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At least 145 records · Page 8

Development of the ASTRO-H Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT): Engineering Model Performance

The X-ray astronomy satellite ASTRO-H, being developed under the collaboration among JAXA, NASA's GSFC and ESA, will have two Soft X-ray Telescopes (SXTs), among other instuments onboard, with a sensitive energy band below 12 keV. One is for an X-ray micorocalorimeter detector and the other for a X-ray CCD detector. The SXT uses a conically approximated Wolter I grazing incidence optic implemented by thin aluminum foil substrates with thickness of 0.152, 0.229, and 0.305 mm. It is similar to the Suzaku XRT, but with larger diameter (45 cm) and longer focal length (5.6 m). Goal of the angular resolution and effective area are 1 arcmin and 390 cm$A2$ at 6 keV, respectively. We made serveral improvements from Suzaku to ASTRO-H, such as thicker substrates, more forming mandrels, thinner epoxy layer for replication, stiffer housings, precise alignment bars, etc. With all these changes, we have fabricated the engineering test unit of the SXT. In this paper, we will discuss all the changes made, their effects, and report X-ray performance of the SXT test unit. An angular resolution of the test unit was measured at new Goddard X-ray calibration facility (100 m X-ray beamline) and was found to be 1.1 arcmin. We will also discuss further improvements toward the flight unit to be delivered to JAXA in 2012.

Okajima, Takashi↗

Comparison of High-Order and Low-Order Methods for Large-Eddy Simulation of a Compressible Shear Layer

The objective of this work is to compare a high-order solver with a low-order solver for performing Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) of a compressible mixing layer. The high-order method is the Wave-Resolving LES (WRLES) solver employing a Dispersion Relation Preserving (DRP) scheme. The low-order solver is the Wind-US code, which employs the second-order Roe Physical scheme. Both solvers are used to perform LES of the turbulent mixing between two supersonic streams at a convective Mach number of 0.46. The high-order and low-order methods are evaluated at two different levels of grid resolution. For a fine grid resolution, the low-order method produces a very similar solution to the highorder method. At this fine resolution the effects of numerical scheme, subgrid scale modeling, and filtering were found to be negligible. Both methods predict turbulent stresses that are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. However, when the grid resolution is coarsened, the difference between the two solvers becomes apparent. The low-order method deviates from experimental results when the resolution is no longer adequate. The high-order DRP solution shows minimal grid dependence. The effects of subgrid scale modeling and spatial filtering were found to be negligible at both resolutions. For the high-order solver on the fine mesh, a parametric study of the spanwise width was conducted to determine its effect on solution accuracy. An insufficient spanwise width was found to impose an artificial spanwise mode and limit the resolved spanwise modes. We estimate that the spanwise depth needs to be 2.5 times larger than the largest coherent structures to capture the largest spanwise mode and accurately predict turbulent mixing.

large eddy simulations↗

Comparison of High-Order and Low-Order Methods for Large-Eddy Simulation of a Compressible Shear Layer

The objective of this work is to compare a high-order solver with a low-order solver for performing large-eddy simulations (LES) of a compressible mixing layer. The high-order method is the Wave-Resolving LES (WRLES) solver employing a Dispersion Relation Preserving (DRP) scheme. The low-order solver is the Wind-US code, which employs the second-order Roe Physical scheme. Both solvers are used to perform LES of the turbulent mixing between two supersonic streams at a convective Mach number of 0.46. The high-order and low-order methods are evaluated at two different levels of grid resolution. For a fine grid resolution, the low-order method produces a very similar solution to the high-order method. At this fine resolution the effects of numerical scheme, subgrid scale modeling, and filtering were found to be negligible. Both methods predict turbulent stresses that are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. However, when the grid resolution is coarsened, the difference between the two solvers becomes apparent. The low-order method deviates from experimental results when the resolution is no longer adequate. The high-order DRP solution shows minimal grid dependence. The effects of subgrid scale modeling and spatial filtering were found to be negligible at both resolutions. For the high-order solver on the fine mesh, a parametric study of the spanwise width was conducted to determine its effect on solution accuracy. An insufficient spanwise width was found to impose an artificial spanwise mode and limit the resolved spanwise modes. We estimate that the spanwise depth needs to be 2.5 times larger than the largest coherent structures to capture the largest spanwise mode and accurately predict turbulent mixing.

