters of 10-71 times the field mass density. The combination of these two results is found to favor an open universe, assuming a standard Friedmann cosmology. It is noted that all forms of mass that are clumped on the scale of superclusters, or smaller, will be detected by these measurements, including neutrinos sufficiently massive to significantly contribute to the cosmological density parameter.

Harms, R. J.↗