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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2003

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.↗
NASA NTRS1998

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.↗
NASA NTRS1990

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.↗
NASA NTRS1994

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.↗
DOE OSTI2021

SN 2019yvq Does Not Conform to SN Ia Explosion Models

We present new photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2019yvq, a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) exhibiting several peculiar properties including an excess of UV/optical flux within days of explosion, a high Si ii velocity, and a low peak luminosity. Photometry near the time of first light places new constraints on the rapid rise of the UV/optical flux excess. Furthermore, a near-infrared spectrum at +173 days after maximum light places strict limits on the presence of H or He emission, effectively excluding the presence of a nearby nondegenerate star at the time of explosion. New optical spectra, acquired at +128 and +150 days after maximum light, confirm the presence of [Ca ii] λ7300 and persistent Ca ii NIR triplet emission as SN 2019yvq transitions into the nebular phase. The lack of [O i]$\lambda 6300$ emission disfavors the violent merger of two C/O white dwarfs (WDs) but the merger of a C/O WD with a He WD cannot be excluded. We compare our findings with several models in the literature postulated to explain the early flux excess including double-detonation explosions, 56 Ni mixing into the outer ejecta during ignition, and interaction with H- and He-deficient circumstellar material. Each model may be able to explain both the early flux excess and the nebular [Ca ii] emission, but none of the models can reconcile the high photospheric velocities with the low peak luminosity without introducing new discrepancies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1979

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.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of Cu4S10(4-methylpyridine)4

The title compound, Cu4S10(4-methylpyridine)(sub 4) (dot) 4-methylpyridine was prepared by three different reactions: the oxidation of copper powder by sulfur and the reaction of copper (I) sulfide (or CuBr (dot) SMe2) with excess sulfur, both in the coordinating solvent, 4-methylpyridine. Red crystals of the compound obtained by layering with hexanes were subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure was refined to R = 0.026 and R(sub w) = 0.036 in a space group P1bar (No. 2), with Z = 2, a = 13.983 (2) A, b = 15.384 (2) A, c = 9.660 (1) A, alpha = 93.87 (1)deg., beta = 93.38 (1)deg., gamma = 99.78 (1)deg., V = 2037.9 (9) A(exp 3). The compound has approximate S(sub 4) symmetry and consists of two pentasulfide chains linking four Cu(I) ions, each with a corrdinating 2-methylpyridine. The infrared spectrum was dominated by absorption due to coordinated 4-methylpyridine with several low-energy peaks attributable to S-S stretches, which were also observed by Raman spectroscopy. A featureless electronic absorption spectrum yielded a single peak in the near ultraviolet upon computer enhancement (lambda = 334 nm, epsilon = 10,000), most likely an intraligand transition. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that the polysulfide complex undergoes irrversible oxidation and reduction at +0.04 and -0.34 V vs. SCE, respectively, at 298 K in 4-methylpyridine when swept at 20 mV/sec. The electrochemical behavior was unvaried even at sweep rates as high as 100 V/sec.

Hepp, Aloysius F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical investigations in the backflow region of a vacuum plume

The objective of this research is to numerically simulate the vacuum plume flow field in the backflow region of a low thrust nozzle exit. In space applications, the low thrust nozzles are used as a propulsion device to control the vehicle attitude, or to maneuver the vehicle flight trajectory. When the spacecraft is deployed in the orbit or cruising in a planetary mission, the vacuum plume is created behind the nozzle exit (so called backflow region), by the exhausting gas of the propulsion system or by venting internal gas to the extremely low density ambient. The low density vacuum plume flow regions cover the continuum, transitional and free molecular flow regimes, which were characterized by the Knudsen number K(sub n), K(sub n) = lambda(sub m)/L where lambda(sub m) is the mean free path of the gas molecules and L is the characteristic length of the flow field. The transitional regime is defined by 0.01 is less than or equal to K(sub n) is less than or equal to 10. The conventional Navier-Stokes equations are valid only in the flow region close to the nozzle exit since the validity of the Navier-Stokes equations fails asymptotically as the Knudsen number increases. The vacuum plume characteristics prediction is primarily a problem of transitional aerodynamics.

Liaw, Goang-Shin↗
NASA NTRS1990

Detection of nitric oxide in the dark cloud L134N

The first detection of interstellar nitric oxide (NO) in a cold dark cloud, L134N is reported. Nitric oxide was observed by means of its two 2 Pi 1/2, J = 3/2 - 1/2, rotational transitions at 150.2 and 150.5 GHz, which occur because of Lambda-doubling. The inferred column density for L134N is about 5 x 10 to the 14th/sq cm toward the SO peak in that cloud. This value corresponds to a fractional abundance relative to molecular hydrogen of about 6 x 10 to the -8th and is in good agreement with predictions of quiescent cloud ion-molecule chemistry. NO was not detected toward the dark cloud TMC-1 at an upper limit of 3 x 10 to the -8th or less.

