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At least 1,351 records · Page 75

Critical currents in sputtered copper molybdenum sulphide

Critical currents in a sputtered Chevrel-phase copper molybdenum sulfide have been measured at 4.2 K as a function of applied magnetic field. Self-field critical-current values up to 10 to the 9th A/sq m were found, decreasing to 10 to the 8th A/sq m at 3 T. Graphs of pinning forces versus field were found to be independent of field direction, and the pinning mechanism is sample independent. Critical-current densities for sputtered lead molybdenum sulphide are estimated to be about 10 to the 8th A/sq m at 26 T based on a scaling law for pinning.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Different approaches of spectral analysis

Several approaches to the problem of the calculation of spectral power density of a random function from an estimate of the autocorrelation function were studied. A comparative study was presented of these different methods. The principles on which they are based and the hypothesis implied were pointed out. Some indications on the optimization of the length of the estimated correlation function was given. An example of application of the different methods discussed in this paper was included.

Lacoume, J. L.↗

On the origin of ringing irregularities - A meteor hypothesis

Isolated ionospheric irregularities produce oscillating diffraction patterns on the ground. In the present study typical physical properties such as density, size, etc. of these irregularities are estimated on the basis of diffraction pattern characteristics. These properties agree well with those of meteor trail ionization and it has been found that most of these oscillating irregularities occur on meteor shower days. It is therefore suggested that the oscillating irregularities are caused by meteor showers.

Deshpande, M. R.↗

Two-photon excitation of nitric oxide fluorescence as a temperature indicator in unsteady gas-dynamic processes

A laser induced fluorescence technique, suitable for measuring fluctuating temperatures in cold turbulent flows containing very low concentrations of nitric oxide is described. Temperatures below 300 K may be resolved with signal to noise ratios greater than 50 to 1 using high peak power, tunable dye lasers. The method relies on the two photon excitation of selected ro-vibronic transitions. The analysis includes the effects of fluorescence quenching and shows the technique to be effective at all densities below ambient. Signal to noise ratio estimates are based on a preliminary measurement of the two photon absorptivity for a selected rotational transition in the NO gamma (0,0) band.

Mckenzie, R. L.↗

Standing Alfven wave current system at Io: Voyager 1 observations

The enigmatic control of the occurrence frequency of Jupiter's decametric emissions by the satellite Io is explained theoretically on the basis of its strong electrodynamic interaction with the corotating Jovian magnetosphere leading to field aligned currents connecting Io with the Jovian ionosphere. Direct measurements of the perturbation magnetic fields due to this current system were obtained by the magnetic field experiment on Voyager 1 on 5 March 1979 when it passed within 20,500 km south of Io. An interpretation in the framework of Alfven waves radiated by Io leads to current estimates of 2.8 million amps. A mass density of 7400 to 13600 proton mass units per Cu cm is derived which compares very favorably with independent observations of the torus composition characterized by 7-9 proton mass units per electron for a local electron density of 1050 to 1500 per cu cm. The power dissipated in the current system may be important for heating the Io heavy ion torus, inner magnetosphere, Jovian ionosphere, and possibly the ionosphere or even the interior of Io.

Acuna, M. H.↗

Integrated fluxes for emission lines in the ultraviolet spectra of several planetaries

The IUE satellite observatory was used to obtain absolutely-calibrated emission line fluxes for diagnostic lines of multiply-ionized C, N, O, Si, Ne, and Ar which occur in the ultraviolet spectral region of planetary nebulae. These data, when combined with data from the blue, visual, and near infrared, provide improved estimates of ionic concentrations, plasma temperatures and densities, and elemental abundances.

Carpenter, K. G.↗

Detection of variations in aspen forest habitat from LANDSAT digital data: Bear River Range, Utah

The aspen forests of the Bear River Range were analyzed and mapped using data recorded on July 2, 1979 by the LANDSAT III satellite; study efforts yielded sixty-seven light signatures for the study area, of which three groups were identified as aspen and mapped at a scale of 1:24,000. Analysis and verification of the three groups were accomplished by random location of twenty-six field study plots within the LANDSAT-defined aspen areas. All study plots are included within the Cache portion of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The following selected site characteristics were recorded for each study plot: a list of understory species present; average percent cover density for understory species; aspen canopy cover estimates and stem measurements; and general site topographic characteristics. The study plot data were then analyzed with respect to corresponding Landsat spectral signatures. Field studies show that all twenty-six study plots are associated with one of the three aspen groups. Further study efforts concentration on characterizing the differences between the site characteristics of plots falling into each of the three aspen groups.

