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At least 1,765 records · Page 98

A plausible energy source and structure for quasi-stellar objects.

If a collision of two large, massive, fast gas clouds occurs, their kinetic energy is converted to radiation in a pair of shock fronts at their interface. Basic constraints imposed on such a model by observations of QSOs are considered. It is shown that a very large shock area is required if such a collision process is to provide the energy for a QSO. Details regarding the anticipated spectrum are discussed together with the opacity of the neutral clouds.

Daltabuit, E.↗

Dynamic Response Assessment for the MEMS Accelerometer Under Severe Shock Loads

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has evaluated the dynamic response of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device made by Analog Device, Inc. The device is designated as ADXL250 and is designed mainly for sensing dynamic acceleration. It is also used to measure the tilting angle of any system or component from its original level position. The device has been in commercial use (e.g., in automobile airbag deployment system as a dual-axial accelerometer and in the electronic game play-station as a tilting sensor) with success, but NASA needs an in-depth assessment of its performance under severe dynamic shock environments. It was realized while planning this evaluation task that two assessments would be beneficial to NASA's missions: (1) severe dynamic shock response under nominal thermal environments; and (2) general dynamic performance under cryogenic environments. The first evaluation aims at obtaining a good understanding of its micromachined structure within a framework of brittle fracture dynamics, while the second evaluation focuses on the structure integrity under cryogenic temperature conditions. The information we gathered from the manufacturer indicated that the environmental stresses under NASA's evaluation program have been far beyond what the device has experienced with commercial applications, for which the device was designed. Thus NASA needs the outcome of this evaluation in order to make the selection for possible use for its missions. This paper provides details of the first evaluation the dynamic response under severe multi-axial single-pulse shock load. It was performed using finite element tools with nonlinear dynamics procedures.

Fan, Mark S.↗

Effect of X-ray free-electron laser-induced shockwaves on haemoglobin microcrystals delivered in a liquid jet

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) enable obtaining novel insights in structural biology. The recently available MHz repetition rate XFELs allow full data sets to be collected in shorter time and can also decrease sample consumption. However, the microsecond spacing of MHz XFEL pulses raises new challenges, including possible sample damage induced by shock waves that are launched by preceding pulses in the sample-carrying jet. We explored this matter with an X-ray-pump/X-ray-probe experiment employing haemoglobin microcrystals transported via a liquid jet into the XFEL beam. Diffraction data were collected using a shock-wave-free single-pulse scheme as well as the dual-pulse pump-probe scheme. The latter, relative to the former, reveals significant degradation of crystal hit rate, diffraction resolution and data quality. Crystal structures extracted from the two data sets also differ. Since our pump-probe attributes were chosen to emulate EuXFEL operation at its 4.5 MHz maximum pulse rate, this prompts concern about such data collection.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The effects of mixture preburning on detonation wave propagation

Pressure gain combustion in the form of continuous detonations can provide a significant increase in the efficiency of a variety of propulsion and energy conversion devices. In this regard, rotating detonation engines (RDEs) that utilize an azimuthally-moving detonation wave in annular systems are increasingly seen as a viable approach to realizing pressure gain combustion. However, practical RDEs that employ non- premixed fuel and oxidizer injection need to minimize losses through a number of mechanisms, including turbulence-induced shock-front variations, incomplete fuel-air mixing, and premature deflagration. In this study, a canonical stratified detonation configuration is used to understand the impact of preburning on detonation efficiency. It was found that heat release ahead of the detonation wave leads to weaker shock fronts, delayed combustion of partially-oxidized fuel-air mixture, and non-compact heat release. Furthermore, large variations in wave speeds were observed, which is consistent with wave behavior in full-scale RDEs. Peak pressures in the compression region or near triple points were considerably lower than the theoretically-predicted values for ideal detonations. Analysis of the detonation structure indicates that this deflagration process is parasitic in nature, reducing the detonation efficiency but also leading to heat release far behind the wave that cannot directly strengthen the shock wave. As a result, this parasitic combustion leads to commensal combustion (heat release far downstream of the wave), indicating that it is the root cause of combustion efficiency losses.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Relating Jet Structure to Photometric Variability: the Herbig Ae Star HD 163296