Mcgonagle, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Heat and mass transfer in porous media phase separation at temperatures below the lambda-point of He-4

Newtonian fluid motion, coupled to heat transfer via latent heat of phase transition, is well known from numerous studies of condensation and boiling. Considerably less knowledge is available for vapor-liquid phase separation in the absence of gravity effect on the transport phenomena. The present studies are focused on heat and mass transfer associated with vapor-liquid phase separation required for long-term storage of the cryogen liquid He II in space vessels. Though space conditions are the dominant mode of interest in advanced equipment, e.g. IR telescopes, the systems may be operated in principle during terrestrial conditions. The latter are considered in the present work. It emphasizes the linear regime including an extrapolation based on variable thermophysical properties. Data taken with a phase separation approach show departures from the linear regime prediction. They agree with a transport equation proposed for the nonlinear, turbulent regime.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

IUE observations of cool stars - Alpha Aurigae, HR1099, Lambda Andromedae, and Epsilon Eridani

Initial IUE observations of four cool stars are reported. Observed fluxes and surface fluxes are given for several UV emission lines in the spectral range 1175-2000 A, obtained at low and high dispersion with the short-wavelength spectrograph and camera. These lines are formed in the outer atmospheres of these stars, in regions presumably analogous to the solar chromosphere and transition region. The surface fluxes in the lines increase along the sequence: quiet sun, Epsilon Eri, Lambda And, Alpha Aur, and HR1099. The 2.8-d RS CVn-type binary HR1099, observed on 1 March 1978 near the end of a major flaring episode, has line surface fluxes roughly 100 times that of the quiet sun, similar to those seen in solar flares. Line profiles and flux ratios in multiplets for Capella are presented, and comments given on the opacity of the lines and on a tendency of line width to increase with temperature of formation.

Linsky, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The active chromosphere binary HD 17433 (VY Arietis)

The sixth-magnitude K star HD 17433 (VY Ari) is shown to be an active-chromosphere binary with an orbital period of 13.198 days. A photometric (rotational) period of 17.4 days is indicated by the existing photometry, implying that HD 17433 is not in synchronous rotation. In the optical, H-alpha is seen in emission, with variable profile and intensity; He I lambda-5876 is present in absorption. IUE observations show chromospheric and transition-region emission lines with surface fluxes up to 200 times greater than those observed in the quiet sun. The luminosity and radius are appropriate for a subgiant, and the kinematics suggest Pleiades group membership. The presence of a lithium absorption feature indicates it may either be a young object, possibly a pre-main sequence star or an evolved spotted RS CVn system. Interpretations from the optical measurement of the magnetic field strength of HD 17433 are given.

Bopp, Bernard W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nitric oxide in star-forming regions - Further evidence for interstellar N-O bonds

Nitric oxide has been newly detected toward several star-forming clouds, including Orion-KL, Sgr B2(N), W33A, W51M, and DR21(OH) via its J = 3/2-1/2 transitions near 150 GHz, using the FCRAO 14 m telescope. Both lambda-doubling components of NO were observed toward all sources. Column densities derived for nitric oxide in these clouds are 10 to the 15th-10 to the 16th/sq cm, corresponding to fractional abundances of 0.5-1.0 x 10 to the -8th, relative to H2. Toward Orion-KL, the NO line profile suggests that the species arises primarily from hot, dense gas. Nitric oxide may arise from warm material toward the other clouds as well. Nitric oxide in star-forming regions could be synthesized by high-temperature reactions, although the observed abundances do not disagree with values predicted from low-temperature, ion-molecule chemistry by more than one order of magnitude.

Ziurys, L. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamics of inspiraling dark energy

Abstract We investigate the dynamics of a multifield dark energy model, which arises from certain rapid-turning and inspiraling trajectories in field space. We find the speed of sound $$c_s$$ c s of the dark energy perturbations around the background and show that $$c_s$$ c s is monotonically decreasing with time. Furthermore, it has a positive-definite lower bound that implies a certain clustering scale. We also extend the previously known background solution for dark energy to an exact solution that includes matter. This allows us to address the implications of our model for two cosmological tensions. More precisely, we argue that the $$\sigma _8$$ σ 8 tension can be alleviated generically, while reducing the Hubble tension requires certain constraints on the parameter space of the model. Notably, a necessary condition for alleviating the Hubble tension is that the transition from matter domination to the dark energy epoch begins earlier than in $$\Lambda $$ Λ CDM.

Anguelova, Lilia↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ultraviolet and optical spectrum studies of Lambda Andromedae - Evidence for atmospheric inhomogeneities

To pursue the study of solar phenomena in cool stars, chromospheric activity in Lambda Andromedae (HD 222107 has been investigated). This binary, whose primary star is G7-G8 IV-III, shows strong chromospheric emissions and is related to the RS CVn-type systems. The first quantitative measurements of chromospheric and solar-type transition-region emissions as a function of the variable starspot and active-region phenomena in an RS CVn star are presented. The presence of optically darker starspots in Lambda And coincides with the brightening of both Ca II K emission and the ultraviolet transition-region lines. The ultraviolet and optical spectra show attributes of starspots, active regions, and mass flow. Analogies to solar activity are successful in explaining these observations.

Baliunas, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Cometary NH - Ultraviolet and submillimeter emission

A description is presented of the results of computer calculations on the molecule NH, which is an important constituent of cometary comae, and a probable, but an as yet undetected, interstellar species. Attention is given to spectroscopic properties, the treatment of solar spectral data, and radiative transfer calculations. The results of calculations for the Einstein A-coefficients are given in an appendix, where the entries for the X-X and A-A transitions depend on the assumed permanent electric-dipole moment squared. Rotational-spin-Lambda-doublet energy levels used for statistical equilibrium population densities are listed in a table.

Litvak, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The rotational spectrum of the C3H radical

The rotational spectrum of the recently discovered C3H radical in both fine-structure ladders of its electronic ground state (X2Pi) with lambda doubling and hyperfine structure has been determined to high accuracy, and the strongest transitions at frequencies less than 376 GHz are tabulated. Recently published spectroscopic constants derived from astronomical and laboratory data (Gottlieb et al., 1985) allowed calculation of the spectrum to a radial velocity of 0.4 km/s at frequencies less than 200 GHz, the uncertainties above being somewhat larger. The hyperfine constants of the sequence of four hydrocarbon radicals CH, C2H, C3H, and C4H are briefly described.

Gottlieb, C. A.↗