Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “emittance”

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 1,117 records · Page 62

Einstein observations of quasars

X-ray observations of quasars with the imaging proportional counter and the high-resolution imager aboard the Einstein X-ray Observatory are reviewed. Detailed results are discussed for seven quasars with redshifts of 0.07 to 3.1. Data on 40 X-ray quasars observed with the Einstein imaging systems are summarized in the form of plots of 0.5-4.5-keV X-ray luminosity vs. redshift and of K-corrected X-ray emission vs. K-corrected optical flux. The results show that: (1) quasars as a class are luminous X-ray emitters; (2) quasars are a major contributor to the 2-keV X-ray background; (3) X-ray observations of quasars can be combined with observations of the X-ray background to set limits on the number of faint quasars; and (4) the Einstein imaging systems could detect quasars with redshifts of 3 to 10.

Tananbaum, H.↗

Radio emission in the directions of cD and related galaxies in poor clusters. III - VLA observations at 20 cm

VLA radio maps and optical identifications of a sample of sources in the directions of 21 Yerkes poor cluster fields are presented. The majority of the cluster radio sources are associated with the dominant D or cD galaxies (approximately 70 percent). Our analysis of dominant galaxies in rich and poor clusters indicates that these giant galaxies are much more often radio emitters (approximately 25 percent of cD's are radio active in the poor clusters), have steeper radio spectra, and have simpler radio morphologies (i.e., double or other linear structure) than other less bright ellipticals. A strong continuum of radio properties in cD galaxies is seen from rich to poor clusters. It is speculated that the location of these dominant galaxies at the cluster centers (i.e., at the bottom of a deep, isolated gravitational potential well) is the crucial factor in explaining their multifrequency activity. Galaxy cannibalism and gas infall models as fueling mechanisms for the observed radio and X-ray emission are discussed

Burns, J. O.↗

Geologic remote sensing

Remote-sensing techniques based on the analysis of spectral reflectance, spectral emittance, thermal inertia, and radar measurements are reviewed. Specific applications of Landsat multispectral scanner are examined with emphasis on mineral exploration. The potential of satellite systems for detailed lithologic mapping is pointed out.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

The Jupiter hot plasma torus - Observed electron temperature and energy flows

The detection of the optical emission /O I/ 6300 A (8 + or - 4 R) and /S III/ 6312 A (48 + or - 5 R) is reported. It is noted that these emissions are indicators of the ion source morphology and the plasma physical state and that the S III emitters have a kinetic temperature of approximately 10 to the 6th K. When combined with observations of UV lines from the same species, the optical measurements separately imply effective electron temperatures for radiative processes that are mutually consistent (approximately 50,000 K).

Brown, R. A.↗

Effects of gamma-ray, neutrino, and particle production on the energetics and dynamics of compact extragalactic radio sources

Consideration is given to particle production and high-energy radiation within apparently superluminal radio components of extragalactic radio sources forming within the apparent region of nuclear activity of a quasar or active galaxy. The physical conditions in compact components observed as radio emitters are derived for the quasars 3C 273 and 3C 345 and extrapolated to those of initial components of sizes on the order of 10 to the 15th cm on the basis of two-dimensional relativistic jet and relativistic three-dimensional models of component expansion. Probabilities that a given particle avoids an inelastic collision in the relativistic plasma are calculated for both cases which show that collisions which produce particles and radiation may be very important during the formation of a compact radio component. The consequences of electron-positron production, bremsstrahlung and proton-proton inelastic collisions ultimately giving rise to neutrinos and gamma rays for the development and energetics of the radio component are then examined, and upper limits to the amount of energy which can be channeled into radio components from an active region without giving rise to a high-energy X-ray source are derived.

Vestrand, W. T.↗

Advanced radiative cooler with angled shields

Recent demands for spaceborne sensor temperatures below 90 K are exceeding the capabilities of present passive radiative cooler designs. To improve cooling performance, a novel technique was developed to radiatively and conductively isolate the radiating plate from the spacecraft using low-emittance, highly specular angled radiation shields. An experimental test of the new shield concept verified its effectiveness and enabled calibration of a detailed thermal model. Based on the concept test results, performance predictions show that the Advanced Radiator can achieve lower temperatures, deliver more cooling power and be smaller and lighter than the best state-of-the-art coolers.

