Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “PRECESSION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

Precessing Jet and Large Dust Grains in the V380 Ori NE Star-forming Region

The V380 Ori NE bipolar outflow was imaged in the SiO and CO J=1→0 lines, and dense cores in L1641 were observed in the 2.0–0.89 mm continuum. The highly collimated SiO jet shows point-symmetric oscillation patterns in both position and velocity, which suggests that the jet axis is precessing and the driving source may belong to a non-coplanar binary system. By considering the position and velocity variabilities together, accurate jet parameters were derived. The protostellar system is viewed nearly edge-on, and the jet has a flow speed of ∼35 km s{sup −1} and a precession period of ∼1600 years. The CO outflow length gives a dynamical timescale of ∼6300 years, and the protostar must be extremely young. The inferred binary separation of 6–70 au implies that this protobinary system may have been formed through the disk instability process. The continuum spectra of L1641 dense cores indicate that the emission comes from dust, and the fits with modified blackbody functions give emissivity power indices of β = 0.3–2.2. The emissivity index shows a positive correlation with the molecular line width, but no strong correlation with bolometric luminosity or temperature. V380 Ori NE has a particularly low value of β = 0.3, which tentatively suggests the presence of millimeter-sized dust grains. Because the dust growth takes millions of years, much longer than the protostellar age, this core may have produced large grains in the starless core stage. HH 34 MMS and HH 147 MMS also have low emissivity indices.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Precession and Nutation from the Analysis of Positions of Extragalactic Radio Sources

Corrections to the Earth's precession and nutation have been derived from VLBI observations of extragalactic sources carried out by JPL's Deep Space Network between 1978 and 1994. The analysis is based on the source right ascensions and declinations given in annual position catalogues. These catalogues result from adopting specific conventions on precession and a nutation model, using VLBI data.

precession and nutation extragalactic radio source↗

Some aspects of the five-dimensional Lovelock black hole spacetime: Strong homotopy retract, perihelion precession and quasistationary levels

Highlights: • Some topological aspects are explored. • The perihelion precession is calculated. • The general Heun functions are applied to obtain analytical solutions. • The quasibound states and the radial wave eigenfunctions are obtained. In this work we explore some mathematical physics aspects of the spherically symmetric Lovelock black hole in high dimensions. Intended for this aim, we thoroughly consider the metric corresponding to the five-dimensional Lovelock black hole spacetime. We construct the strong retractions by the geodesic equations on the background under consideration. As a result, from the topological point of view, we construct the theory of strong homotopy retract, which will allow us, in principle, to better understand some of its suitable applications on astrophysics and cosmology, in particular, in the analysis of the spacetime singularities. We find the solutions of the equation of motion for both radial and angular coordinates, and then we describe the outer (“exterior”) and lower (“interior”) apparent horizons. Indeed, the outer apparent horizon is the last surface from which the light waves could still escape from the black hole. Thus, it is meaningful to analyze some physical phenomena related to quantum particles propagating outside the exterior apparent horizon, in particular, we discuss the quasistationary levels of scalar fields and their radial wave functions, which are given in terms of the general Heun functions. We also calculate the perihelion precession in this background.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Strain mapping at the nanoscale using precession electron diffraction in transmission electron microscope with off axis camera

Precession electron diffraction is an efficient technique to measure strain in nanostructures by precessing the electron beam, while maintaining a few nanometre probe size. Here, we show that an advanced diffraction pattern treatment allows reproducible and precise strain measurements to be obtained using a default 512 × 512 DigiSTAR off-axis camera both in advanced or non-corrected transmission electron microscopes. This treatment consists in both projective geometry correction of diffraction pattern distortions and strain Delaunay triangulation based analysis. Precision in the strain measurement is improved and reached 2.7 × 10{sup −4} with a probe size approaching 4.2 nm in diameter. This method is applied to the study of the strain state in InGaAs quantum-well (QW) devices elaborated on Si substrate. Results show that the GaAs/Si mismatch does not induce in-plane strain fluctuations in the InGaAs QW region.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Very Large Array imaging rules out precessing radio jets in three DES–SDSS-selected candidate periodic quasars

