Plasma Disks and Rings with ``High'' Magnetic Energy Densities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppi, B.; Rousseau, F.

2006-04-01

The nonlinear theory of rotating axisymmetric thin structures in which the magnetic field energy density is comparable with the thermal plasma energy density is formulated. The only flow velocity included in the theory is the velocity of rotation around a central object whose gravity is dominant. The periodic sequence, in the radial direction, of pairs of opposite current channels that can form is shown to lead to relatively large plasma density and pressure modulations, while the relevant magnetic surfaces can acquire a ``crystal structure.'' A new class of equilibria consisting of a series of plasma rings is identified, in the regimes where the plasma pressure is comparable to the magnetic pressure associated with the fields produced by the internal currents. The possible relevance of this result to the formation of dusty plasma rings is pointed out.

Ring faults and ring dikes around the Orientale basin on the Moon.

PubMed

Andrews-Hanna, Jeffrey C; Head, James W; Johnson, Brandon; Keane, James T; Kiefer, Walter S; McGovern, Patrick J; Neumann, Gregory A; Wieczorek, Mark A; Zuber, Maria T

2018-08-01

The Orientale basin is the youngest and best-preserved multiring impact basin on the Moon, having experienced only modest modification by subsequent impacts and volcanism. Orientale is often treated as the type example of a multiring basin, with three prominent rings outside of the inner depression: the Inner Rook Montes, the Outer Rook Montes, and the Cordillera. Here we use gravity data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission to reveal the subsurface structure of Orientale and its ring system. Gradients of the gravity data reveal a continuous ring dike intruded into the Outer Rook along the plane of the fault associated with the ring scarp. The volume of this ring dike is ~18 times greater than the volume of all extrusive mare deposits associated with the basin. The gravity gradient signature of the Cordillera ring indicates an offset along the fault across a shallow density interface, interpreted to be the base of the low-density ejecta blanket. Both gravity gradients and crustal thickness models indicate that the edge of the central cavity is shifted inward relative to the equivalent Inner Rook ring at the surface. Models of the deep basin structure show inflections along the crust-mantle interface at both the Outer Rook and Cordillera rings, indicating that the basin ring faults extend from the surface to at least the base of the crust. Fault dips range from 13-22° for the Cordillera fault in the northeastern quadrant, to 90° for the Outer Rook in the northwestern quadrant. The fault dips for both outer rings are lowest in the northeast, possibly due to the effects of either the direction of projectile motion or regional gradients in pre-impact crustal thickness. Similar ring dikes and ring faults are observed around the majority of lunar basins.

Ordered quasi-two-dimensional structure of nanoparticles in semiflexible ring polymer brushes under compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Yunfeng; Deng, Zhenyu; Jiang, Yangwei; Zhang, Linxi

2017-06-01

Molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse-grained bead-spring model of ring polymer brushes under compression are presented. Flexible polymer brushes are always disordered during compression, whereas semiflexible polymer brushes tend to be ordered under sufficiently strong compression. Further, the polymer monomer density of the semiflexible polymer brush is very high near the brush surface, inducing a peak value of the free energy near the surface. Therefore, when nanoparticles are compressed in semiflexible ring polymer brushes, they tend to exhibit a closely packed single-layer structure between the brush surface and the impenetrable wall, and a quasi-two-dimensional ordered structure near the brush surface is formed under strong compression. These findings provide a new approach to designing responsive applications.

Spatial distribution of the wave field of the surface modes sustaining filamentary discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lishev, St.; Shivarova, A.; Tarnev, Kh.

2008-01-01

The study presents the electrodynamical description of surface-wave-sustained discharges contracted in filamentary structures. The results are for the spatial distribution of the wave field and for the wave propagation characteristics obtained from a two-dimensional model developed for describing surface-wave behavior in plasmas with an arbitrary distribution of the plasma density. In accordance with the experimental observations of filamentary discharges, the plasma density distribution considered is completed by cylindrically shaped gas-discharge channels extended along the discharge length and positioned in the out-of-center region of the discharge, equidistantly in an azimuthal direction. Due to the two-dimensional inhomogeneity of the plasma density of the filamentary structure, the eigen surface mode of the structure is a hybrid wave, with all—six—field components. For identification of its behavior, the surface wave properties in the limiting cases of a plasma ring and a single filament—both radially inhomogeneous—are involved in the discussions. The presentation of the results is for filamentary structures with a decreasing number of filaments (from 10 to 2) starting with the plasma ring, the latter supporting propagation of an azimuthally symmetric wave. Due to the resonance absorption of the surface waves, always present because of the smooth variation of the plasma density, the contours of the critical density are those guiding the surface wave propagation. Decreasing number of filaments in the structure leads to localization of the amplitudes of the wave-field components around the filaments. By analogy with the spatial distribution of the wave field in the plasma ring, the strong resonance enhancement of the wave-field components is along that part of the contour of the critical density which is far off the center of the filamentary structure. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the field components of the filamentary structure shows that the hybrid wave is an eigenmode of the whole structure, i.e., the wave field does not appear as a superposition of fields of eigenmodes of the separated filaments completing it. It is stressed that the spatial distribution of the field components of the eigen hybrid mode of the filamentary structure has an azimuthally symmetric background field.

The domination of Saturn's low-latitude ionosphere by ring 'rain'.

PubMed

O'Donoghue, J; Stallard, T S; Melin, H; Jones, G H; Cowley, S W H; Miller, S; Baines, K H; Blake, J S D

2013-04-11

Saturn's ionosphere is produced when the otherwise neutral atmosphere is exposed to a flow of energetic charged particles or solar radiation. At low latitudes the solar radiation should result in a weak planet-wide glow in the infrared, corresponding to the planet's uniform illumination by the Sun. The observed electron density of the low-latitude ionosphere, however, is lower and its temperature higher than predicted by models. A planet-to-ring magnetic connection has been previously suggested, in which an influx of water from the rings could explain the lower-than-expected electron densities in Saturn's atmosphere. Here we report the detection of a pattern of features, extending across a broad latitude band from 25 to 60 degrees, that is superposed on the lower-latitude background glow, with peaks in emission that map along the planet's magnetic field lines to gaps in Saturn's rings. This pattern implies the transfer of charged species derived from water from the ring-plane to the ionosphere, an influx on a global scale, flooding between 30 to 43 per cent of the surface of Saturn's upper atmosphere. This ring 'rain' is important in modulating ionospheric emissions and suppressing electron densities.

The galilean satellites and Jupiter: Voyager 2 imaging science results

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, B.A.; Soderblom, L.A.; Beebe, R.; Boyce, J.; Briggs, G.; Carr, M.; Collins, S.A.; Cook, A.F.; Danielson, G.E.; Davies, M.E.; Hunt, G.E.; Ingersoll, A.; Johnson, T.V.; Masursky, H.; McCauley, J.; Morrison, D.; Owen, Timothy W.; Sagan, C.; Shoemaker, E.M.; Strom, R.; Suomi, V.E.; Veverka, J.

1979-01-01

Voyager 2, during its encounter with the Jupiter system, provided images that both complement and supplement in important ways the Voyager 1 images. While many changes have been observed in Jupiter's visual appearance, few, yet significant, changes have been detected in the principal atmospheric currents. Jupiter's ring system is strongly forward scattering at visual wavelengths and consists of a narrow annulus of highest particle density, within which is a broader region in which the density is lower. On Io, changes are observed in eruptive activity, plume structure, and surface albedo patterns. Europa's surface retains little or no record of intense meteorite bombardment, but does reveal a complex and, as yet, little-understood system of overlapping bright and dark linear features. Ganymede is found to have at least one unit of heavily cratered terrain on a surface that otherwise suggests widespread tectonism. Except for two large ringed basins, Callisto's entire surface is heavily cratered. Copyright ?? 1979 AAAS.