Bard, S.↗

Neutralizing charged-up spacecraft

The problem of spacecraft charging is examined. The mechanism by which a spacecraft acquires a charge with respect to the ambient space environment is discussed. Methods used to avoid spacecraft dysfunction due to charging, including the use of electron and ion emitters, adequately conducting surfaces, and dielectric materials with high secondary-emission coefficients, are described. Special attention is given to the development, in the context of the Scatha program, of a computerized model which will allow the calculation of spacecraft potential for a given set of conditions.

Garrett, H. B.↗

Goals of thermionic program for space power

The considered investigation has the two objectives to assess the feasibility of operating a Brayton power-generating system at 1500 K and to explore the manner in which changing goals for the thermionic program may have resulted in the rise in specific mass that has been observed. Concerning the first objective, it is pointed out that to date no components have been built and evaluated for use in a Brayton space-power system to operate at 1500 K. On the other hand, the principles in design were successfully demonstrated at 1150 K with materials appropriate to that temperature. Long-time creep data for both the tantalum alloy ASTAR-811 C and the molybdenum alloy TZM support the performance predictions made by Harper (1979) with respect to a Brayton system providing a specific mass value of 21 kg/kWe at 1500 K. For the thermionics program, it is recommended to conduct an investigation of the original goals of high emitter temperature (1800-2000 K) and high power density.

English, R. E.↗

A mechanism for solar ultraviolet flux variability

Following an examination of solar UV emission observed by a filter photometer on Nimbus IV from 1969 to 1973 in an attempt to understand the 27-day and secular variability, two models are proposed to account for the variations: (1) a calcium plage model and (2) a chromospheric network faculae and spicule structure model. An association between UV brightenings and the large scale magnetic field has been found to be consistent with the network model. An increase in the UV emittance can be achieved by raising the effective chromospheric temperature closer to a photospheric level. If the sun's luminosity is constant on these time intervals, the enhanced UV radiation could be partially offset by an overall decrease in photospheric temperature such as that measured by Livingston (1978) in visible photospheric profiles.

Schatten, K. H.↗

DOE/JPL advanced thermionic technology program

Accomplishments in the DOE program include: continuing stable output from the combustion life test of the one-inch diameter hemispherical silicon carbine diode (Converter No. 239) at an emitter temperature of 1730 K for a period of over 4200 hours; construction of four diode module completed; favorable results obtained from TAM combustor-gas turbine system analyses; and obtained a FERP work function of 2.3 eV with the W(100)-O-Zr-C electrode. JPL program accomplishments include: the average minimum barrier index of the last six research diodes built with sublimed molybdenum oxide collectors was 20 eV (WHK).

Source record↗

Free electron lasers for transmission of energy in space

A one-dimensional resonant-particle model of a free electron laser (FEL) is used to calculate laser gain and conversion efficiency of electron energy to photon energy. The optical beam profile for a resonant optical cavity is included in the model as an axial variation of laser intensity. The electron beam profile is matched to the optical beam profile and modeled as an axial variation of current density. Effective energy spread due to beam emittance is included. Accelerators appropriate for a space-based FEL oscillator are reviewed. Constraints on the concentric optical resonator and on systems required for space operation are described. An example is given of a space-based FEL that would produce 1.7 MW of average output power at 0.5 micrometer wavelength with over 50% conversion efficiency of electrical energy to laser energy. It would utilize a 10 m-long amplifier centered in a 200 m-long optical cavity. A 3-amp, 65 meV electrostatic accelerator would provide the electron beam and recover the beam after it passes through the amplifier. Three to five shuttle flights would be needed to place the laser in orbit.

Segall, S. B.↗

The influence of autocorrelation in signature extraction: An example from a geobotanical investigation of Cotter Basin, Montana

The presence of positive serial correlation (autocorrelation) in remotely sensed data results in an underestimate of the variance-covariance matrix when calculated using contiguous pixels. This underestimate produces an inflation in F statistics. For a set of Thematic Mapper Simulator data (TMS), used to test the ability to discriminate a known geobotanical anomaly from its background, the inflation in F statistics related to serial correlation is between 7 and 70 times. This means that significance tests of means of the spectral bands initially appear to suggest that the anomalous site is very different in spectral reflectance and emittance from its background sites. However, this difference often disappears and is always dramatically reduced when compared to frequency distributions of test statistics produced by the comparison of simulated training sets possessing equal means, but which are composed of autocorrelated observations.