Merola, J. A.↗

Centrifugally driven diffusion of Iogenic plasma

The plasma distribution around Io as measured by Voyager 1 displays an asymmetric discontinuity at Io's orbit that has been suggested to be the signature of centrifugally driven interchange diffusion fed by plasma derived from Io. This hypothesis is explored further and found to be valid. The particular form for the diffusion coefficient appropriate to centrifugally driven turbulence is derived. The nonlinear character of this kind of diffusion is thereby made explicit. Solutions to the nonlinear, time-independent and linearized, time-dependent diffusion equations are given. These display a markedly conservative behavior. The nonlinear, steady state solutions are identical in form to the solutions of the previously studied equation of linear, atmospherically driven diffusion. The linearized, time-dependent solutions exhibit a negative feed-back quality that buffers the response of the density to changes in the source strength. Estimates of the source strength, the diffusion coefficient, and the signal propagation speed are also given.

Siscoe, G. L.↗

First evidence for a Europa plasma torus

The evidence from the Pioneer 10 plasma analyzer that plasma derived from Europa was present in the Jovian magnetosphere in December 1973 is summarized. Plasma detected between 1900 UT and 2100 UT on December 3, 1973, reveals a number of significant phenomena near the expected position of Europa's L shell. Mass addition to the magnetospheric plasma is indicated by a local increase in density apparently superimposed on the density gradient of Iogenic plasma. This increase in plasma density is unlike any phenomenon observed when the spacecraft is near a lunar L shell. The density shows fluctuations that make possible an estimate of the net outflow speed of magnetospheric ions per Jovian rotation. A radial flow speed in 1973 of 0.37 km/s from the Pioneer data is made, together with an estimate of 1 km/s in 1979 from Voyager 2 data, thus indicating a significant change.

Intriligator, D. S.↗

A computer program for determining the electrophoretic mobility of cells in a rectangular chamber during asymmetric electroosmotic flow

In the field of cell electrophoresis, computer programs have been used for the estimation of zeta potential and surface charge density of specific charged chemical species from electrophoretic mobility data. The union of computer and microscope cell electrophoresis in the laboratory has yielded several satisfying results. The method organizes and error checks these data and stores them on permanent file for future reference or reanalysis. This computer analysis, accomplished in two steps by two main programs and a major subroutine, provides a quick, useful and realistic presentation of mobility data in histogram form, and is appropriate for any microelectrophoretic work using rectangular chambers. Computer program 1 is the first step of two in the analysis of mobility data. Program 2 consists of the main program, POLY2, which fits a least squares parabola to the apparent mobility data generated by Program 1, and the subroutine EXTRA which determines actual cell mobilities using the regression curve equation.

Source record↗

Revised ion temperatures for Voyager plasma measurements in the Io plasma torus

A calculation error in previous computations of ion temperatures in the Io plasma torus of the Jovian magnetosphere from Voyager plasma-science-experiment measurements is reported, and its effects on subsequently published studies are evaluated. It is found that the temperatures reported by Bagenal et al. (1980) and Bagenal and Sullivan (1981) for Jupiter and by Bridge et al. (1981) for Saturn are half the correct values, with major effects on ionic-species scale heights, plasma-density maps, and flux-tube content estimations. The temperatures given by Bridge et al. (1979) and McNutt et al. (1981) are not affected by the error. A corrected isodensity contour map is presented, and uncertainties in the measurement of ion temperatures are discussed.

Bagenal, F.↗

Ultrasonic characterization of structural ceramics

Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements were used to characterize density and microstructure in monolithic silicon nitride and silicon carbide. Research samples of these structural ceramics exhibited a wide range of density and microstructural variations. It was shown that bulk density variations correlate with and can be estimated by velocity measurements. Variations in microstructural features such as grain size or shape and pore morphology had a minor effect on velocity. However, these features had a pronounced effect on ultrasonic attenuation. The ultrasonic results are supplemented by low-energy radiography and scanning laser acoustic microscopy.