Solitary Ring Pairs and Non-Thermal Regimes in Plasmas Connected with Black Holes*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppi, Bruno

2011-10-01

The two-dimensional plasma and field configurations that can be associated with compact objects such as black holes are described, (in the limit where assuming a scalar pressure can be justified), by two characteristic non-linear equations: i) one that connects the plasma density profile to that of the relevant magnetic surfaces and is called the ``master equation'': ii) the other, the ``vertical equilibrium equation,'' connects the plasma pressure to the density and the magnetic surfaces and is closely related to the G-S equation for magnetically confined laboratory plasmas. Two kinds of solutions are found that consist of: i) a periodic sequence of plasma rings; ii) solitary pairs of rings. Experimental observations support the presence of rings around collapsed objects. Tridimensional configuration are found in the linear approximation as consisting of trailing spirals. Observations of High Frequency Quasi-Periodic oscillations implies that they originate from 3-dimentional structures. The existing theory is extended to involve non-thermal particle distributions in order to comply with relevant experimental observations. *Sponsored in part by the U.S. DOE.

New insights into thermal decomposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon oxyradicals.

PubMed

Liu, Peng; Lin, He; Yang, Yang; Shao, Can; Gu, Chen; Huang, Zhen

2014-12-04

Thermal decompositions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) oxyradicals on various surface sites including five-membered ring, free-edge, zigzag, and armchair have been systematically investigated by using ab initio density functional theory B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) basis set. The calculation based on Hückel theory indicates that PAHs (3H-cydopenta[a]anthracene oxyradical) with oxyradicals on a five-membered ring site have high chemical reactivity. The rate coefficients of PAH oxyradical decomposition were evaluated by using Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory and solving the master equations in the temperature range of 1500-2500 K and the pressure range of 0.1-10 atm. The kinetic calculations revealed that the rate coefficients of PAH oxyradical decomposition are temperature-, pressure-, and surface site-dependent, and the oxyradical on a five-membered ring is easier to decompose than that on a six-membered ring. Four-membered rings were found in decomposition of the five-membered ring, and a new reaction channel of PAH evolution involving four-membered rings is recommended.

Nanoscale electrical property studies of individual GeSi quantum rings by conductive scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Lv, Yi; Cui, Jian; Jiang, Zuimin M; Yang, Xinju

2012-11-29

The nanoscale electrical properties of individual self-assembled GeSi quantum rings (QRs) were studied by scanning probe microscopy-based techniques. The surface potential distributions of individual GeSi QRs are obtained by scanning Kelvin microscopy (SKM). Ring-shaped work function distributions are observed, presenting that the QRs' rim has a larger work function than the QRs' central hole. By combining the SKM results with those obtained by conductive atomic force microscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy, the correlations between the surface potential, conductance, and carrier density distributions are revealed, and a possible interpretation for the QRs' conductance distributions is suggested.

Tungsten erosion by unipolar arcing in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykov, I.; Chrobak, C. P.; Abrams, T.; Rudakov, D. L.; Unterberg, E. A.; Wampler, W. R.; Hollmann, E. M.; Moyer, R. A.; Boedo, J. A.; Stahl, B.; Hinson, E. T.; Yu, J. H.; Lasnier, C. J.; Makowski, M.; McLean, A. G.

2017-12-01

Unipolar arcing was an important mechanism of metal surface erosion during the recently conducted Metal Rings Campaign in DIII-D when two toroidally continuous tile rings with 5 cm wide W-coated TZM inserts were installed in graphite tiles in the lower divertor, one on the floor and one on the shelf. Most of the arc damage occurred on the shelf ring. The total amount of W removed by arcing from the affected ˜4% of the shelf ring area was estimated ˜0.8 × 1021 at., about half of the total amount of W eroded and redeposited outside the inserts (1.8 ± 0.9)×1021 at. The rings were exposed for a total of ˜480 discharges, an equivalent of plasma time on W surfaces (with {{I}}{{p}}> 0.5 MA) ˜103 s. Arcing was monitored in situ with WI (400.9 nm) filtered camera and photomultipliers and showed that: (i) arcing only occurred during ELMs and disruptions, (ii) arcing rate was much lower on the floor than on the shelf ring, and (iii) arcing had a low cut off power flux density about 2 MW m-2. About half of arc tracks had large {10}\\circ pitch angle and probably were produced during disruptions. Such tracks were only found on the shelf. Moderate toroidal variation of the arc track density and W erosion with nearly n = 1 pattern has been measured.

Formation of moon induced gaps in dense planetary rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grätz, F.; Seiß, M.; Spahn, F.

2017-09-01

Recent works have shown that bodies embedded in planetary rings create S-shaped density modula- tions called propellers if their mass deceeds a certain threshold or cause a gap around the entire circumference of the disc if the embedded bodies mass exceeds it. Two counteracting physical processes govern the dynamics and determine what structure is created: The gravitational disturber excerts a torque on nearby disc particles, sweeping them away from itself on both sides thus depleting the discs density and forming a gap. Diffusive spreading of the disc material due to collisions counteracts the gravitational scattering and has the tendency to fill the gap. We develop a nonlinear diffusion model that accounts for those two counteracting processes and describes the azimutally averaged surface density profile an embedded moon creates in planetary rings. The gaps width depends on the moons mass, its radial position and the rings viscosity allowing us to estimate the rings viscosity in the vicinity of the Encke and Keeler gap in Saturns A-Ring and compare it to previous measurements. We show that for the Keeler gap the time derivative of the semi-major axis as derived by Goldreich and Tremaine 1980 is underestimated yielding an underestimated viscosity for the ring. We therefore derive a corrected expression for said time derivative by fitting the solutions of Hill's equations for an ensemble of test particles. Furthermore we estimate the masses for potentionally unseen moonlets in the C-Ring and Cassini division.

Spatial distribution of the wave field of the surface modes sustaining filamentary discharges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lishev, St.; Shivarova, A.; Tarnev, Kh.

2008-01-01

The study presents the electrodynamical description of surface-wave-sustained discharges contracted in filamentary structures. The results are for the spatial distribution of the wave field and for the wave propagation characteristics obtained from a two-dimensional model developed for describing surface-wave behavior in plasmas with an arbitrary distribution of the plasma density. In accordance with the experimental observations of filamentary discharges, the plasma density distribution considered is completed by cylindrically shaped gas-discharge channels extended along the discharge length and positioned in the out-of-center region of the discharge, equidistantly in an azimuthal direction. Due to the two-dimensional inhomogeneity of the plasma density ofmore » the filamentary structure, the eigen surface mode of the structure is a hybrid wave, with all--six--field components. For identification of its behavior, the surface wave properties in the limiting cases of a plasma ring and a single filament--both radially inhomogeneous--are involved in the discussions. The presentation of the results is for filamentary structures with a decreasing number of filaments (from 10 to 2) starting with the plasma ring, the latter supporting propagation of an azimuthally symmetric wave. Due to the resonance absorption of the surface waves, always present because of the smooth variation of the plasma density, the contours of the critical density are those guiding the surface wave propagation. Decreasing number of filaments in the structure leads to localization of the amplitudes of the wave-field components around the filaments. By analogy with the spatial distribution of the wave field in the plasma ring, the strong resonance enhancement of the wave-field components is along that part of the contour of the critical density which is far off the center of the filamentary structure. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the field components of the filamentary structure shows that the hybrid wave is an eigenmode of the whole structure, i.e., the wave field does not appear as a superposition of fields of eigenmodes of the separated filaments completing it. It is stressed that the spatial distribution of the field components of the eigen hybrid mode of the filamentary structure has an azimuthally symmetric background field.« less

ALMA unveils rings and gaps in the protoplanetary system HD 169142: signatures of two giant protoplanets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedele, D.; Carney, M.; Hogerheijde, M. R.; Walsh, C.; Miotello, A.; Klaassen, P.; Bruderer, S.; Henning, Th.; van Dishoeck, E. F.