Labovitz, M. L.↗

Local effects of partly-cloudy skies on solar and emitted radiation

A computer automated data acquisition system for atmospheric emittance, and global solar, downwelled diffuse solar, and direct solar irradiances is discussed. Hourly-integrated global solar and atmospheric emitted radiances were measured continuously from February 1981 and hourly-integrated diffuse solar and direct solar irradiances were measured continuously from October 1981. One-minute integrated data are available for each of these components from February 1982. The results of the correlation of global insolation with fractional cloud cover for the first year's data set. A February data set, composed of one-minute integrated global insolation and direct solar irradiance, cloud cover fractions, meteorological data from nearby weather stations, and GOES East satellite radiometric data, was collected to test the theoretical model of satellite radiometric data correlation and develop the cloud dependence for the local measurement site.

Whitney, D. A.↗

An application of LANDSAT multispectral imagery for the classification of hydrobiological systems, Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park, Florida

Multivariant hydrologic parameters over the Shark River Slough were investigated. Ground truth was established utilizing U-2 infrared photography and comprehensive field data to define a control network which represented all hydrobiological systems in the slough. These data were then applied to LANDSAT imagery utilizing an interactive multispectral processor which generated hydrographic maps through classification of the slough and defined the multispectral surface radiance characteristics of the wetlands areas in the park. The spectral response of each hydrobiological zone was determined and plotted to formulate multispectral relationships between the emittent energy from the slough in order to determine the best possible multispectral wavelength combinations to enhance classification results. The extent of each hydrobiological zone in slough was determined and flow vectors for water movement throughout the slough established.

Rose, P. W.↗

Compact radio source 1413 + 135 is a far-IR extragalactic object

The radio source 1413 + 135 is shown to be one of the strongest known emitters of millimeter radiation. The energy distribution of this object, measured between meter and X-ray wavelengths, reveals that most of the power emitted by this object comes out at millimeter and far-IR wavelengths. If the emission at 1 mm is due to incoherent synchrotron radiation, then the source must be very compact, with a size around 25 micron arc sec, and contain a magnetic field larger than 10 G. The steep spectral index in the near-IR is attributed to a high-energy cutoff in the distribution of synchrotron emitting electrons at a Lorentz factor of approximately 300.

Beichman, C. A.↗

Discovery and observation of BY Draconis variables

The discovery of BY Draconis variables was efficiently accomplished by a spectroscopic survey of dK-M stars for weak H-alpha emissions, using 1-2 A resolution. The four BY Dra variables discovered are all spectroscopic binaries with P values lower than about 10 d, in light of which, it is noted that the onset of high surface activity and appearance of H-alpha emission occur sharply at v(equator) of approximately 5 km/sec. At v(equator) of about 3 km/sec, dK-M stars have low levels of surface activity. It is found that while there is a range of Ca II emission strength, and only the strongest emitters of this line are BY Dra and/or flare stars, the H-alpha feature changes abruptly to an emission feature signaling the onset of flaring and/or the BY Dra syndrome. An increase of the rotation rate above v(equator) 5 km/sec does not appear to increase the level of surface activity.

Bopp, B. W.↗

Transport of infrared radiation in cuboidal clouds

The transport of infrared radiation in a single cuboidal cloud is modeled using a variable azimuth two-stream approximation. Computations are made at 10 microns for a Deirmendjian (1969) C-1 water cloud where the single scattering albedo is equal to 0.638 and the asymmetry parameter is 0.865. The results indicate that the emittance of the top face of the model cloud is always less than that for a plane parallel cloud of the same optical depth. The hemispheric flux escaping from the cloud top possesses a gradient from the center to the edges which are warmer when the cloud is over warmer ground. Cooling rate calculations in the 8-13.6 micron region demonstrate that there is cooling out of the sides of the cloud at all levels even when there is heating of the core from the ground below. The radiances exiting from model cuboidal clouds are computed by path integration over the source function obtained with the two-stream approximation. Results indicate that the brightness temperature measured from finite clouds will overestimate the cloud-top temperature.

Harshvardhan, MR.↗

Discovery of a Seyfert 1 galaxy with an unusually soft X-ray spectrum

A newly-discovered Seyfert 1 galaxy, E1615+061, is identified with the bright, soft X-ray source H1613+06. The object possesses a steep X-ray spectrum, an energy index lower than 2.0, and is similar to BL Lac objects' variable soft X-ray components. Such components may be present at times in all compact extragalactic X-ray emitters, and could represent high-luminosity states of the accretion disks around the supermassive black holes that are the underlying power sources. Many of the presently unidentified, bright, soft X-ray sources at high galactic latitudes may fall into the category of these compact extragalactic objects.

Pravdo, S. H.↗