large eddy simulations↗

Solar CIV Vacuum-Ultraviolet Fabry-Perot Interferometers

Aims: A tunable, high spectral resolution, high effective finesse, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) Fabry-Perot interferometer (PPI) is designed for obtaining narrow-passband images, magnetograms, and Dopplergrams of the transition region emission line of CIV (155 nm). Methods: The integral part of the CIV narrow passband filter package (with a 2-10 pm FWHM) consists of a multiple etalon system composed of a tunable interferometer that provides high-spectral resolution and a static low-spectral resolution interferometer that allows a large effective free spectral range. The prefilter for the interferometers is provided by a set of four mirrors with dielectric high-reflective coatings. A tunable interferometer, a VUV piezoelectric-control etalon, has undergone testing using the surrogate F2 eximer laser line at 157 nm for the CIV line. We present the results of the tests with a description of the overall concept for a complete narrow-band CIV spectral filter. The static interferometer of the filter is envisioned as being hudt using a set of fixed MgF2 plates. The four-mirror prefilter is designed to have dielectric multilayer n-stacks employing the design concept used in the Ultraviolet Imager of NASA's Polar Spacecraft. A dual etalon system allows the effective free spectral range to be commensurate with the prefilter profile. With an additional etalon, a triple etalon system would allow a spectrographic resolution of 2 pm. The basic strategy has been to combine the expertise of spaceflight etalon manufacturing with VUV coating technology to build a VUV FPI which combines the best attributes of imagers and spectrographs into a single compact instrument. Results. Spectro-polarimetry observations of the transition region CIV emission can be performed to increase the understanding of the magnetic forces, mass motion, evolution, and energy release within the solar atmosphere at the base of the corona where most of the magnetic field is approximately force-free. The 2D imaging of the full vector magnetic field at the height of maximum magnetic influence (minimum plasma beta) can be accomplished, albeit difficult, by measuring the Zeeman splitting of the CIV resonance pair. Designs of multiple VUV FPIs can be developed for integration into future orbiting solar observatories to obtain rapid cadence, spectral imaging of the transition region.

Gary, G. Allen↗

Next Generation X-Ray Optics: High-Resolution, Light-Weight, and Low-Cost

X-ray telescopes are essential to the future of x-ray astronomy. This paper describes a comprehensive program to advance the technology for x-ray telescopes well beyond the state of the art represented by the three currently operating missions: Chandra, XMM-Newton , and Suzaku . This program will address the three key issues in making an x-ray telescope: (I) angular resolution, (2) effective area per unit mass, and (3) cost per unit effective area. The objectives of this technology program are (1) in the near term, to enable Explorer-class x-ray missions and an IXO type mission, and (2) in the long term, to enable a flagship x-ray mission with sub-arcsecond angular resolution and multi-square-meter effective area, at an affordable cost. We pursue two approaches concurrently, emphasizing the first approach in the near term (2-5 years) and the second in the long term (4-10 years). The first approach is precision slumping of borosilicate glass sheets. By design and choice at the outset, this technique makes lightweight and low-cost mirrors. The development program will continue to improve angular resolution, to enable the production of 5-arcsecond x-ray telescopes, to support Explorer-class missions and one or more missions to supersede the original IXO mission. The second approach is precision polishing and light-weighting of single-crystal silicon mirrors. This approach benefits from two recent commercial developments: (1) the inexpensive and abundant availability of large blocks of mono crystalline silicon, and (2) revolutionary advances in deterministic, precision polishing of mirrors. By design and choice at the outset, this technique is capable of producing lightweight mirrors with sub-arcsecond angular resolution. The development program will increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of the polishing and the lightweighting processes, to enable the production of lightweight sub-arcsecond x-ray telescopes. Concurrent with the fabrication of lightweight mirror segments is the continued development and perfection of alignment and integration techniques, for incorporating individual mirror segments into a precision mirror assembly. Recently, we have been developing a technique called edge-bonding, which has achieved an accuracy to enable 10- arcsecond x-ray telescopes. Currently, we are investigating and improving the long-term alignment stability of so-bonded mirrors. Next, we shall refine this process to enable 5-arsecond x-ray telescopes. This technology development program includes all elements to demonstrate progress toward TRL-6: metrology; x-ray performance tests; coupled structural, thermal, and optical performance analysis, and environmental testing.