2017-04-01

The protoplanetary system HD 169142 is one of the few cases where a potential candidate protoplanet has recently been detected by direct imaging in the near-infrared. To study the interaction between the protoplanet and the disk itself, observations of the gas and dust surface density structure are needed. This paper reports new ALMA observations of the dust continuum at 1.3 mm, 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J = 2-1 emission from the system HD 169142 (which is observed almost face-on) at an angular resolution of 0.3 arcsec × 0.2 arcsec ( 35 × 20 au). The dust continuum emission reveals a double-ring structure with an inner ring between 0.17 arcsec{-0.28 arcsec} ( 20-35 au) and an outer ring between 0.48 arcsec{-0.64 arcsec} ( 56-83 au). The size and position of the inner ring is in good agreement with previous polarimetric observations in the near-infrared and is consistent with dust trapping by a massive planet. No dust emission is detected inside the inner dust cavity (R ≲ 20 au) or within the dust gap ( 35-56 au) down to the noise level. In contrast, the channel maps of the J = 2-1 line of the three CO isotopologs reveal gas inside the dust cavity and dust gap. The gaseous disk is also much larger than the compact dust emission; it extends to 1.5 arcsec ( 180 au) in radius. This difference and the sharp drop of the continuum emission at large radii point to radial drift of large dust grains (>μm size). Using the thermo-chemical disk code dali, we modeled the continuum and the CO isotopolog emission to quantitatively measure the gas and dust surface densities. The resulting gas surface density is reduced by a factor of 30-40 inward of the dust gap. The gas and dust distribution indicate that two giant planets shape the disk structure through dynamical clearing (dust cavity and gap) and dust trapping (double-ring dust distribution).

Method for making a high current fiber brush collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scuro, S. J.

1986-05-01

An axial-type homopolar motor having high density, high current fiber brush collectors affording efficient, low contact resistance and low operating temperatures is discussed. The collectors include a ring of concentric row of brushes in equally spaced beveled holes soldered in place using a fixture for heating the ring to just below the solder melting point at a soldering iron for the local application of additional heat at each brush. Prior to soldering, an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the brushes and ring, and the bevels are burnished to form a wetting surface. Flux applied with the solder at each bevel removes to an effective soldering depth the oxide film on the brushes and the holes.

Rotary motions and convection as a means of regulating primary production in warm core rings. [of ocean currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yentsch, C. S.; Phinney, D. A.

1985-01-01

The term 'ring' is generally used in the case of a subdivision of ocean eddies. in the present investigation, it denotes mesoscale features which are spawned by the Gulf Stream. This investigation is concerned with the mechanism involved in the regulation of the growth of phytoplankton by the physical oceanographic features of rings. Gulf Stream rings were first observed by Parker (1971) and Fuglister (1972) as a result of extensive temperature measurements from ships in the Gulf Stream. Attention is given to changes in density boundaries associated with the rotation of rings, a synthetic model of a newly formed warm core ring, convection-stabilization, the role of light, the influence of convective overturn in adding nutrients to surface waters of warm core rings, and two major areas which require study.

Density Wave Signatures In VIMS Spectral Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicholson, Philip D.; Hedman, M. M.; Cassini VIMS Team

2012-10-01

Spectral scans of Saturn's rings by the Cassini VIMS instrument have revealed both regional and local variations in the depths of the water ice bands at 1.5 and 2.0 microns, which have been interpreted in terms of variations in regolith grain size and the amount of non-icy "contaminants" (Filacchione et al. 2012; Hedman et al. 2012). Noteworthy among the local variations are distinctive patterns associated with the four strong density waves in the A ring. Within each wavetrain there is a peak in band strength relative to the surrounding material, while extending on both sides of the wave is a "halo" of reduced band strength. The typical width of these haloes is 400-500 km, about 2-3 times the visible extent of the density waves. The origin of these features is unknown, but may involve enhanced collisional erosion in the wave zones and transport of the smaller debris into nearby regions. A similar pattern of band depth variations is also seen at several locations in the more opaque B ring in association with the strong 3:2 ILRs of Janus, Pandora and Prometheus. The former shows a pattern just like its siblings in the A ring, while the latter two resonances show haloes, but without central peaks. In each case, the radial widths of the halo approaches 1000 km, but stellar occultation profiles show no detectable density wavetrain. We suggest that this spectral signature may be a useful diagnostic for the presence of strong density waves in regions where the rings are too opaque for occultations to reveal a typical wave profile. More speculatively, the displacement of the haloes' central radii from the calculated ILR locations of 600-700 km could imply a surface density in the central B ring in excess of 500 g/cm^2. This research was supported by the Cassini/Huygens project.

Stochastic orbital migration of small bodies in Saturn's rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rein, H.; Papaloizou, J. C. B.

2010-12-01

Many small moonlets that create propeller structures have been found in Saturn's rings by the Cassini spacecraft. We study the dynamical evolution of such 20-50 m sized bodies, which are embedded in Saturn's rings. We estimate the importance of various interaction processes with the ring particles on the moonlet's eccentricity and semi-major axis analytically. For low ring surface densities, the main effects on the evolution of the eccentricity and the semi-major axis are found to be caused by collisions and the gravitational interaction with particles in the vicinity of the moonlet. For high surface densities, the gravitational interaction with self-gravity wakes becomes important. We also perform realistic three-dimensional, collisional N-body simulations with up to a quarter of a million particles. A new set of pseudo shear periodic boundary conditions is used, which reduces the computational costs by an order of magnitude compared to previous studies. Our analytic estimates are confirmed to within a factor of two. On short timescales the evolution is always dominated by stochastic effects caused by collisions and gravitational interaction with self-gravitating ring particles. These result in a random walk of the moonlet's semi-major axis. The eccentricity of the moonlet quickly reaches an equilibrium value owing to collisional damping. The average change in semi-major axis of the moonlet after 100 orbital periods is 10-100m. This translates to an offset in the azimuthal direction of several hundred kilometres. We expect that such a shift is easily observable. Two movies are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Stellar Occultations by Saturn's Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicholson, Philip; Hedman, Matthew; French, Richard G.; Ansty, Todd

2018-04-01

On 15 September 2017 the Cassini mission came to an end when the spacecraft made a controlled entry into the planet's atmosphere. Over the preceding 13 years the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) instrument successfully observed over 170 stellar occultations by Saturn's rings, greatly increasing the available data set for high-resolution studies of the rings' structure and dynamics. Ring opening angles, B_\\ast ranged from 1.06° to 74.18°, while spacecraft ranges varied from 220,000 to 3,014,000 km. The effective radial resolution of the data is determined by a combination of Fresnel diffraction, stellar diameter and sampling rate, but is typically 150-300~m. We will briefly review the overall data set, before looking at examples of dynamical studies carried out with it over the past decade. These include modeling the geometry of self-gravity wakes in the A and B rings, evidence for viscous over-stability in the inner A ring, studies of eccentric, inclined and more complex orbital perturbations on the edges of isolated ringlets and narrow gaps, identification of density and bending waves in the C ring driven by both internal oscillations and gravity anomalies in Saturn, and the first reliable estimates of surface mass density in the central B ring.{\\bf References:} French \\etal\\ (2016a, 2016b, 2017), Hedman \\etal\\ (2007, 2010, 2014), Hedman \\& Nicholson (2013, 2014, 2016), Nicholson \\& Hedman (2010, 2016), Nicholson \\etal\\ (2014a, 2014b).

