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At least 91 records · Page 5

Temperature Dependence of Nitrogen Broadening of the NO Fundamental Vibrational Band

We report measured N2-broadening coefficients, gamma (T), of approximately 70 transitions of the ground electronic state fundamental vibration-rotation band (v=1 (left arrow) 0) of NO at 183, 213 and 296K. In addition to the broadening asymmetry previously observed between the 2 pi 3/2 and 2 pi 1/2 state transitions, we also observed for most of the 2 pi 1/2 transitions an increased broadening of the f-lambda over e-lambda components. The temperature dependence of the broadening coefficients was characterized by the power law, gamma T = gamma 296 (296/T) (sup n).

Spencer, M. N.↗

Complex Resonance Absorption Structure in the X-Ray Spectrum of IRAS 13349+2438

The luminous infrared-loud quasar IRAS 13349+2438 was observed with the XMM - Newton Observatory as part of the Performance Verification program. The spectrum obtained by the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) exhibits broad (FWHM - 1400 km/s) absorption lines from highly ionized elements including hydrogen- and helium-like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and neon, and several iron L - shell ions (Fe XVII - XX). Also shown in the spectrum is the first astrophysical detection of a broad absorption feature around lambda = 16 - 17 A identified as an unresolved transition array (UTA) of 2p - 3d inner-shell absorption by iron M-shell ions in a much cooler medium; a feature that might be misidentified as an O VII edge when observed with moderate resolution spectrometers. No absorption edges are clearly detected in the spectrum. We demonstrate that the RGS spectrum of IRAS 13349+2438 exhibits absorption lines from two distinct regions, one of which is tentatively associated with the medium that produces the optical/UV reddening.

Sako, M.↗

Puzzling Problems of He I Line Formation in Early B Stars

Although NLTE model atmospheres have been shown to resolve most of the equivalent width (EW) discrepancies for blue He I lines (Auer and Mihalas 1972, 1973) Wolff and Heasley 1984, 1985) have demonstrated that discrepancies remain for the leading members of the singlet/triplet 2P - nD series viz. lambda 6678 and lambda 5876. These two lines are the strongest nonresonance He I transitions and are important because they respond to thermal changes in the superficial atmosphere (approximately 10(exp -3)) of early B stars. In order to understand the observed rapid variations of the lambda 6678 line in mild Be stars, we undertook a survey of EW's of lambda 6678 and lambda 4388, namely the first and third member of the same series. These two lines have a log gf ratio of 15 but have similar EW's in B star spectra. Our new observations confirm the red line discrepancy noted by WH85 and point to additional EW differences among various groups of B stars not noted hitherto.

Smith, Myron A.↗

Transition to turbulence in plane channel flow

A numerical simulation of the final stages of transition to turbulence in plane channel flow is reported. Three dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically integrated to obtain the time-evolution of two and three dimensional finite amplitude disturbances. Computations are performed on the CYBER-203 vector processor for a 32x51x32 grid. Results are presented for no-slip boundary conditions at the solid walls as well as for periodic suction-blowing to simulate active control of transition by mass transfer. Solutions indicate that the method is capable of simulating the complex character of vorticity dynamics during the various stages of transition and final breakdown. In particular, evidence points to the formation of a lambda-shape vortex and the subsequent system of horseshoe vortices inclined to the main flow direction as the main elements of transition. Calculations involving suction-blowing indicate that interference with a wave of suitable phase and amplitude reduces the disturbance growth rates.

Biringen, S.↗

Transition to turbulence in plane channel flows

Results obtained from a numerical simulation of the final stages of transition to turbulence in plane channel flow are described. Three dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically integrated to obtain the time evolution of two and three dimensional finite amplitude disturbances. Computations are performed on CYBER-203 vector processor for a 32x51x32 grid. Results are presented for no-slip boundary conditions at the solid walls as well as for periodic suction blowing to simulate active control of transition by mass transfer. Solutions indicate that the method is capable of simulating the complex character of vorticity dynamics during the various stages of transition and final breakdown. In particular, evidence points to the formation of a lambda-shape vortex and the subsequent system of horseshoe vortices inclined to the main flow direction as the main elements of transition. Calculations involving periodic suction-blowing indicate that interference with a wave of suitable phase and amplitude reduces the disturbance growth rates.

Biringen, S.↗

Numerical experiments on stability and transition in plane channel flow

Various secondary and tertiary instabilities in plane channael flow are explored via time-dependent numerical simulations using the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Comparisons are made between transitional flows at Reynolds numbers 1500, 5000, and 8000. The lambda vortex, detached shear layer, and inverted vortex regions are identified, and the origin of the latter is explained. The laminar breakdown of the Re = 1500 flow is computed with high resolution, and the nature of its ensuing hairpin eddies is clarified by numerical particle paths. The potential of center-mode, rather than wall-mode transitions is proposed, and the resulting flow structure is described.