Zhang, William W.↗

Next Generation X-Ray Optics: High-Resolution, Light-Weight, and Low-Cost

X-ray telescopes are essential to the future of x-ray astronomy. In this talk I will describe a comprehensive program to advance the technology for x-ray telescopes well beyond the state of the art represented by the three currently operating missions: Chandra, XMM-Newton, and Suzaku. This program will address the three key issues in making an x-ray telescope: (1) angular resolution, (2) effective area per unit mass, and (3) cost per unit effective area. The objectives of this technology program are (1) in the near term, to enable Explorer-class x-ray missions and an IXO-type mission, and (2) in the long term, to enable a flagship x-ray mission with sub-arcsecond angular resolution and multi-square-meter effective area, at an affordable cost. We pursue two approaches concurrently, emphasizing the first approach in the near term (2-5 years) and the second in the long term (4-10 years). The first approach is precision slumping of borosilicate glass sheets. By design and choice at the outset, this technique makes lightweight and low-cost mirrors. The development program will continue to improve angular resolution, to enable the production of 5-arcsecond x-ray telescopes, to support Explorer-class missions and one or more missions to supersede the original IXO mission. The second approach is precision polishing and light-weighting of single-crystal silicon mirrors. This approach benefits from two recent commercial developments: (1) the inexpensive and abundant availability of large blocks of monocrystalline silicon, and (2) revolutionary advances in deterministic, precision polishing of mirrors. By design and choice at the outset, this technique is capable of producing lightweight mirrors with sub-arcsecond angular resolution. The development program will increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of the polishing and the light-weighting processes, to enable the production of lightweight sub-arcsecond x-ray telescopes. Concurrent with the fabrication of lightweight mirror segments is the continued development and perfection of alignment and integration techniques, for incorporating individual mirror segments into a precision mirror assembly. Recently, we have been developing a technique called edge-bonding, which has achieved an accuracy to enable 10-arcsecond x-ray telescopes. Currently, we are investigating and improving the long-term alignment stability of so-bonded mirrors. Next, we shall refine this process to enable 5-arsecond x-ray telescopes. This technology development program includes all elements to demonstrate progress toward TRL-6: metrology; x-ray performance tests; coupled structural, thermal, and optical performance analysis, and environmental testing.

Zhang, William W.↗

Sinuosity of Martian rampart ejecta deposits

The sinuosities of 2213 Martian rampart ejecta craters are quantified through measurement of the ejecta flow front perimeter and ejecta area. This quantity, called lobateness, was computed for each complete lobe of the 1582 single lobe (SL), 251 double lobe (DL), and 380 multiple lobe (ML) craters included in this study. A lobateness value of 1 indicates a circular ejecta blanket, whereas more sinuous ejecta perimeters have lobateness values greater than 1. Although resolution does have an effect on the absolute values of lobateness, the general relationships between lobateness and morphology exist regardless of resolution. Evaluation of the lobateness values reveals that the outer lobes of DL and ML craters have higher median lobateness values (i.e., are more sinuous) than the inner lobes. The outermost lobe of ML craters displays higher lobateness values than the outer lobe of DL craters or the single lobe of SL craters. Previous reports of lobateness-diameter, lobateness-latitude, and lobateness-terrain relationships for rampart craters are not supported by this study. Many of the differences between the results of this study and the previous lobateness analyses can be attributed to the inclusion of resolution effects and the distinction between different ejecta morphologies in this study. The results of this study taken together with a previous analysis of the distribution and diameter dependence of different ejecta morphologies are most consistent with the theory that Martian lobate ejecta morphologies form from impact into subsurface volatiles.