The formation of peak rings in large impact craters.

PubMed

Morgan, Joanna V; Gulick, Sean P S; Bralower, Timothy; Chenot, Elise; Christeson, Gail; Claeys, Philippe; Cockell, Charles; Collins, Gareth S; Coolen, Marco J L; Ferrière, Ludovic; Gebhardt, Catalina; Goto, Kazuhisa; Jones, Heather; Kring, David A; Le Ber, Erwan; Lofi, Johanna; Long, Xiao; Lowery, Christopher; Mellett, Claire; Ocampo-Torres, Rubén; Osinski, Gordon R; Perez-Cruz, Ligia; Pickersgill, Annemarie; Poelchau, Michael; Rae, Auriol; Rasmussen, Cornelia; Rebolledo-Vieyra, Mario; Riller, Ulrich; Sato, Honami; Schmitt, Douglas R; Smit, Jan; Tikoo, Sonia; Tomioka, Naotaka; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, Jaime; Whalen, Michael; Wittmann, Axel; Yamaguchi, Kosei E; Zylberman, William

2016-11-18

Large impacts provide a mechanism for resurfacing planets through mixing near-surface rocks with deeper material. Central peaks are formed from the dynamic uplift of rocks during crater formation. As crater size increases, central peaks transition to peak rings. Without samples, debate surrounds the mechanics of peak-ring formation and their depth of origin. Chicxulub is the only known impact structure on Earth with an unequivocal peak ring, but it is buried and only accessible through drilling. Expedition 364 sampled the Chicxulub peak ring, which we found was formed from uplifted, fractured, shocked, felsic basement rocks. The peak-ring rocks are cross-cut by dikes and shear zones and have an unusually low density and seismic velocity. Large impacts therefore generate vertical fluxes and increase porosity in planetary crust. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Self-assembled InAs quantum dot formation on GaAs ring-like nanostructure templates

PubMed Central

Strom, NW; Wang, Zh M; AbuWaar, ZY; Mazur, Yu I; Salamo, GJ

2007-01-01

The evolution of InAs quantum dot (QD) formation is studied on GaAs ring-like nanostructures fabricated by droplet homo-epitaxy. This growth mode, exclusively performed by a hybrid approach of droplet homo-epitaxy and Stransky-Krastanor (S-K) based QD self-assembly, enables one to form new QD morphologies that may find use in optoelectronic applications. Increased deposition of InAs on the GaAs ring first produced a QD in the hole followed by QDs around the GaAs ring and on the GaAs (100) surface. This behavior indicates that the QDs prefer to nucleate at locations of high monolayer (ML) step density.

Concerning the flow about ring-shaped cowlings Part II : annular bodies of infinite length with circulation for smooth entrance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuchemann, Dietrich; Weber, Johanna

1951-01-01

The investigations carried out in a previous report (NACA TM 1325) concerning the flow about ring-shaped cowlings were extended by taking a circulation about the cowling into consideration. The present second report treats bodies of infinite length with approximately smooth entrance. The circulation was caused by distributing vortex rings of constant density over a stream surface extending to infinity. Furthermore, the influence of a hub body on such cowlings was dealt with. The examples treated are meant to give the designer a basis for his design.

Large size self-assembled quantum rings: quantum size effect and modulation on the surface diffusion.

PubMed

Tong, Cunzhu; Yoon, Soon Fatt; Wang, Lijun

2012-09-24

We demonstrate experimentally the submicron size self-assembled (SA) GaAs quantum rings (QRs) by quantum size effect (QSE). An ultrathin In0.1 Ga0.9As layer with different thickness is deposited on the GaAs to modulate the surface nucleus diffusion barrier, and then the SA QRs are grown. It is found that the density of QRs is affected significantly by the thickness of inserted In0.1 Ga0.9As, and the diffusion barrier modulation reflects mainly on the first five monolayer . The physical mechanism behind is discussed. The further analysis shows that about 160 meV decrease in diffusion barrier can be achieved, which allows the SA QRs with density of as low as one QR per 6 μm2. Finally, the QRs with diameters of 438 nm and outer diameters of 736 nm are fabricated using QSE.

Numerical study on the lubrication performance of compression ring-cylinder liner system with spherical dimples

PubMed Central

Liu, Cheng; Zhang, Yong-Fang; Li, Sha; Müller, Norbert

2017-01-01

The effects of surface texture on the lubrication performance of a compression ring-cylinder liner system are studied in this paper. By considering the surface roughness of the compression ring and cylinder liner, a mixed lubrication model is presented to investigate the tribological behaviors of a barrel-shaped compression ring-cylinder liner system with spherical dimples on the liner. In order to determine the rupture and reformulation positions of fluid film accurately, the Jacoboson-Floberg-Olsson (JFO) cavitation boundary condition is applied to the mixed lubrication model for ensuring the mass-conservative law. On this basis, the minimum oil film thickness and average friction forces in the compression ring-cylinder liner system are investigated under the engine-like conditions by changing the dimple area density, radius, and depth. The wear load, average friction forces, and power loss of the compression ring-cylinder liner system with and without dimples are also compared for different compression ring face profiles. The results show that the spherical dimples can produce a larger reduction of friction in mixed lubrication region, and reduce power loss significantly in the middle of the strokes. In addition, higher reduction percentages of average friction forces and wear are obtained for smaller crown height or larger axial width. PMID:28732042

Structural properties of atactic polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces.

PubMed

Tatek, Yergou B; Tsige, Mesfin

2011-11-07

In the present work, we are studying the local conformation of chains in a thin film of polystyrene adsorbed on a solid substrate by using atomistically detailed simulations. The simulations are carried out by using the readily available and massively parallel molecular dynamics code known as LAMMPS. In particular, a special emphasis is given to the density and orientation of side chains (which consist of phenyl groups and methylene units) at solid/polymer and polymer/vacuum interfaces. Three types of substrates were used in our study: α-quartz, graphite, and amorphous silica. Our investigation was restricted to atactic polystyrene. Our results show that the density and structural properties of side chains depend on the type of surface. An excess of phenyl rings is observed near the α-quartz substrate while the film adsorbed on graphite is depleted in C(6)H(5). Moreover, the orientation of the rings and methylene units on the substrate/film interface show a strong dependence on the type of the substrate, while the rings at the film/vacuum interface show a marked tendency to point outward, away from the film. The results we obtained are in a large part in good agreement with previous experimental and simulation results.

Directed Self-Assembly of Gradient Concentric Carbon Nanotube Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Suck Won; Jeong, Wonje; Ko, Hyunhyub; Tsukruk, Vladimir; Kessler, Michael; Lin, Zhiqun

2008-03-01

Hundreds of gradient concentric rings of linear conjugated polymer, (poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4- phenylenevinylene], i.e., MEH-PPV) with remarkable regularity over large areas were produced by controlled, repetitive ``stick- slip'' motions of the contact line in a confined geometry consisting of a sphere on a flat substrate (i.e., sphere-on-flat geometry). Subsequently, MEH-PPV rings exploited as template to direct the formation of gradient concentric rings of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with controlled density. This method is simple, cost effective, and robust, combining two consecutive self-assembly processes, namely, evaporation-induced self- assembly of polymers in a sphere-on-flat geometry, followed by subsequent directed self-assembly of MWNTs on the polymer- templated surfaces.

