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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Magnetic suspension and balance system study

A compact design for a superconducting magnetic suspension and balance system is developed for a 8 ft. x 8 ft. transonic wind tunnel. The main features of the design are: a compact superconducting solenoid in the suspended airplane model; permanent magnet wings; one common liquid helium dewar for all superconducting coils; efficient new race track coils for roll torques; use of established 11 kA cryostable AC conductor; acceptable AC losses during 10 Hz control even with all steel structure; and a 560 liter/hour helium liquefier. Considerable design simplicity, reduced magnet weights, and reduced heat leak results from using one common dewar which eliminates most heavy steel structure between coils and the suspended model. Operational availability is thought to approach 100% for such magnet systems. The weight and cost of the magnet system is approximately one-third that of previous less compact designs.

Boom, R. W.↗

Observations of magnetic fields on solar-type stars

Magnetic-field observations were carried out for 29 G and K main-sequence stars. The area covering-factors of magnetic regions tends to be greater in the K darfs than in the G dwarfs. However, no spectral-type dependence is found for the field strengths, contrary to predictions that pressure equilibrium with the ambient photospheric gas pressure would determine the surface field strengths. Coronal soft X-ray fluxes from the G and K dwarfs correlate well with the fraction of the stellar surface covered by magnetic regions. The dependence of coronal soft X-ray fluxes on photospheric field strengths is consistent with Stein's predicted generation-rates for Alfven waves. These dependences are inconsistent with the one dynamo model for which a specific prediction is offered. Finally, time variability of magnetic fields is seen on the two active stars that have been extensively monitored. Significant changes in magnetic fields are seen to occur on timescales as short as one day. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24435

Marcy, G. W.↗

The turbulent twisted magnetic flux tube gas

The kinematic behavior of a dilute, two-dimensional 'gas' of parallel twisted magnetic flux tubes in a highly conducting fluid is considered. Collisions between flux tubes with the same sense of twist are inelastic due to the reconnection of their oppositely directed azimuthal magnetic field components at impact. In some collisions, the tension in the reconnected magnetic flux is sufficient to bind the two flux tubes together. Collisions between flux tubes with the opposite sense of twist are elastic. It is shown that a tenuous gas of individual twisted flux tubes condenses into two large-scale regions of magnetic field with opposite twists. This calculation illustrates the results of Montgomery and co-workers on the migration of magnetic energy towards small wavenumbers in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. In particular, this problem illustrates the dynamical nonequilibrium of the relaxation phase in turbulent MHD systems.

Bogdan, T. J.↗

The magnetic field of Mars - Implications from gas dynamic modeling

On January 21, 1972, the Mars 3 spacecraft observed a variation in the magnetic field during its periapsis passage over the dayside of Mars that was suggestive of entry into a Martian magnetosphere. Original data and trajectory of the spacecraft have been obtained (Dolginov, 1983) and an attempt is made to simulate the observed variation of the magnetic field by using a gas dynamic simulation. In the gas dynamic model a flow field is generated and this flow field is used to carry the interplanetary magnetic field through the Martian magnetosheath. The independence of the flow field and magnetic field calculation makes it possible to converge rapidly on an IMF orientation that would result in a magnetic variation similar to that observed by Mars 3. There appears to be no need to invoke an entry into a Martian magnetosphere to explain these observations.

Russell, C. T.↗

Reduction of satellite magnetic anomaly data

Analysis of global magnetic anomaly maps derived from satellite data is facilitated by inversion to the equivalent magnetization in a constant thickness magnetic crust or, equivalently, by reduction to the pole. Previous inversions have proven unstable near the geomagnetic equator. The instability results from magnetic moment distributions which are admissible in the inversion solution but which make only small contribution to the computed values of anomaly field. Their admissibility in the solution could result from noisy or incomplete data or from small poorly resolved anomalies. The resulting magnetic moments are unrealistically large and oscillatory. Application of the method of principal components (e.g. eigenvalue decomposition and selective elimination of less significant eigenvectors) is proposed as a way of overcoming the instability and the method is demonstrated by applying it to the region around the Bangui anomaly in Central Africa.

Slud, E. V.↗

Observations of magnetic fields on late-type stars

The 'Robinson' method for measuring magnetic fields on solarand late-type stars is reviewed. The results of such measurements for a sample of 29 G and K main-sequence stars are presented. The area covering-factors of magnetic regions are greater in the K dwarfs than in the G dwarfs, but no spectral-type dependence is found for the field strengths, contrary to expectations of some flux-tube models. The dependence of Ca II H and K emission on magnetic fields and T(eff) is consistent with theoretical expections for 'slow-mode' mhd wave-generation rates, but inconsistent with those of other mhd modes. Coronal soft X-ray fluxes correlate well with the magnetic fields, and it is argued that Alfven waves are the likely energy-transport mechanism. Surface magnetic fluxes vary with rotation as V(0.5-1.0 rot) depending on spectral type.