Barlow, Nadine G.↗

Economic Effects of Increased Control Zone Sizes in Conflict Resolution

A methodology for estimating the economic effects of different control zone sizes used in conflict resolutions between aircraft is presented in this paper. The methodology is based on estimating the difference in flight times of aircraft with and without the control zone, and converting the difference into a direct operating cost. Using this methodology the effects of increased lateral and vertical control zone sizes are evaluated.

Datta, Koushik↗

OH prompt emission in Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock (1983 VII)

Following Bertaux's (1986) suggestion that photodissociative OH fluorescence can furnish a direct measure of water-density distribution within about 100 km of the cometary nucleus, if sufficiently high spatial resolution is available, attention is presently given to IUE-obtained UV spectra of two comets which differ only as to effective spatial resolution, in order to search for OH prompt emission. IRAS-Araki-Alcock (1983 VII) and Tuttle (1980 XIII) spectra are compared at comparable heliocentric, but differing geocentric, distances; evidence is thereby obtained for OH prompt emission in Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock, whose implied water-production rate reflects an instantaneous value which may be compared with that derived from OH solar resonance fluorescence.

Budzien, S. A.↗

The Effects of Dissipation and Coarse Grid Resolution for Multigrid in Flow Problems

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of the numerical dissipation and the resolution of the solution on coarser grids for multigrid with the Euler equation approximations. The convergence is accomplished by multi-stage explicit time-stepping to steady state accelerated by FAS multigrid. A theoretical investigation is carried out for linear hyperbolic equations in one and two dimensions. The spectra reveals that for stability and hence robustness of spatial discretizations with a small amount of numerical dissipation the grid transfer operators have to be accurate enough and the smoother of low temporal accuracy. Numerical results give grid independent convergence in one dimension. For two-dimensional problems with a small amount of numerical dissipation, however, only a few grid levels contribute to an increased speed of convergence. This is explained by the small numerical dissipation leading to dispersion. Increasing the mesh density and hence making the problem over resolved increases the number of mesh levels contributing to an increased speed of convergence. If the steady state equations are elliptic, all grid levels contribute to the convergence regardless of the mesh density.

Eliasson, Peter↗

Initial Findings in Full-Shell Active Optics

The realization of active full-shell x-ray optics will provide ground-breaking capability for future missions. Future X-ray missions, such as Lynx, require high angular-resolution, large effective area, and as wide a field of view(FOV) as possible. It is currently not possible to perform high-resolution imaging of both wide and narrow FOVs with a single X-ray telescope. In this paper, we discuss the use of actuators to switch the optical surface of full-shell x-ray optics between prescriptions optimized for narrow-field and wide-field viewing, as well as correct for low-spatial-frequency errors in the optics. Previously, a pathfinder was developed using finite-element modeling(FEM). Using a combination of the model’s influence functions, the capacity of active full-shell optics was shown to switch between prescriptions with 92% accuracy. Another benefit of the analytical pathfinder was its ability to correct low-spatial frequency errors, which comprise a large percentage of the MSFC full-shell x-ray optics root-mean-square (RMS) slope error. In order to verify the pathfinder, a surface-parallel actuator was bonded to a nickel-replicated coupon. After the actuator was bonded to the coupon, the slope of the surface was measured while the actuator was activated. The proof-of-concept demonstrator development, the influence function data, and the resulting implications on the analytical pathfinder are reported and discussed.

X-ray optics↗

Radiowave scattering and ultra-long-baseline interferometry

Interstellar scattering can irretrievably blur the images of compact radio sources when examined with extremely high resolution. Because of this effect, diffraction limited observations of extragalactic sources with an Earth-Moon baseline will only be possible at frequencies above about 7 GHz, in which case the resolution will be approx. = to or less than 20 microarcsec. Preliminary observations to determine the potential usefulness of such resolving power are discussed. The simplest of these would consist of a search for interstellar scintillations in compact sources at 10 GHz, which would provide an effective resolution about equal to that of an Earth-Moon baseline at this frequency. Also important in this context is the development of very long baseline interferometry in near-Earth orbit, as any ultra high resolution observations, if appropriate, would require intermediate baselines for mapping.