ABSTRACT Periodic quasars have been suggested as candidates for hosting binary supermassive black holes (SMBHs), although alternative scenarios remain possible to explain the optical light-curve periodicity. To test the alternative hypothesis of precessing radio jet, we present deep 6 GHz radio imaging conducted with NSF’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in its C configuration for the three candidate periodic quasars, DES J024703.24−010032.0, DES J024944.66−000036.8, and DES J025214.67−002813.7. Our targets were selected based on their optical variability using 20 yr long multicolour light curves from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The new VLA observations show that all three periodic quasars are radio-quiet with the radio loudness parameters measured to be $R\equiv f_{6\, {\rm cm}}/f_{{\rm 2500}}$ of ≲1.0–1.5 and the k-corrected luminosities νLν[6 GHz] of ≲5–21 × 1039 erg s−1. They are in stark contrast to previously known periodic quasars proposed as binary SMBH candidates such as the blazar OJ 287 and PG1302−102. Our results rule out optical emission contributed from precessing radio jets as the origin of the optical periodicity in the three DES–SDSS-selected candidate periodic quasars. Future continued optical monitoring and complementary multiwavelength observations are still needed to further test the binary SMBH hypothesis as well as other competing scenarios to explain the optical periodicity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Gravity Probe Spin: Prospects for measuring general-relativistic precession of intrinsic spin using a ferromagnetic gyroscope

An experimental test at the intersection of quantum physics and general relativity is proposed: measurement of relativistic frame dragging and geodetic precession using intrinsic spin of electrons. Furthermore, the behavior of intrinsic spin in spacetime dragged and warped by a massive rotating body is an experimentally open question, hence the results of such a measurement could have important theoretical consequences. Such a measurement is possible by using mm-scale ferromagnetic gyroscopes in orbit around the Earth. Under conditions where the rotational angular momentum of a ferromagnet is sufficiently small, a ferromagnet’s angular momentum is dominated by atomic electron spins and is predicted to exhibit macroscopic gyroscopic behavior. If such a ferromagnetic gyroscope is sufficiently isolated from the environment, rapid averaging of quantum uncertainty via the spin-lattice interaction enables readout of the ferromagnetic gyroscope dynamics with sufficient sensitivity to measure both the Lense-Thirring (frame dragging) and de Sitter (geodetic precession) effects due to the Earth.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Nutation control during precession of a spin-stabilized spacecraft

Precession maneuver control laws for single-spin spacecraft are investigated so that nutation is concurrently controlled. Analysis has led to the development of two types of control laws employing precession modulation for concurrent nutation control. Results were verified through digital simulation of a Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS) configuration. An addition research effort was undertaken to investigate the cause and elimination of nutation anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft. A literature search was conducted and a dual-spin configuration was simulated to verify that nutational anomalies are not predicted by the existing nonlinear model. No conclusions were drawn as to the cause of the observed nutational anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft.

Source record↗

Self-precession and frequency shift for electromagnetic waves in homogeneous plasmas

The nonlinear propagation of an arbitrarily polarized electromagnetic wave in a uniform plasma is studied. It is shown that nonlinear effects cause precession of the polarization ellipse as the wave propagates. The ellipticity remains constant, but the orientation of the principal axes is rotated relative to its initial value. A relativistic Vlasov model is used to study nonlinear frequency shifts as well as self-precession, in a plasma of arbitrary temperature. Even when the electron temperature is much greater than the product of the electron mass times the square of the velocity of light, the qualitative nature of these two processes remains unchanged, although their dependence on the plasma density is altered in significant ways. Implications of these effects for plasma instabilities driven by strong electromagnetic waves are briefly discussed.

Arons, J.↗

Optimal three-dimensional reusable tug trajectories for planetary missions including correction for nodal precession

Equations are derived by using the maximum principle to maximize the payload of a reusable tug for planetary missions. The analysis includes a correction for precession of the space shuttle orbit. The tug returns to this precessed orbit (within a specified time) and makes the required nodal correction. A sample case is analyzed that represents an inner planet mission as specified by a fixed declination and right ascension of the outgoing asymptote and the mission energy. The reusable stage performance corresponds to that of a typical cryogenic tug. Effects of space shuttle orbital inclination, several trajectory parameters, and tug thrust on payload are also investigated.

Borsody, J.↗

Optimal reusable-tug and expendable-kickstage trajectories for high-energy planetary missions including correction for nodal precession

Equations are derived by using branched trajectory optimization techniques and the maximum principle to maximize the payload capability of a reusable tug/expendable kickstage vehicle configuration for planetary missions. The two stages and the payload are launched into a low earth orbit by a single space shuttle. The analysis includes correction for precession of the orbit. This correction is done by the tug. The tug propels the payload and the kickstage to an energy beyond earth escape and returns within a specified time to the precessed orbit. After separating from the tug, the kickstage accelerates the payload to the required injection conditions. Planetary injection conditions are specified by the mission energy and a fixed declination and right ascension of the outgoing asymptote. The multipoint boundary value problem resulting from the analysis is solved by a Newton-Raphson iteration technique. Partial derivatives of the boundary conditions are obtained by perturbing the initial conditions one at a time, integrating the trajectory and adjoint equations, and observing the changes in boundary conditions. Maximum payload capability is derived for two typical mission energies. In addition, the variations of several mission and stage parameters are also examined.