Zang, Thomas A.↗

Helium-4 Experiments near T-lambda in a Low-Gravity Simulator

We report our studies of gravity cancellation in a liquid helium sample cell along the lambda-line using a low-gravity simulator facility. The simulator consists of a superconducting magnet capable of producing B(delta-B/delta-z) = 22squareT)/cm. We have verified experimentally that the simulator can cancel gravity to about 0.01g in a cylindrical sample volume of 0.5 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in height. This allows us to approach more closely the superfluid transition without entering the normal-superfluid two phase region induced by gravity. We also present the measurements of T-c(Q,P): depression of the superfluid transition temperature by a heat current(Q) along the lambda-line (P). The results are consistent with the Renormalization-group theory calculation. Measurements of thermal expansion coefficient in a heat current will also be discussed. The work has been carried out by JPL, California Institute of Technology under contract to NASA.

Liu, Yuanming↗

Detection of 2.6-millimeter radiation probably due to nitrogen sulfide

Results are reported for observations of millimeter-wavelength radiation in Sgr B2 at two frequencies corresponding to the transitions between the J = 5/2 and J = 3/2 Lambda-doublet sublevels in the 2 Pi(1/2) state of nitrogen sulfide. Difficulties in making a positive identification of the source of this radiation are discussed which result from the apparently anomalous ratio of the hyperfine components. However, it is noted that observations of the d-state by Gottlieb et al. (1975) showing the hyperfine components more exactly in their optically thin ratio confirm that the observed radiation is due to nitrogen sulfide.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗

Energy balance in solar and stellar chromospheres

Net radiative cooling rates for quiet and active regions of the solar chromosphere and for two stellar chromospheres are calculated from corresponding atmospheric models. Models of chromospheric temperature and microvelocity distributions are derived from observed spectra of a dark point within a cell, the average sun and a very bright network element on the quiet sun, a solar plage and flare, and the stars Alpha Boo and Lambda And. Net radiative cooling rates due to the transitions of various atoms and ions are then calculated from the models as a function of depth. Large values of the net radiative cooling rate are found at the base of the chromosphere-corona transition region which are due primarily to Lyman alpha emission, and a temperature plateau is obtained in the transition region itself. In the chromospheric regions, the calculated cooling rate is equal to the mechanical energy input as a function of height and thus provides a direct constraint on theories of chromospheric heating.

Avrett, E. H.↗

Systematic variation of magnetic-field penetration depth in high-T(c) superconductors studied by muon spin relaxation

The muon relaxation rate (sigma) was measured in the high critical temperature superconductors YBa2Cu3O(x) for x = 6.66, 6.95, 7.0, and La1.85 Sr0.15 CuO4 in transverse external magnetic fields 1 is approximately 4kG. A simple relation is found which connects the transition temperature T(c), the magnetic field penetration depth lambda(L), the carrier concentration n(s) and the effective mass m* as T(c) varies as sigma which varies as 1/lambda(L) squared which varies as n(s)/m*. The linear dependence T(c) varies as n(s)/m* suggests a high energy scale for the coupling between superconducting carriers.

Uemura, Y. J.↗

Systematic variation of magnetic-field penetration depth in high-Tc superconductors studied by muon-spin relaxation

The muon relaxation rate (sigma) was measured in the high critical temperature superconductors YBa2Cu3O(x) for x = 6.66, 6.95, 7.0, and La1.85 SrO.15 CuO4 in transverse external magnetic fields 1 is approximately 4 kG. A simple relation is found which connects the transition temperature T(c), the magnetic field penetration depth lambda(L), the carrier concentration n(s) and the effective mass m* as T(c) varies as sigma which varies as 1/lambda(L) squared which varies as n(s)/m*. The linear dependence T(c) varies as n(s)/m* suggests a high energy scale for the coupling between superconducting carriers.

Uemura, Y. J.↗

Collisional quenching of cometary emission in the 18 centimeter OH transitions

A model of collisional quenching of the OH 2Pi(3/2) J = 3/2 Lambda doublet in cometary comae is presented. It is found that collisions with ions and electrons in the outer coma have a strong quenching effect on the Swings-effect inversion of the Lambda doublet that is responsible for the OH radio emission at 18 cm wavelength. For the conditions of Halley's comet, collisional quenching should lead radio observers to systematically underestimate the OH parent production rate by a factor of approximately 3 relative to its actual value, and in general, radio-derived production rates should always be less than or equal to UV-derived production rates, which are relatively unaffected by this process. The observation that UV production rates exceed those derived by radio techniques is well known; the direct measurement of this ratio, using a consistent coma model, should provide information about the ion and electron content of the cometary coma.