Dennison, Brian↗

Further observations on maximum likelihood estimates of stability and control characteristics obtained from flight data

A maximum likelihood estimation method for flight test data is described. Flight results based on 3000 maneuvers from 30 aircraft on the effect of resolution and sampling rate on the estimates, on understanding the discrepancies previously observed in the magnitude of the Cramer-Rao bounds, on the scale effects on the derivative estimates obtained from dynamic aircraft flight maneuvers, and on the analysis of lateral-directional maneuvers obtained in turbulence, are presented.

Iliff, K. W.↗

MIT Participation in the Data Analysis of the XRS and XIS Instruments on the Astro-E2 Mission

Since the inception of this grant six weeks ago, we have completed the initial activation of the Suzaku X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (XIS) (on 13 August) and we have supported initial calibration observations. The instrument is performing very well in all respects. We have characterized the spectral resolution and effective area of each XIS sensor. We are especially excited about the scientific opportunities provided by the XIS'S back- illuminated sensor, which exhibits spectral resolution in the sub-keV band unmatched by any X-ray CCD currently in orbit. As specified in our proposal, we have established a web site (http://space.mit.edu/XIS) on which we maintain an up-to-date summary of instrument performance characteristics. Gain, spectral resolution and system noise, as well as residual background rates, are currently available on this site. Although the particle background level is low compared with Chandra and XMM, we are currently evaluating methods to reduce it still further. Techniques under study include use of 5x5 mode information and alternative grade selection methods. Although the primary responsibility for development of instrument response functions rests with our Japanese colleagues, we are incorporating our latest measurements of spectral resolution into some temporary response functions which we hope to make available to the Suzaku General Observer Facility and the Science Working Group(SWG). We are also preparing proposals for use of SWG observing time.

Bautz, Mark↗

Remote-Sensing Time Series Analysis, a Vegetation Monitoring Tool

The Time Series Product Tool (TSPT) is software, developed in MATLAB , which creates and displays high signal-to- noise Vegetation Indices imagery and other higher-level products derived from remotely sensed data. This tool enables automated, rapid, large-scale regional surveillance of crops, forests, and other vegetation. TSPT temporally processes high-revisit-rate satellite imagery produced by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and by other remote-sensing systems. Although MODIS imagery is acquired daily, cloudiness and other sources of noise can greatly reduce the effective temporal resolution. To improve cloud statistics, the TSPT combines MODIS data from multiple satellites (Aqua and Terra). The TSPT produces MODIS products as single time-frame and multitemporal change images, as time-series plots at a selected location, or as temporally processed image videos. Using the TSPT program, MODIS metadata is used to remove and/or correct bad and suspect data. Bad pixel removal, multiple satellite data fusion, and temporal processing techniques create high-quality plots and animated image video sequences that depict changes in vegetation greenness. This tool provides several temporal processing options not found in other comparable imaging software tools. Because the framework to generate and use other algorithms is established, small modifications to this tool will enable the use of a large range of remotely sensed data types. An effective remote-sensing crop monitoring system must be able to detect subtle changes in plant health in the earliest stages, before the effects of a disease outbreak or other adverse environmental conditions can become widespread and devastating. The integration of the time series analysis tool with ground-based information, soil types, crop types, meteorological data, and crop growth models in a Geographic Information System, could provide the foundation for a large-area crop-surveillance system that could identify a variety of plant phenomena and improve monitoring capabilities.

McKellip, Rodney↗

High-spatial-resolution studies of young stellar objects. II - A thick disk surrounding Lynds 1551, IRS 5

Heavily oversampled, small (2 arcsec) beam 2 micron maps of the region surrounding Lynds 1551, IRS 5 provide the basis for reconstructing maximum-entropy 'images' which have an effective spatial resolution of about 0.6 arcsec. These images reveal an extended, cusp-like structure surrounding IRS 5. This structure most likely results as light from IRS 5 is scattered in our direction by dust grains located in a thick disk of diameter 1000 AU. The disk is viewed nearly edge-on and has a mass in dust grains of 2 to 5 x 10 to the -5th solar masses. Its polar axis lies along the observed direction of the bipolar mass outflow inferred from molecular line observations of the L1551 cloud. It is possible that the observed infrared disk may represent the inner regions of a much larger thick-disk structure, whose shape derives from the combined effects of disk rotation and the gravitational field of IRS 5.