Borsody, J.↗

Precession of the epsilon ring of Uranus

It is noted that the outer and inner boundaries of the epsilon ring of Uranus can be fitted by aligned Keplerian ellipses. Four possible mechanisms for maintaining uniform precession in the epsilon ring are considered: the ring's self-gravity, precession due to a satellite, smooth pressure gradients, and shocklike phenomena. It is proposed that apse alignment is maintained by the self-gravity of the ring. In this case, a ring mass of approximately 5 x 10 to the 18th g and a mean surface density at quadrature of about 25 g/sq cm are estimated.

Goldreich, P.↗

On the 'thickness' of Saturn's rings caused by satellite and solar perturbations and by planetary precession

In the present paper, long-period and secular variations of the longitude of ascending node are derived for a particle orbiting an oblate precessing planet subjected to perturbation by an exterior satellite moving along a low-inclination orbit. It is shown that precession of Saturn under the solar torque, which causes the Laplace plane to be noninertial, is also effective in producing a forced inclination. The height above the Laplace plane associated with this variation is several meters for a particle located in the middle of the ring.

Burns, J. A.↗

Comet Encke - Precession of the spin axis, nongravitational motion, and sublimation

From the observed light curve of P/Encke the jet force from sublimation is calculated both as a (precessing) torque and as a (perturbing) force transverse to the radius vector. An integral iteration is carried out over 59 perihelion passages, 1786-1977, to fit the previously determined nongravitational transverse force and to derive the precession of the spin axis. It is shown that the spin axis turned more than 100 degrees in longitude and almost 30 degrees in latitude from 1786 to 1977, but appears to have been almost fixed in direction for hundreds of revolutions before 1700. It is suggested that ejected meteoroidal debris accumulated on the currently less active hemisphere, insulating it to maintain a low activity level. A tentative rotation period of 6 h 33 min is derived, using Whipple's halo method. The suggested spinup rate is 21 min/century, while the current rate of relative mass loss by sublimation is 0.09% of the comet's mass per revolution. Moreover, the mass of the nucleus is estimated at less than 10 to the 16th grams, and its oblateness at less than 4%.

Whipple, F. L.↗

Gyro precession and Mach's principle

The precession of a gyroscope is calculated in a nonrelativistic theory due to Barbour which satisfies Mach's principle. It is shown that the theory predicts both the geodetic and motional precession of general relativity to within factors of order 1. The significance of the gyro experiment is discussed from the point of view of metric theories of gravity and this is contrasted with its significance from the point of view of Mach's principle.

Eby, P.↗

Spin-controlled maneuver strategies using unbalanced precessions

The use of unbalanced precessions as a trajectory control technique is combined with the spin-rate control of a spin-stabilized spacecraft to minimize the amount of fuel needed to implement an overall translation maneuver Delta V. It is shown that in many cases, it is more fuel efficient to spin down the spacecraft before reorienting its spin axis in the direction of the continuous or pulsed maneuver velocity change; the additional cost of the spin variation is compensated by the reduced amount of propellant needed to reorient its spin axis by way of unbalanced precessions to and from the maneuver Delta V orientation.

Kechichian, J. A.↗

A precessing relativistic jet model for 3C 449

It is shown that the radio structure of 3C 449 can be matched with a model in which the jets are precessing and have relativistic (beta greater-than or equal to 0.4) velocities. The best-fit model implies a precession period of about 100,000 yr and a cone angle which increases with time. A similar model may be relevant for the radio structure of 3C 31. A brief discussion of the implications for 3C 449 is given.

Gower, A. C.↗

On the clock mechanism and the implausibility of the 35 day precessing disk in HZ Herculis/Hercules X-1

The concept of the precessing accretion disk in HZ Her/Her X-1 in its varied forms, to account for the 35 day periodicity in the X-ray flux, has met many objections from a number of workers on various grounds, but it is still being invoked in current publications. These objections are reviewed and additional arguments are presented against the precessing accretion disk model. The implausibility of the disk models is demonstrated. An alternate clock mechanism, based on nonlinear oscillations in the normal star, which provides the modulation of the mass flow is discussed.

Kondo, Y.↗