Marcy, G. W.↗

The magnetic non-equilibrium of buoyant flux tubes in the solar corona

The magnetic field in the convection zone and photosphere of the sun exists mostly as concentrated tubes of magnetic flux. It is, therefore, necessary to study the basic properties of magnetic flux tubes to obtain a basis for understanding the behavior of the sun's magnetic field. The present investigation is concerned with the global equilibrium shape of a flux tube in the stratified solar atmosphere. A fundamental property of isolated flux tubes is magnetic buoyancy. Attention is given to flux tubes with external field, and twisted flux tubes. It is shown that the analysis of Parker (1975, 1979) and Spruit (1981) for calculating the equilibrium of a slender flux tube in a stratified atmosphere may be extended to more general situations. The slender tube approximation provides a method of solving the problem of modeling the overall curvature of flux tubes. It is found that for a twisted flux tube, there can be two possible equilibrium values of the height.

Browning, P. K.↗

Stellar fibril magnetic systems. I - Reduced energy state

The remarkable fibril structure of the magnetic fields at the surface of the sun (with fibrils compressed to 1,000-2,000 gauss) lies outside existing statistical theories of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. The total energy of the fibril field is enhanced by a factor of more than 100 above the energy for the mean field in a continuum state. The magnetic energy density within a fibril is of the order of 100 times the local kinetic energy density, so that no simple application of equipartition principles is possible. It is pointed out that the total energy of the atmosphere (thermal + gravitational + magnetic) is reduced by the fibril state of the field by avoiding the magnetic inhibition of the convective overturning, suggesting that the formation of the observed intense fibril state may be in response to the associated energy reduction. Calculation of the minimum total energy of a polytropic atmosphere permeated by magnetic fibrils yields theoretical fibril fields of the order of 1-5 kilogauss when characteristics appropriate to the solar convective zone are introduced, in rough agreement with the actual fields of 1-2 kilogauss. The polytrope model, although crude, establishes that a large reduction in total energy is made possible by the fibril state.

Parker, E. N.↗

The south-central United States magnetic anomaly

The South-Central United States Magnetic Anomaly is the most prominent positive feature in the MAGSAT scalar magnetic field over North America. The anomaly correlates with increased crustal thickness, above average crustal velocity, negative free air gravity anomalies and an extensive zone of Middle Proterozoic anorogenic felsic basement rocks. Spherical dipole source inversion of the MAGSAT scalar data and subsequent calculation of reduced to pole and derivative maps provide constraints for a crustal magnetic model which corresponds geographically to the extensive Middle Proterozoic felsic rocks trending northeasterly across the United States. These felsic rocks contain insufficient magnetization or volume to produce the anomaly, but are rather indicative of a crustal zone which was disturbed during a Middle Proterozoic thermal event which enriched magnetic material deep in the crust.

Hinze, W. J.↗

Continental and oceanic crustal magnetization modelling

Inversion of magnetic data from the MAGSAT satellite, to arrive at intensities of magnetization of the Earth's crust, was performed by two different methods. The first method uses a spherical harmonic model of the magnetic field. The coefficients believed to represent sources in the Earth's crust can then be inverted to arrive at vertical dipole moments per unit area at the Earth's surface. The spherical harmonic models contain coefficients of degrees of harmonics up to 23. The dipole moment per unit area for a surface element can then be determined by summing the contribution for each individual degree of harmonic. The magnetic moments were calculated for continental and oceanic areas separately as well as over certain latitudinal segments. Of primary concern was to determine whether there are any differences between continental and oceanic areas. The second analysis with magnetization intensities was made using narrower ranges of degrees of harmonics, assuming that higher degrees are present in the core field signal.

Harrison, C. G. A.↗

The mineralogy of global magnetic anomalies

Experimental and analytical data on magnetic mineralogy was provided as an aid to the interpretation of magnetic anomaly maps. An integrated program, ranging from the chemistry of materials from 100 or more km depth within the Earth, to an examination of the MAGSAT anomaly maps at about 400 km above the Earth's surface, was undertaken. Within this framework, a detailed picture of the pertinent mineralogical and magnetic relationships for the region of West Africa was provided. Efforts were directed toward: (1) examining the geochemistry, mineralogy, magnetic properties, and phases relations of magnetic oxides and metal alloys in rocks demonstrated to have originated in the lower crust of upper mantle, (2) examining the assumption that these rocks portray the nature of their source regions; and (3) examining the regional geology, tectonics, gravity field and the MAGSAT anomaly maps for West Africa.

Haggerty, S. E.↗

Rome/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) magnetic field experiment: A summary of results

A triaxial flux gate magnetometer (E3) was developed and operated to accurately measure the vector magnetic field onboard Helios 1 and 2. Observations of large-scale variations and sector structure confirm theoretical descriptions and compuations. Limits on the configuration of a magnetic cloud are set, and the source of at least one magnetic cloud is identified as a coronal mass ejection. Two types of interplanetary flow pattern are identified: a corotating stream and interaction region related to the boundary, and a transient flow associated with a shock wave. Discontinuities in the direction and/or strength of the magnetic field are explained. Alfven waves and magnetic turbulence are characterized by simultaneous Helios 1 and 2 observations.