Fabrication of InAs quantum ring nanostructures on GaSb by droplet epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahiya, Vinita; Zamiri, Marziyeh; So, Mo Geun; Hollingshead, David A.; Kim, JongSu; Krishna, Sanjay

2018-06-01

In this article, we report the formation of InAs quantum ring nanostructures (QRNs) on GaSb (0 0 1) surface by droplet epitaxy (DE) mode using molecular beam epitaxy. We examined the impact of various growth conditions, including substrate temperature (Ts), As2 beam equivalent pressure (BEP) and surface stoichiometry, on the shape, density and size of the InAs QRNs. We confirmed that the InAs QRNs have better rotational symmetry at relatively high Ts and low As2 BEP. The symmetry of the QRN is due to the isotropic indium (In) out-migration along [1 1 0] and [1 -1 0], controlled via change in stoichiometry (surface As coverage) with temperature and the As2 BEP. These results indicate that we can realize InAs QRN on GaSb surface by DE process.

Electric Characteristic Enhancement of an AZO/Si Schottky Barrier Diode with Hydrogen Plasma Surface Treatment and AlxOx Guard Ring Structure

PubMed Central

Li, Chien-Yu; Cheng, Min-Yu; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Jing

2018-01-01

In this study, the design and fabrication of AZO/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with hydrogen plasma treatment on silicon surface and AlxOx guard ring were presented. The Si surface exhibited less interface defects after the cleaning process following with 30 w of H2 plasma treatment that improved the switching properties of the following formed SBDs. The rapid thermal annealing experiment also held at 400 °C to enhance the breakdown voltage of SBDs. The edge effect of the SBDs was also suppressed with the AlxOx guard ring structure deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) at the side of the SBDs. Experimental results show that the reverse leakage current was reduced and the breakdown voltage increased with an addition of the AlxOx guard ring. The diode and fabrication technology developed in the study were applicable to the realization of SBDs with a high breakdown voltage (>200 V), a low reverse leakage current density (≤72 μA/mm2@100 V), and a Schottky barrier height of 1.074 eV. PMID:29316726

Electric Characteristic Enhancement of an AZO/Si Schottky Barrier Diode with Hydrogen Plasma Surface Treatment and AlxOx Guard Ring Structure.

PubMed

Li, Chien-Yu; Cheng, Min-Yu; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Jing

2018-01-08

In this study, the design and fabrication of AZO/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with hydrogen plasma treatment on silicon surface and Al x O x guard ring were presented. The Si surface exhibited less interface defects after the cleaning process following with 30 w of H₂ plasma treatment that improved the switching properties of the following formed SBDs. The rapid thermal annealing experiment also held at 400 °C to enhance the breakdown voltage of SBDs. The edge effect of the SBDs was also suppressed with the Al x O x guard ring structure deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) at the side of the SBDs. Experimental results show that the reverse leakage current was reduced and the breakdown voltage increased with an addition of the Al x O x guard ring. The diode and fabrication technology developed in the study were applicable to the realization of SBDs with a high breakdown voltage (>200 V), a low reverse leakage current density (≤72 μA/mm²@100 V), and a Schottky barrier height of 1.074 eV.

The Effect of n vs. iso Isomerization on the Thermophysical Properties of Aromatic and Non-aromatic Ionic Liquids.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Ana S M C; Almeida, Hugo F D; Freire, Mara G; Lopes-da-Silva, José A; Coutinho, João A P; Santos, Luís M N B F

2016-09-15

This work explores the n vs. iso isomerization effects on the physicochemical properties of different families of ionic liquids (ILs) with variable aromaticity and ring size. This study comprises the experimental measurements, in a wide temperature range, of the ILs' thermal behavior, heat capacities, densities, refractive indices, surface tensions, and viscosities. The results here reported show that the presence of the iso -alkyl group leads to an increase of the temperature of the glass transition, T g . The iso- pyrrolidinium (5 atoms ring cation core) and iso -piperidinium (6 atoms ring cation core) ILs present a strong differentiation in the enthalpy and entropy of melting. Non-aromatic ILs have higher molar heat capacities due to the increase of the atomic contribution, whereas it was not found any significant differentiation between the n and iso -alkyl isomers. A small increase of the surface tension was observed for the non-aromatic ILs, which could be related to their higher cohesive energy of the bulk, while the lower surface entropy observed for the iso isomers indicates a structural resemblance between the IL bulk and surface. The significant differentiation between ILs with a 5 and 6 atoms ring cation in the n -alkyl series (where 5 atoms ring cations have higher surface entropy) is an indication of a more efficient arrangement of the non-polar region at the surface in ILs with smaller cation cores. The ILs constituted by non-aromatic piperidinium cation, and iso -alkyl isomers were found to be the most viscous among the studied ILs due to their higher energy barriers for shear stress.

Research progress on ionic plasmas generated in an intense hydrogen negative ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takeiri, Y., E-mail: takeiri@nifs.ac.jp; Tsumori, K.; Nagaoka, K.

2015-04-08

Characteristics of ionic plasmas, observed in a high-density hydrogen negative ion source, are investigated with a multi-diagnostics system. The ionic plasma, which consists of hydrogen positive- and negative-ions with a significantly low-density of electrons, is generated in the ion extraction region, from which the negative ions are extracted through the plasma grid. The negative ion density, i.e., the ionic plasma density, as high as the order of 1×10{sup 17}m{sup −3}, is measured with cavity ring-down spectroscopy, while the electron density is lower than 1×10{sup 16}m{sup −3}, which is confirmed with millimeter-wave interferometer. Reduction of the negative ion density is observedmore » at the negative ion extraction, and at that time the electron flow into the ionic plasma region is observed to conserve the charge neutrality. Distribution of the plasma potential is measured in the extraction region in the direction normal to the plasma grid surface with a Langmuir probe, and the results suggest that the sheath is formed at the plasma boundary to the plasma grid to which the bias voltage is applied. The beam extraction should drive the negative ion transport in the ionic plasma across the sheath formed on the extraction surface. Larger reduction of the negative ions at the beam extraction is observed in a region above the extraction aperture on the plasma grid, which is confirmed with 2D image measurement of the Hα emission and cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The electron distribution is also measured near the plasma grid surface. These various properties observed in the ionic plasma are discussed.« less

Depth profiles of oxygen precipitates in nitride-coated silicon wafers subjected to rapid thermal annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronkov, V. V.; Falster, R.; Kim, TaeHyeong; Park, SoonSung; Torack, T.

2013-07-01

Silicon wafers, coated with a silicon nitride layer and subjected to high temperature Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) in Ar, show—upon a subsequent two-step precipitation anneal cycle (such as 800 °C + 1000 °C)—peculiar depth profiles of oxygen precipitate densities. Some profiles are sharply peaked near the wafer surface, sometimes with a zero bulk density. Other profiles are uniform in depth. The maximum density is always the same. These profiles are well reproduced by simulations assuming that precipitation starts from a uniformly distributed small oxide plates originated from RTA step and composed of oxygen atoms and vacancies ("VO2 plates"). During the first step of the precipitation anneal, an oxide layer propagates around this core plate by a process of oxygen attachment, meaning that an oxygen-only ring-shaped plate emerges around the original plate. These rings, depending on their size, then either dissolve or grow during the second part of the anneal leading to a rich variety of density profiles.

Improvement of ion thruster design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, R. T.

1986-01-01

Two types of measurements were performed on ion thrustors equipped with SmCo magnets in either ring cusp or line cusp arrangements. Langmuir probes were used to measure plasma potential, electron density, and electron temperture in all regions inside the thruster. Loss fluxes to various surfaces were determined by measuring the currents to foils attached to or imbedded in the surface. Data were obtained for several sets of discharge voltages and currents. The loss currents were determined from current vs voltage characteristics observed on a transistor curve tracer oscilloscope. Both ion and electron currents were measured to all parts of the walls and to all parts of the cathode assembly using collecting plates. These measurement were also made for various parameter sets. In line cusp configuration the plasma density is essentially as predicted by existing calculations. In the ring cusp arrangement the interior of the plasma contains an inhomogeneous and relatively large magnetic field so the geometry is decidely two-dimensional and the models of Self (1967) and of Kino and Sham (1966) do not agree.