Herbig Ae/Be stars are intermediate-mass pre-main sequence stars surrounded by circumstellar dust disks. Some are observed to produce jets, whose appearance as a sequence of shock fronts (knots) suggests a past episodic outflow variability. This "jet fossil record" can be used to reconstruct the outflow history. We present the first optical to near-infrared (NIR) spectra of the jet from the Herbig Ae star HD 163296, obtained with VLT/X-shooter. We determine the physical conditions in the knots and also their kinematic "launch epochs". Knots are formed simultaneously on either side of the disk, with a regular interval of ∼16 yr. The velocity dispersion versus jet velocity and the energy input are comparable between both lobes. However, the mass-loss rate, velocity, and shock conditions are asymmetric. We find ˙M(jet)/ ˙M(acc) is approximately 0.01−0.1, which is consistent with magneto-centrifugal jet launching models. No evidence of any dust is found in the high-velocity jet, suggesting a launch region within the sublimation radius (greater than 0.5 au). The jet inclination measured from proper motions and radial velocities confirms that it is perpendicular to the disk. A tentative relation is found between the structure of the jet and the photometric variability of the central source. Episodes of NIR brightening were previously detected and attributed to a dusty disk wind. We report for the first time significant optical fadings lasting from a few days up to a year, coinciding with the NIR brightenings. These are very likely caused by dust lifted high above the disk plane, and this supports the disk wind scenario. The disk wind is launched at a larger radius than the high-velocity atomic jet, although their outflow variability may have a common origin. No significant relation between outflow and accretion variability could be established. Our findings confirm that this source undergoes periodic ejection events, which may be coupled with dust ejections above the disk plane.

kinematic launch epochs↗

Simulations of n -dodecane/oxygen/nitrogen cellular detonations

In this work, two-dimensional n-dodecane/air/nitrogen cellular detonations are simulated with various equivalence ratios (ERs). A skeletal mechanism consisting of 54 species and 269 reactions is used. The lower and upper equivalence ratio boundaries for self-sustained detonation are 0.3 and 2.2, respectively. Detonation with different regimes characterized by the detonation cell patterns is observed, which aligns well with the category based on the stability parameter, i.e., weakly and highly unstable detonations, and extinction. Further, in terms of the frontal structure, non-negligible effect of diffusion on the cellular detonation is revealed, especially in the vicinity of the leading shock front. In highly unstable and quenched detonations, the alternation in reaction pathway within the induction zone accounts for the changes of detonation dynamics, such as the absence or extended sequence of important radical formation, e.g., OH. In addition, the composition of the unburned pockets depends on both pocket location from the leading shock front and the ER in the fresh mixture, because the former determines the residence time, whilst the latter affects the pocket reaction rate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Intermittent Electron-Only Reconnection at Lunar Mini-Magnetospheres

Lunar crustal magnetic anomalies (LCMA) are sub-ion-gyroradius structures that have been shown to stand off the solar wind (SW) plasma from the Moon’s surface, forming shock-like discontinuities and reflecting incident SW protons. In this Letter, the results of high-resolution, 2D fully kinetic simulations show a bursty electron-only magnetic reconnection in the SW-LCMA interaction region, characterized by the quasiperiodic formation and ejection of magnetic islands and strong parallel electron flows along the X-point separator lines. The islands are observed to modify the magnetic pressure pileup and Hall electric field above the LCMA, leading to sharp increases in reflected protons that drive electromagnetic fluctuations downstream and short distances upstream in the SW.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Aging of Limestones and Silane–Siloxane-Based Protective Hydrophobics: The Impact of Heating–Cooling and Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Stones are traditionally used in construction and architectural applications as building elements due to their aesthetic and technical/structural performance. Like other environmental factors (rain, humidity, moisture, salt presence, biological activity, etc.), heating–cooling and freeze–thaw cycles significantly threaten the longevity of stone materials. Hence, considering the socio-economic and cultural value of stones, preventive actions such as hydrophobic coatings are applied to prevent or mitigate damage. The scope of this study is the performance assessment of limestones with different characteristics and the efficiency of various commercial silane/siloxane-based hydrophobic coatings when exposed to thermal variation and freeze–thaw. For that purpose, the standards EN 14066:2013 (determination of resistance to aging by thermal shock) and EN 12371:2010 (determination of frost resistance) were followed. Open porosity and static contact angles were estimated to assess the stone durability and water protection capabilities of the hydrophobics. Additionally, sound speed propagation velocity, quality of building material index, elastic modulus and flexural strength were measured to evaluate the variation of mechanical properties. Static contact angle revealed that the coatings maintained an efficient level of hydrophobicity even after thermal-shock and freeze–thaw weathering tests. The study also revealed a critical interaction between freeze–thaw cycles, hydrophobic coatings and structural integrity of the stones, mostly on more porous ones. When they are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, untreated porous limestones keep structural cohesion, allowing for the natural absorption and release of water during freezing and thawing. On the contrary, when limestones are treated, the hydrophobic coatings can moderately obstruct the water release due to the partial saturation of the porous framework by the products. It also probably resulted from the different mechanical behavior between the inner matrix and layer of stone coated, resulting in a premature breakout and mechanical damage of the stone.