Mariani, F.↗

Current evolution in a numerical emerging-magnetic-flux model

The resistive-MHD equations are numerically solved in two-dimensions for an initial-boundary-value problem which models the emergence of magnetic flux from the photosphere into the corona. As the emergence begins a current sheet forms around the emerging region which separates the emerging region from the overlying coronal magnetic field. This current sheet is the source of the free-magnetic energy in the system, and in the limit of zero resistivity it is a simple tangential discontinuity. However, when the resistivity is finite, reconnection between the magnetic field in the emerging region and the overlying coronal magnetic field ensures, and the subsequent evolution of the enveloping current sheet becomes complex. The overall time history of the current evolution is suggestive of the expected current evolution for the pre-flare, impulsive, and main phases of flares.

Forbes, T.↗

The south-central United States magnetic anomaly

The South-Central United States Magnetic Anomaly is the most prominent positive feature in the MAGSAT scalar magnetic field over North America. The anomaly correlates with increased crustal thickness, above average crustal velocity, negative free-air gravity anomalies and an extensive zone of Middle Proterozoic anorogenic felsic basement rocks. Spherical dipole source inversion of the MAGSAT scalar data and subsequent calculation of reduced-to-pole and derivative maps provide additional constraints for a crustal magnetic model which corresponds geographically to the extensive Middle Proterozoic felsic rocks trending northeasterly across the United States. These felsic rocks contain insufficient magnetization or volume to produce the anomaly, but are rather indicative of a crustal zone which was disturbed during a Middle Proterozoic thermal event which enriched magnetic material deep in the crust.

Starich, P. J.↗

Regional magnetic anomaly constraints on continental rifting

Radially polarized MAGSAT anomalies of North and South America, Europe, Africa, India, Australia and Antarctica demonstrate remarkably detailed correlation of regional magnetic lithospheric sources across rifted margins when plotted on a reconstruction of Pangea. These major magnetic features apparently preserve their integrity until a superimposed metamorphoric event alters the magnitude and pattern of the anomalies. The longevity of continental scale magnetic anomalies contrasts markedly with that of regional gravity anomalies which tend to reflect predominantly isostatic adjustments associated with neo-tectonism. First observed as a result of NASA's magnetic satellite programs, these anomalies provide new and fundamental constraints on the geologic evolution and dynamics of the continents and oceans. Accordingly, satellite magnetic observations provide a further tool for investigating continental drift to compliment other lines of evidence in paleoclimatology, paleontology, paleomagnetism, and studies of the radiometric ages and geometric fit of the continents.

Vonfrese, R. R. B.↗

Force-free equilibria of magnetized jets

Force-free equilibrium configurations of magnetic-pressure-dominated magnetized supersonic jets confined by slowly varying external pressure are investigated analytically. For the case where internal dissipation mechanisms are active, the lowest-energy field configuration is found to be the superposition of an axisymmetric mode and a helical mode with a wavelength equal to 5 times the jet radius, and the pressure below which the nonaxisymmetric mode becomes energetically favorable is given as 2700 times the product of the 4th power of the magnetic helicity per unit length and the -6th power of the magnetic flux. A model of the total and polarized emission of such a configuration is developed and applied to the extended well-collimated astronomically resolved jet NGC 6251. The model is shown to reproduce significant features such as transverse oscillations of the ridge line, width oscillations and emission knots, the projected magnetic-field configuration, oscillations of the degree of polarization, and the distribution of the Faraday rotation measure.

Koenigl, A.↗

An estimation of continental crust magnetization and susceptibility from Magsat data for the conterminous United States

The Magsat-derived magnetic anomaly field over the United States was inverted to magnetization in a seismically determined variable-thickness lower crust. The results are quite similar to those obtained from a previous inversion of POGO data. The average magnetization is 3.45 + or - 1.0 A/m, which gives a bulk magnetic susceptibility of 8.7 + or - 2.4 x 10 to the -2nd (SI units) for the lower crustal layer consistent with a mafic composition. These values are also consistent with previous estimates of lower crustal magnetization from aeromagnetic data and with laboratory measurements of mafic rock susceptibilities.

Schnetzler, C. C.↗

Differential rotation of the magnetic fields of gaseous planets

The differential rotation of the magnetic fields of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as those of Uranus and Neptune if they have internal dynamo-generated magnetic fields, is examined. It is shown that the behavior of the magnetic fields is more analogous to the sun then to the earth. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that polar magnetic features on Jupiter and Saturn spin more slowly than the equatorial magnetic field. Consideration is given to Jovian narrow-band kilometric radio emission, to brightness periodicities in the Io torus, and to Saturn cloud motions.

Dessler, A. J.↗