Klima, S. J.↗

Nondestructive characterization of structural ceramics

Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements were used to characterize density and microstructure in monolithic silicon nitride and silicon carbide. Research samples of these structural ceramics exhibited a wide range of density and microstructural variations. It was shown that bulk density variations correlate with and can be estimated by velocity measurements. Variations in microstructural features such as grain size or shape and pore morphology had a minor effect on velocity. However, these features had a pronounced effect on ultrasonic attenuation. The ultrasonic results are supplemented by low-energy radiography and scanning laser acoustic microscopy.

Klima, S. J.↗

Mg II emission from shock waves in Mira variables

In order to investigate the atmospheric shock dynamics of Miras, a program to monitor the ultraviolet Mg II flux, the visual magnitude (using the IUE FES-magnitude) and whenever possible the hydrogen Balmer emission for several Miras was initiated. Results suggest that it should be possible to derive the density structure of the atmosphere and hence estimate quite accurately the kinetic energy input into the stellar atmosphere. The atmospheric shock models suggest that at phase equal 1.0 most of the energy which enters the region where the shock is located ends up in the wind. This is after the strongest Mg II emission is seen. From an observed velocity at infinity and an estimate of the energy input derived from the Mg II flux, it will be possible to determine the mass loss rate for these objects.

Brugel, Edward W.↗

Submm observations of IRAS galaxies

Twenty-six galaxies from the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) point source catalog were observed at 250 and 1300 microns. The Far Infrared (FIR) spectra from 25 to 1300 microns are interpreted in terms of two dust components of about 16 and 53 K. Flux densities at 1300 microns are used to estimate the total gas mass M sub g. The warm dust luminosity L sup W is considered to be proportional to M sub g sup 0.9 in the mass range 3 x 10 to the 8th is equal to or less than M sub g/solar mass is equal to or less than 10 to the 12th power. The efficiency of star formation seems to be four times higher in barred and peculiar galaxies than in Sc types.

Chini, R.↗

AC impedance analysis of polypyrrole thin films

The AC impedance spectra of thin polypyrrole films were obtained at open circuit potentials from -0.4 to 0.4 V vs SCE. Two limiting cases are discussed for which simplified equivalent circuits are applicable. At very positive potentials, the predominantly nonfaradaic AC impedance of polypyrrole is very similar to that observed previously for finite porous metallic films. Modeling of the data with the appropriate equivalent circuit permits effective pore diameter and pore number densities of the oxidized film to be estimated. At potentials from -0.4 to -0.3 V, the polypyrrole film is essentially nonelectronically conductive and diffusion of polymer oxidized sites with their associated counterions can be assumed to be linear from the film/substrate electrode interface. The equivalent circuit for the polypyrrole film at these potentials is that previously described for metal oxide, lithium intercalation thin films. Using this model, counterion diffusion coefficients are determined for both semi-infinite and finite diffusion domains. In addition, the limiting low frequency resistance and capacitance of the polypyrrole thin fims was determined and compared to that obtained previously for thicker films of the polymer. The origin of the observed potential dependence of these low frequency circuit components is discussed.

Penner, Reginald M.↗

Probing thick vegetation canopies with a field microwave scatterometer

with a narrow-beam field microwave scatterometer having a variable slant range and a small slant-range resolution, investigators can estimate the distribution of backscattering sources in a medium as a function of slant range. From this, they can calculate the backscattering coefficient. With less confidence, they can estimate the volume extinction coefficient, the volume density of backscattering cross sections, the transmittance, and the backscattering coefficient of a semiinfinite medium with the same volumetric microwave properties. These parameters allow one to understand the interactions of microwaves with media such as vegetation canopies with their substrates.

Paris, J. F.↗

Observations of energetic ions on the nightside of Venus

Ions with energy greater than 40 eV have been measured on the nightside of Venus by the Pioneer Venus orbiter neutral mass spectrometer (ONMS). For periapsis altitudes beyond 1500 km, they are confined to solar zenith angles greater than 120 deg. The nightside energetic ion composition at 2000 km resembles the nightside thermal ion composition occurring at 1000 km with the dominant species being O(+). Postflight laboratory calibrations performed on the ONMS backup unit have been used to estimate the energetic O(+) ambient flux and density. The direction from which the energetic ions appear to be coming can be determined because the ONMS is mounted at an angle with respect to the spin axis of the spacecraft. Both tailward and antitailward components of the apparent ion flow are exhibited when projected into the ecliptic plane. The major component of the apparent ion flow is observed perpendicular to the ecliptic plane.

Kasprzak, W. T.↗