DYNAMICS OF SELF-GRAVITY WAKES IN DENSE PLANETARY RINGS. I. PITCH ANGLE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michikoshi, Shugo; Kokubo, Eiichiro; Fujii, Akihiko

2015-10-20

We investigate the dynamics of self-gravity wakes in dense planetary rings. In particular, we examine how the pitch angles of self-gravity wakes depend on ring parameters using N-body simulations. We calculate the pitch angles using the two-dimensional autocorrelation function of the ring surface density. We obtain the pitch angles for the inner and outer parts of the autocorrelation function separately. We confirm that the pitch angles are 15°–30° for reasonable ring parameters, which are consistent with previous studies. We find that the inner pitch angle increases with the Saturnicentric distance, while it barely depends on the optical depth and themore » restitution coefficient of ring particles. The increase of the inner pitch angle with the Saturnicentric distance is consistent with the observations of the A ring. The outer pitch angle does not have a clear dependence on any ring parameters and is about 10°–15°. This value is consistent with the pitch angle of spiral arms in collisionless systems.« less

Circumstellar and circumplanetary disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, Eugene

2000-11-01

This thesis studies disks in three astrophysical contexts: (1)protoplanetary disks; (2)the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt; and (3)planetary rings. We derive hydrostatic, radiative equilibrium models of passive protoplanetary disks surrounding T Tauri and Herbig Ae/Be stars. Each disk is encased by an optically thin layer of superheated dust grains. This layer is responsible for up to ~70% of the disk luminosity at wavelengths between ~5 and 60 μm. The heated disk flares and absorbs more stellar radiation at a given stellocentric distance than a flat disk would. Spectral energy distributions are computed and found to compare favorably with the observed flattish infrared excesses of several young stellar objects. Spectral features from dust grains in the superheated layer appear in emission if the disk is viewed nearly face-on. We present the results of a pencil-beam survey of the Kuiper Belt using the Keck 10-m telescope. Two new objects are discovered. Data from all surveys are pooled to construct the luminosity function from mR = 20 to 27. The cumulative number of objects per square degree, Σ(< mR), is such that log10Σ (< mR) = 0.52(mR - 23.5). The luminosity function is consistent with a power-law size distribution for which the smallest objects possess most of the surface area but the largest bodies contain most of the mass. To order-of-magnitude, 0.2 M⊕ and 1 × 1010 comet progenitors lie between 30 and 50 AU. The classical Kuiper Belt appears truncated at a distance of 50 AU. We propose that rigid precession of narrow eccentric planetary rings surrounding Uranus and Saturn is maintained by a balance of forces due to ring self- gravity, planetary oblateness, and interparticle collisions. Collisional impulses play an especially dramatic role near ring edges. Pressure-induced accelerations are maximal near edges because there (1)velocity dispersions are enhanced by resonant satellite perturbations, and (2)the surface density declines steeply. Remarkably, collisional forces felt by material in the last ~100 m of a ~10 km wide ring can increase equilibrium masses up to a factor of ~100. New ring surface densities are derived which accord with Voyager radio measurements.

Dynamics of Dwarf Galaxies Disfavor Stellar-Mass Black Holes as Dark Matter.

PubMed

Koushiappas, Savvas M; Loeb, Abraham

2017-07-28

We study the effects of black hole dark matter on the dynamical evolution of stars in dwarf galaxies. We find that mass segregation leads to a depletion of stars in the center of dwarf galaxies and the appearance of a ring in the projected stellar surface density profile. Using Segue 1 as an example we show that current observations of the projected surface stellar density rule out at the 99.9% confidence level the possibility that more than 6% of the dark matter is composed of black holes with a mass of few tens of solar masses.

On-Surface Synthesis and Characterization of Honeycombene Oligophenylene Macrocycles.

PubMed

Chen, Min; Shang, Jian; Wang, Yongfeng; Wu, Kai; Kuttner, Julian; Hilt, Gerhard; Hieringer, Wolfgang; Gottfried, J Michael

2017-01-24

We report the on-surface formation and characterization of [30]-honeycombene, a cyclotriacontaphenylene, which consists of 30 phenyl rings (C 180 H 120 ) and has a diameter of 4.0 nm. This shape-persistent, conjugated, and unsubstituted hexagonal hydrocarbon macrocycle was obtained by solvent-free synthesis on a silver (111) single-crystal surface, making solubility-enhancing alkyl side groups unnecessary. Side products include strained macrocycles with square, pentagonal, and heptagonal shape. The molecules were characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. On the Ag(111) surface, the macrocycles act as molecular quantum corrals and lead to the confinement of surface-state electrons inside the central cavity. The energy of the confined surface state correlates with the size of the macrocycle and is well described by a particle-in-the-box model. Tunneling spectroscopy suggests conjugation within the planar rings and reveals influences of self-assembly on the electronic structure. While the adsorbed molecules appear to be approximately planar, the free molecules have nonplanar conformation, according to DFT.

Stability of an ion-ring distribution in a multi-ion component plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mithaiwala, Manish; Rudakov, Leonid; Ganguli, Gurudas

2010-04-01

The stability of a cold ion-ring velocity distribution in a thermal plasma is analyzed. In particular, the effect of plasma temperature and density on the instability is considered. A high ring density (compared to the background plasma) neutralizes the stabilizing effect of the warm background plasma and the ring is unstable to the generation of waves below the lower-hybrid frequency even for a very high temperature plasma. For ring densities lower than the background plasma density, there is a slow instability where the growth rate is less than the background-ion cyclotron frequency and, consequently, the background-ion response is magnetized. This is in addition to the widely discussed fast instability where the wave growth rate exceeds the background-ion cyclotron frequency and hence the background ions are effectively unmagnetized. Thus, even a low density ring is unstable to waves around the lower-hybrid frequency range for any ring speed. This implies that effectively there is no velocity threshold for a sufficiently cold ring.

Modifications to a Laboratory-Scale Confined Laser Ignition Chamber for Pressure Measurements to 70 MPa

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

which is then turned over and pressed by hand against a flat surface. The solder ring is removed from the flange using a flat blade mini screwdriver...densities of M10 propellant. This series of experiments was conducted to get an indication of how many experiments could be run with the same window...While we were able to run 6 experiments with a pair of solder rings as the window seat, we typically replace the seat after 4 experiments have been

Physical properties of the natural satellites. [excluding the Moon and including Saturnian Rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, D.; Cruikshank, D. P.

1974-01-01

Review of the physical nature of all of the known satellites except the moon. Following a summary of the basic data regarding the size, mass, and density of satellite systems and a description of models that have been proposed for the composition and structure of these systems, a detailed analysis is made of the satellites of Mars, the Galilean satellites, Titan, the other satellites of Saturn, the rings of Saturn, and the remaining objects, with emphasis on studies of their surfaces by imaging, photometry, spectrophotometry, polarimetry, and radiometry.