Strom, S. E.↗

Dust extinction and molecular gas in the dark cloud IC 5146

In this paper we describe a powerful method for mapping the distribution of dust through a molecular cloud using data obtained in large-scale, multiwavelength, infrared imaging surveys. This method combines direct measurements of near-infrared color excess and certain techniques of star counting to derive mean extinctions and map the dust column density distribution through a cloud at higher angular resolutions and greater optical depths than those achieved previously by optical star counting. We report the initial results of the application of this method to a dark cloud complex near the cluster IC 5146, where we have performed coordinated, near-infrared, JHK imaging and (13)CO, C(18)O, and CS millimeter-wave, molecular-line surveys of a large portion of the complex. More than 4000 stars were detected in our JHK survey of the cloud. Of these, all but about a dozen appear to be field stars not associated with the cloud. Star count maps at J band show a striking and detailed anticorrelation between the surface density of J-band sources and CO and CS molecular-line emission. We used the (H-K) colors and positions of nearly 1300 sources to directly measure and map the extinction and thus trace the dust column density through the cloud at an effective angular resolution of 1 min .5. We report an interesting correlation between the measured dispersion in our extinction determinations and the extinction. Modeling this relation indicates that effects of small-scale cloud structure dominate the uncertainties in our measurements. Moreover, we demonstrate that such observations can be used to place constraints on the nature of the spatial distribution of extinction on scales smaller than our resolution. In particular, we show that models in which the dust is distributed uniformly or in discrete high-extinction clumps on scales smaller than (1 min .5) are inconsistent with the observations. We have derived extinctions at the same positions and at the same angular resolution (1 min .7) as our molecular-line observations. This enabled a direct comparison of (13)CO, C(18)O, and CS integrated intensities and column densities with A(sub V) for more than 500 positions in the cloud, corresponding to a range in A(sub V) between 0 to 32 mag of extinction. We found the integrated intensities of (13)CO, C(18)O, and CS to be roughly linearly correlated with extinction over different ranges of extinction. However, for all three molecules we find the scatter in the observed relations to be larger than can be accounted for by instrumental error, suggesting that there are large intrinsic variations in the abundances or excitation of the molecules through the cloud. Mean abundances for all the molecules relative to hydrogen were directly derived from the data. The ratio of (13)CO to C(18)O abundances was found to be significantly higher than the terrestrial ratio in regions where extinction is less than 10 mag. In the same region, the dispersion in the abundance ratio is also found to be very large, suggesting that the abundances of one or both molecules are very unstable even at relatively large cloud optical depths. Beyond 10 mag of extinction the abundances of both species appear very stable with their ratio close to the terrestrial value.

Lada, Charles J.↗

Effects of signal analysis parameters and noise removal on measured aircraft spectra

Special techniques must be applied when analyzing acoustic noise data from nonstationary sources such as aircraft flyover measurements. Since the Fourier transform is time dependent, the noise signal is divided into short time segments by introducing a window function so that the spectral characteristics remain reasonably stationary. Reducing the window width reduces the frequency resolution while increasing the window duration can lead to spectral smearing. A trade-off must be made between time resolution and frequency resolution. The effects of varying the window duration on narrow-band acoustic spectra and thus the frequency bin width are addressed in this study. The influence of window functions (rectangular, Hamming, etc.) are also investigated. Both a tonal noise source, XV-15 aircraft in the airplane mode, and a broadband noise source, a F-18 aircraft, are considered. When dealing with flight test data, not only is the signal nonstationary, often it is contaminated by both ambient background noise and internal noise generated by the data acquisition system and power generators. Since generator noise is highly tonal, this can be particularly troublesome when computing tone-corrected perceived noise level (PNLT). A scheme is presented in this paper to eliminate unwanted background and internal noise.

Kelly, Jeffrey J.↗