Schloerb, F. Peter↗

Quartz Microbalance Study of 400-angstrom Thick Films near the lambda Point

In a recent measurement we observed the thinning of an adsorbed helium film induced by the confinement of critical fluctuations a few millikelvin below the lambda point. A capacitor set-up was used to measure this Casimir effect. In this poster we will present our measurement of an adsorbed helium film of 400 angstroms near the lambda point with a quartz microbalance. For films this thick, we must take into account the non-linear dynamics of the shear waves in the fluid. In spite of the added complications, we were able to confirm the thinning of the film due to the Casimir effect and the onset of the superfluid transition. In addition, we observe a sharp anomaly at the bulk lambda point, most likely related to critical dissipation of the first sound. This work is carried out in collaboration with Rafael Garcia, Stephen Jordon and John Lazzaretti. This work is funded by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research under grant.

Chan, Moses H. W.↗

Development of In-Fiber Reflective Bragg Gratings as Shear Stress Monitors in Aerodynamic Facilities

Bragg gratings centered at nominal wavelengths of 1290 nm and 1300 run were inscribed in a 9/125 microns germano-silicate optical fiber, using continuous wave frequency doubled Ar+ laser radiation at 244 nm. Such gratings have been used extensively as temperature and strain monitors in smart structures. They have, however, never been used for measuring aerodynamic shear stresses. As a test of their sensitivity as shear stress monitors, a Bragg fiber attached to a metal plate was subjected to laminar flows in a glass pipe. An easily measurable large flow-induced wavelength shift (Delta Lambda(sub B)) was observed in the Bragg reflected wavelength. Thereafter, the grating was calibrated by making one time, simultaneous measurements of Delta Lambda(sub B) and the coefficient of skin friction (C(sub f)) with a skin friction balance, as a function of flow rates in a subsonic wind tunnel. Onset of fan-induced transition in the tunnel flow provided a unique flow rate for correlating Delta Lambda(sub B) and (C(sub f) values needed for computing effective modulus of rigidity (N(sub eff)) of the fiber attached to the metal plate. This value Of N(sub eff) is expected to remain constant throughout the elastic stress range expected during the Bragg grating aerodynamic tests. It has been used for calculating the value of Cf at various tunnel speeds, on the basis of measured values of Bragg wavelength shifts at those speeds.

Parmar, Devendra S.↗

A study of the influence of Hg(6(3)P2) population in a low-pressure discharge on mercury ion emission at 194.2 nm

A low-pressure mercury-argon discharge, similar to the type existing in the mercury lamp for the trapped-ion standard, is probed with a new technique of laser spectroscopy to determine the influence of the Hg(6 3P(sub 2)) population on discharge emission. The discharge is excited with inductively coupled rf power. Variations in the intensity of emission lines in the discharge were examined as lambda = 546.1 nm light from a continuous wave (CW) laser excited the Hg(6 3P(sub 2)) to (7 3S (sub 1)) transition. The spectrum of the discharge viewed in the region of laser irradiation showed increased emission in lambda = 546.1, 435.8, 404.7, 253.7, and 194.2 nm lines. Other lines in Hg I exhibited a decrease in emission. When the discharge was viewed outside the region of laser irradiation, all lines exhibited an increased emission. Based on these results, it is concluded that the dominant mechanism for the excitation of higher lying levels of mercury is the the electron-impact excitation via the 3P(sub 2) level. The depopulation of this metastable is also responsible for the observed increase in the electron temperature when the laser irradiates the discharge. It is also concluded that the 3P(sub 2) metastable level of mercury does not play a significant role in the excitation of the 3P(sub 1/2) level of mercury ion.

Maleki, L.↗

Two-Photon/Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TP/LIF) sensor

The Two-Photon/Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TP/LIF) technique is based on the stepwise excitation of the OH transitions, X(exp 2)II, v(exp '') = 0 yields X(exp 2)II, v(exp '') = 1 (lambda = 2.9 microns) and X(exp 2)II v(exp '') = 1 yields A(exp2)Sigma, v' = 0 (lambda = 345 nm) with background free fluorescence monitoring of the A(exp 2)Sigma, v' = 0 yields X(exp 2)II, v(exp '') = 0 transition near 309 nm. This technique has awaited the advent of a suitable mid-infrared (2.9 microns) laser source. Turnable mid-IR lasers now exist that are capable of meeting the specifications required of a high sensitivity TP/LIF OH sensor.

Bradshaw, John D.↗

High-pressure transition regions in stellar model chromospheres

The implications of recent ultraviolet observations of stellar transition-region lines for calculations of the Ca II and Mg II resonance lines are investigated. It is found that the adoption of high transition-region pressures for stars with active chromospheres, such as Lambda And and Alpha Aur, can be consistent with observed Ca II fluxes, contrary to the results obtained by Kelch et al. (1978) for Alpha Aur. Furthermore, the adoption of the high-pressure models removes a long-standing difficulty in the line profile calculations, since the deep central absorption present in earlier calculations is less pronounced or absent, in closer agreement with observations. The apparent contradiction between these models and the recent density diagnostic of Doschek et al. (1978) is also discussed.

Baliunas, S. L.↗