Spatial structure of radio frequency ring-shaped magnetized discharge sputtering plasma using two facing ZnO/Al2O3 cylindrical targets for Al-doped ZnO thin film preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumiyama, Takashi; Fukumoto, Takaya; Ohtsu, Yasunori; Tabaru, Tatsuo

2017-05-01

Spatial structure of high-density radio frequency ring-shaped magnetized discharge plasma sputtering with two facing ZnO/Al2O3 cylindrical targets mounted in ring-shaped hollow cathode has been measured and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film is deposited without substrate heating. The plasma density has a peak at ring-shaped hollow trench near the cathode. The radial profile becomes uniform with increasing the distance from the target cathode. A low ion current flowing to the substrate of 0.19 mA/cm2 is attained. Large area AZO films with a resistivity of 4.1 - 6.7×10-4 Ω cm can be prepared at a substrate room temperature. The transmittance is 84.5 % in a visible region. The surface roughnesses of AZO films are 0.86, 0.68, 0.64, 1.7 nm at radial positions of r = 0, 15, 30, 40 mm, respectively, while diffraction peak of AZO films is 34.26°. The grains exhibit a preferential orientation along (002) axis.

Dust-Corrected Star Formation Rates in Galaxies with Outer Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostiuk, I.; Silchenko, O.

2018-03-01

The star formation rates SFR, as well as the SFR surface densities ΣSFR and absolute stellar magnitudes MAB, are determined and corrected for interinsic dust absorption for 34 disk galaxies of early morphological types with an outer ring structure and ultraviolet emission from the ring. These characteristic are determined for the outer ring structures and for the galaxies as a whole. Data from the space telescopes GALEX (in the NUV and FUV ultraviolet ranges) and WISE (in the W4 22 μm infrared band) are used. The average relative deviation in the corrected SFR and ΣSFR derived from the NUV and FUV bands is only 19.0%, so their averaged values are used for statistical consideration. The relations between the dust-corrected SFR characteristics, UV colours, the galaxy morphological type, absolute magnitude are illustrated.

The formation of sharp edges in planetary rings by nearby satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borderies, N.; Goldreich, P.; Tremaine, S.

1989-08-01

Equations are derived which govern the shapes of the perturbed streamlines near the 'sharp edge' boundaries between regions of high and low planetary ring optical depth; these are maintained by the shepherd satellites, which transfer angular momentum to and from ring particles. The results obtained by these equations' solution with a simple numerical model, whose parameters resemble those of the Encke division, are found to faithfully reproduce the sharp edges bounding the division; they imply that the ring thickness in the unperturbed regions far from the edges is of the order of 10 m, and that the angle-averaged surface density varies on a much shorter radial length scale than that over which the satellite torque is applied. This feature's relationship to the local reversal of angular momentum viscous transport, in the most strongly perturbed regions, is demonstrated.

The formation of sharp edges in planetary rings by nearby satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borderies, Nicole; Goldreich, Peter; Tremaine, Scott

1989-01-01

Equations are derived which govern the shapes of the perturbed streamlines near the 'sharp edge' boundaries between regions of high and low planetary ring optical depth; these are maintained by the shepherd satellites, which transfer angular momentum to and from ring particles. The results obtained by these equations' solution with a simple numerical model, whose parameters resemble those of the Encke division, are found to faithfully reproduce the sharp edges bounding the division; they imply that the ring thickness in the unperturbed regions far from the edges is of the order of 10 m, and that the angle-averaged surface density varies on a much shorter radial length scale than that over which the satellite torque is applied. This feature's relationship to the local reversal of angular momentum viscous transport, in the most strongly perturbed regions, is demonstrated.

Computation of Surface Laplacian for tri-polar ring electrodes on high-density realistic geometry head model.

PubMed

Junwei Ma; Han Yuan; Sunderam, Sridhar; Besio, Walter; Lei Ding

2017-07-01

Neural activity inside the human brain generate electrical signals that can be detected on the scalp. Electroencephalograph (EEG) is one of the most widely utilized techniques helping physicians and researchers to diagnose and understand various brain diseases. Due to its nature, EEG signals have very high temporal resolution but poor spatial resolution. To achieve higher spatial resolution, a novel tri-polar concentric ring electrode (TCRE) has been developed to directly measure Surface Laplacian (SL). The objective of the present study is to accurately calculate SL for TCRE based on a realistic geometry head model. A locally dense mesh was proposed to represent the head surface, where the local dense parts were to match the small structural components in TCRE. Other areas without dense mesh were used for the purpose of reducing computational load. We conducted computer simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed mesh and evaluated possible numerical errors as compared with a low-density model. Finally, with achieved accuracy, we presented the computed forward lead field of SL for TCRE for the first time in a realistic geometry head model and demonstrated that it has better spatial resolution than computed SL from classic EEG recordings.

Design of Aircraft (Selected Chapters),

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-22

9 - compressed air motor of the drive of the reverser of the thrust of fan; 10 - flexible drive shaft; 11 - gearbox and jack; 12 - moving ring; 13...24 - cutoff and control valve; 25 - main line of pneumatic system; 26 - pneumo-starter; 27 - given by compressed air motor hydraulic pump; 28...kilometer; p - mass air density; p, - on the surface of sea; .A=p/p°- relative density of air ; R - radius of the Earth, a radius turn/bank and so forth; S

Extended transiting discs and rings around planets and brown dwarfs: theoretical constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanazzi, J. J.; Lai, Dong

2017-02-01

Newly formed planets (or brown dwarfs) may possess discs or rings which occupy an appreciable fraction of the planet's Hill sphere and extend beyond the Laplace radius, where the tidal torque from the host star dominates over the torque from the oblate planet. Such a disc/ring can exhibit unique, detectable transit signatures, provided that the disc/ring is significantly misaligned with the orbital plane of the planet. There exists tentative evidence for an extended ring system around the young K5 star 1 SWASP J140747-354542. We present a general theoretical study of the inclination (warp) profile of circumplanetary discs under the combined influences of the tidal torque from the central star, the torque from the oblate planet, and the self-gravity of the disc. We calculate the equilibrium warp profile (`generalized Laplace surface') and investigate the condition for coherent precession of the disc. We find that to maintain a non-negligible misalignment between the extended outer disc and the planet's orbital plane, and to ensure coherent disc precession, the disc surface density must be sufficiently large so that the self-gravity torque overcomes the tidal torque from the central star. Our analysis and quantitative results can be used to constrain the parameters of transiting circumplanetary discs which may be detected in the future.

Product suitability of wood...determined by density gradients across growth rings

Treesearch

Robert M. Echols

1972-01-01

The suitability of wood for various uses can be determined by synthesizing single growth-ring density curves from accumulated means of wood density classes. Wood density gradients across growth rings were measured in large increment cores from 46-year-old ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) by using X-rays. Of the 48 trees analyzed, 36 had been...

Ring profiler: a new method for estimating tree-ring density for improved estimates of carbon storage

Treesearch

David W. Vahey; C. Tim Scott; J.Y. Zhu; Kenneth E. Skog

2012-01-01

Methods for estimating present and future carbon storage in trees and forests rely on measurements or estimates of tree volume or volume growth multiplied by specific gravity. Wood density can vary by tree ring and height in a tree. If data on density by tree ring could be obtained and linked to tree size and stand characteristics, it would be possible to more...

Study of glass hydrometer calibration by hydrostatic weighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chaoyun; Wang, Jintao; Li, Zhihao; Zhang, Peiman

2016-01-01

Glass hydrometers are simple but effective instruments for measuring the density of liquids. Glass hydrometers calibration based on the Archimedes law, using silicon ring as a reference standard solid density, n-tridecane with density stability and low surface tension as the standard working liquid, based on hydrostatic weighing method designs a glass hydrometer calibration system. Glass hydrometer calibration system uses CCD image measurement system to align the scale of hydrometer and liquid surface, with positioning accuracy of 0.01 mm. Surface tension of the working liquid is measured by Whihemy plate. According to twice glass hydrometer weighing in the air and liquid can calculate the correction value of the current scale. In order to verify the validity of the principle of the hydrostatic weighing method of glass hydrometer calibration system, for measuring the density range of (770-790) kg/m3, with a resolution of 0.2 kg/m3 of hydrometer. The results of measurement compare with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt(PTB) ,verifying the validity of the calibration system.