Lisci, Carla (ORCID:000000032179130X)↗

Intermittent Electron-only Reconnection at Lunar Mini-magnetospheres

Abstract Lunar crustal magnetic anomalies (LCMA) are sub-ion-gyroradius structures that have been shown to stand off the solar wind (SW) plasma from the Moon’s surface, forming shock-like discontinuities and reflecting incident SW protons. In this Letter, the results of high-resolution, 2D fully kinetic simulations show a bursty electron-only magnetic reconnection in the SW-LCMA interaction region, characterized by the quasiperiodic formation and ejection of magnetic islands and strong parallel electron flows along the X-point separator lines. The islands are observed to modify the magnetic pressure pileup and Hall electric field above the LCMA, leading to sharp increases in reflected protons that drive electromagnetic fluctuations downstream and short distances upstream in the SW.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Shock compression of a recrystallized anorthositic rock from Apollo 15

Hugoniot measurements on 15,418, a recrystallized and brecciated gabbroic anorthosite, yield a value of the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) varying from 45 to 70 kbar as the final shock pressure is varied from 70 to 280 kbar. Above the HEL and to 150 kbar, the pressure-density Hugoniot is closely described by a hydrostatic equation of state constructed from ultrasonic data for single-crystal plagioclase and pyroxene. Above 150 kbar, the Hugoniot states indicate that a series of one or more shock-induced phase changes are occurring in the plagioclase and pyroxene. From Hugoniot data for both the single-crystal minerals and the Frederick diabase, we infer that the shock-induced high-pressure phases in 15,418 probably consists of a 3.71 g/cu cm density, high-pressure structure for plagioclase and a 4.70 g/cu cm perovskite-type structure for pyroxene.

Ahrens, T. J.↗

Deployment tests of a 36-element tetrahedral truss module

In the past, models of deployable structures were limited largely to small scale models which could be readily deployed by suspending the model on several soft shock cords. The scale of the deployable truss used in the present investigation precluded the use of this test technique as the gravity forces and moments are of the same order of magnitude as the deployment forces and moments. For these tests, the truss was deployed during free-fall in the LaRC 55' vacuum facility. Appreciably larger trusses could be deployed by lofting the packaged truss upward from the floor of the facility and allowing it to deploy during the upward as well as the downward portion of its trajectory, thus doubling the available test time. It must be realized, of course, that the mechanisms required to loft and decelerate such a large truss would be much more complex than those required for a straight drop.

Herr, R. W.↗

Solar Terrestrial Physics: Present and Future

The following topics relating to solar-terrestrial interactions are considered: (1) reconnection of magnetic fields; (2) particle acceleration; (3) solar magnetic flux; (4) magnetohydrodynamic waves and turbulence in the Sun and interplanetary medium; (5) coupling of the solar wind to the magnetosphere; (6) coronal transients; (7) the connection between the magnetosphere and ionosphere; (8) substorms in the magnetosphere; (9) solar flares and the solar terrestrial environment; (10) shock waves in the solar terrestrial environment; (11) plasma transport and convection at high latitudes; and (12) high latitude ionospheric structure.

Butler, D. M.↗

Keynote address

Shock and vibration research relative to manned spacecraft is surveyed. Past, present, and future research projects are discussed. Dynamic response, structural modeling, rotor dynamics, reliability, large space sttructures, and testing are among the topics discussed.

Ryan, R. S.↗

Three dimensional unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelastic response of advanced turboprops

A method for the prediction of steady and unsteady aerodynamic loads and aeroelastic response of advanced turboprops is presented. The aerodynamic analysis uses three dimensional unsteady linearized compressible flow theory to compute the blade pressure distribution. The aeroelastic analysis is based on a normal mode representation of the structure. The method is applicable to both conventional and advanced turbo-prop configurations, provided that blade stall and transonic shock waves are not important factors. Aerodynamic results are presented which validate the model in various limits by comparisons to alternative theories and experimental data. Finally, results of a stability analysis of an advanced turboprop are given, with comparisons to measurements made at NASA Lewis Research Center.

Williams, M. H.↗

The sun and the heliosphere in three dimensions; Proceedings of the Nineteenth ESLAB Symposium, Les Diablerets, Switzerland, June 4-6, 1985

Papers are presented on coronal magnetic fields, the heliospheric energy source, stereoscopic measurement of hard solar X-rays, and OVI diagnostics of solar-wind generation. Also considered are coronal transients at high heliospheric latitudes, the solar-cycle dependence of coronal mass ejections, comets and three-dimensional wind structure, and interplanetary scintillation observations of the solar wind at high latitudes. Other topics include three-dimensional coronal and heliospheric structure from radio observations, multispacecraft observations of Type III radio bursts, the acceleration of energetic particles at solar-wind shocks, and a spatially confined, long-lived stream of solar particles.

Marsden, R. G.↗

Evolution of interstellar dust

The composition, origins, and evolution of interstellar dust (ISD) are examined, reviewing the results of recent observational and theoretical investigations. Topics discussed include amorphous and polycrystalline structures; the relationship between amorphous C, graphite, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; observational techniques for determining ISD structure and composition; ISD formation in outflows from late-type giants, planetary nebulae, and novae; destruction of ISD by shocks; the formation of ISD in the ISM; and the relationship between ISD and interplanetary dust. IR spectroscopy of molecular ices and icy grain mantles is considered in detail, and it is shown that typical grain mantles consist of a 1/0.6/0.05/0.05 mixture of H2O, CH3OH, CO, and NH3.

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗

Instability of a supersonic shock-free elliptic jet

A comparison of the measured and the computed spatial stability properties of an aspect ratio 2, supersonic, shock free, elliptic jet is presented. The shock free nature of the elliptic jet furnishes a perfect test of the validity of modeling the large scale coherent structures in the initial mixing region of noncircular supersonic jets with the linear hydrodynamic stability theory. Aerodynamic and acoustic data are measured to compute the mean velocity profiles and to provide a description of the spatial composition of pressure waves in the elliptic jet. The measured mean velocity profiles are employed to provide a qualitative model for the cross sectional geometry and the smooth velocity profiles utilized in the stability analysis. It is shown that the measured frequency associated with peak amplitude noise radiation agrees with that frequency predicted to dominate the large scale structure near the end of the potential core.

Baty, Roy S.↗

The ISM in the M82 starburst

We have observed (O 1) (63 microns) and (Si 2) (35 microns) in the central 700 pc of the starburst galaxy M82. The luminosities in these transitions are 7.1 x 10(exp 7) solar luminosity and 6.2 x 10(exp 7) solar luminosity, respectively, which are each approx. 0.15% of the bolometric luminosity from this region. The ratios of (O 1) line luminosity to (O 3), (Si 2) (35 microns), and to bolometric luminosities in M82 are similar to those in M42, M17, and Sgr A. These similarities, and the association of the bulk of the (O 1) and (Si 2) emission with the ionized emission, suggest that the dominant emission mechanism for (O 1) and (Si 2) in M82 is the same as in these Galactic regions, namely warm gas photodissociated by UV flux from the OB stars responsible for the nearby H 2 regions. We argue that shock or x ray heated gas or H 2 plasma is a minor contributor to the intensities of these fine structure lines. Both the (O 1) (53 microns) and the (Si 2) (35 microns) spectrum show an asymmetric line profile indistinguishable in shape from those of the (O 3) (52 and 88 microns) and (N 3) (57 microns) lines and similar to that of the more extended (C 2) 158 micron line measured previously in M82. We detect two distinct velocity components, which we attribute to emission from two regions at either end of the central bar, where the bar connects to an orbiting torus of neutral gas seen in H 1 and CO J = 1-0. We model separately the two velocity components and derive the physical conditions in these two regions. The clouds in these regions are small, R approx. 1-2 pc, have warm neutral gas surfaces, T approx. 200 K, and are concentrated with volume filling factors of approx. 0.02 and area filling factors of 1-5. The entire central region (R approx. 700 pc) is characterized by a large number, approx. 5 x 10(exp 4), of 2 x 10(exp 3) solar mass clouds with surface densities of approx. 3 x 10(exp 4) cm(exp -3), illuminated by FUV fluxes 10(exp 4) times the average local interstellar value for the Milky Way. These clouds reside in the harsh conditions of a starburst nucleus, with photoevaporation times of 10(exp 6) yr, and collision timescales only about an order of magnitude longer.

Lord, Steven↗