Wood density of young-growth western hemlock: relation to ring age, radial growth, stand density, and site quality.

Treesearch

Dean S. DeBell; Ryan Singleton; Barbara L. Gartner; David D. Marshall

2004-01-01

Breast-high stem sections were sampled from 56 western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) trees growing in 15 plots representing a wide range of tree and site conditions in northwestern Oregon. Growth and wood density traits of individual rings were measured via X-ray densitometry, and relationships of ring density and its components to age...

RF magnetized ring-shaped plasma for target utilization obtained with circular magnet monopole arrangement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amzad Hossain, Md.; Ohtsu, Yasunori

2018-01-01

We proposed a new setup for generating outer ring-shaped radio frequency (RF) magnetized plasma near the chamber wall using monopole magnet setups. Three monopole magnet setups with (a) R = 5 mm, (b) R = 20 mm, and (c) R = 35 mm were investigated, where R is the gap between the magnets in consecutive circles. The distributions of the two dimensional magnetic flux lines, the absolute value of the horizontal magnetic flux density, and the discharge voltage were investigated for the proposed setups to produce outer ring-shaped plasma. A highly luminous ring-shaped plasma was observed for the setup (a), whereas multi-ring discharges were observed for the setups (b) and (c). It was found that the electron temperature decreases with increasing gas pressure for all cases. The electron temperatures were 2.42, 1.71, and 1.15 eV at an Ar gas pressure of 4 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. The plasma density was approximately the same for setups (b) and (c) at all gas pressures. The highest plasma densities were 6.26 × 1015, 1.06 × 1016, and 1.11 × 1016 m-3 at 5 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. It was found that the electron mean free path was 41.4, 63.17, and 84.66 mm at an Ar gas pressure of 5 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. The electron neutral collision frequency for setup (a) was higher than those for setups (b) and (c) at a constant RF power of 40 W and an axial distance of z = 13 mm from the target surface. The radial profile of the ion saturation current for setup (b) was more uniform than those for setups (a) and (c).

Communication: Origin of the contributions to DNA structure in phages

PubMed Central

Myers, Christopher G.; Pettitt, B. Montgomery

2013-01-01

Cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data of the interior of phages show ordering of the interior DNA that has been interpreted as a nearly perfectly ordered polymer. We show surface-induced correlations, excluded volume, and electrostatic forces are sufficient to predict most of the major features of the current structural data for DNA packaged within viral capsids without additional ordering due to elastic bending forces for the polymer. Current models assume highly-ordered, even spooled, hexagonally packed conformations based on interpretation of cryo-EM density maps. We show herein that the surface induced packing of short (6mer), unconnected DNA polymer segments is the only necessary ingredient in creating ringed densities consistent with experimental density maps. This implies the ensemble of possible conformations of polymeric DNA within the capsid that are consistent with cryo-EM data may be much larger than implied by traditional interpretations where such rings can only result from highly-ordered spool-like conformations. This opens the possibility of a more disordered, entropically-driven view of phage packaging thermodynamics. We also show the electrostatics of the DNA contributes a large portion of the internal hydrostatic and osmotic pressures of a phage virion, suggesting that nonlinear elastic anomalies might reduce the overall elastic bending enthalpy of more disordered conformations to have allowable free energies. PMID:23444988

Communication: Origin of the contributions to DNA structure in phages.

PubMed

Myers, Christopher G; Pettitt, B Montgomery

2013-02-21

Cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data of the interior of phages show ordering of the interior DNA that has been interpreted as a nearly perfectly ordered polymer. We show surface-induced correlations, excluded volume, and electrostatic forces are sufficient to predict most of the major features of the current structural data for DNA packaged within viral capsids without additional ordering due to elastic bending forces for the polymer. Current models assume highly-ordered, even spooled, hexagonally packed conformations based on interpretation of cryo-EM density maps. We show herein that the surface induced packing of short (6mer), unconnected DNA polymer segments is the only necessary ingredient in creating ringed densities consistent with experimental density maps. This implies the ensemble of possible conformations of polymeric DNA within the capsid that are consistent with cryo-EM data may be much larger than implied by traditional interpretations where such rings can only result from highly-ordered spool-like conformations. This opens the possibility of a more disordered, entropically-driven view of phage packaging thermodynamics. We also show the electrostatics of the DNA contributes a large portion of the internal hydrostatic and osmotic pressures of a phage virion, suggesting that nonlinear elastic anomalies might reduce the overall elastic bending enthalpy of more disordered conformations to have allowable free energies.

Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics and Orthogonality Constrained Density Functional Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shushkov, Philip Georgiev

The exact quantum dynamics of realistic, multidimensional systems remains a formidable computational challenge. In many chemical processes, however, quantum effects such as tunneling, zero-point energy quantization, and nonadiabatic transitions play an important role. Therefore, approximate approaches that improve on the classical mechanical framework are of special practical interest. We propose a novel ring polymer surface hopping method for the calculation of chemical rate constants. The method blends two approaches, namely ring polymer molecular dynamics that accounts for tunneling and zero-point energy quantization, and surface hopping that incorporates nonadiabatic transitions. We test the method against exact quantum mechanical calculations for a one-dimensional, two-state model system. The method reproduces quite accurately the tunneling contribution to the rate and the distribution of reactants between the electronic states for this model system. Semiclassical instanton theory, an approach related to ring polymer molecular dynamics, accounts for tunneling by the use of periodic classical trajectories on the inverted potential energy surface. We study a model of electron transfer in solution, a chemical process where nonadiabatic events are prominent. By representing the tunneling electron with a ring polymer, we derive Marcus theory of electron transfer from semiclassical instanton theory after a careful analysis of the tunneling mode. We demonstrate that semiclassical instanton theory can recover the limit of Fermi's Golden Rule rate in a low-temperature, deep-tunneling regime. Mixed quantum-classical dynamics treats a few important degrees of freedom quantum mechanically, while classical mechanics describes affordably the rest of the system. But the interface of quantum and classical description is a challenging theoretical problem, especially for low-energy chemical processes. We therefore focus on the semiclassical limit of the coupled nuclear-electronic dynamics. We show that the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for the electrons employed in the widely used fewest switches surface hopping method is applicable only in the limit of nearly identical classical trajectories on the different potential energy surfaces. We propose a short-time decoupling algorithm that restricts the use of the Schrodinger equation only to the interaction regions. We test the short-time approximation on three model systems against exact quantum-mechanical calculations. The approximation improves the performance of the surface hopping approach. Nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations require the efficient and accurate computation of ground and excited state potential energy surfaces. Unlike the ground state calculations where standard methods exist, the computation of excited state properties is a challenging task. We employ time-independent density functional theory, in which the excited state energy is represented as a functional of the total density. We suggest an adiabatic-like approximation that simplifies the excited state exchange-correlation functional. We also derive a set of minimal conditions to impose exactly the orthogonality of the excited state Kohn-Sham determinant to the ground state determinant. This leads to an efficient, variational algorithm for the self-consistent optimization of the excited state energy. Finally, we assess the quality of the excitation energies obtained by the new method on a set of 28 organic molecules. The new approach provides results of similar accuracy to time-dependent density functional theory.

Using ring width correlations to study the effects of plantation density on wood density and anatomical properties of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.)

Treesearch

J. Y. Zhu; C. T. Scott; K. L. Scallon; G. C. Myers

2006-01-01

This study demonstrated that average ring width (or average annual radial growth rate) is a reliable parameter to quantify the effects of tree plantation ndensity (growth suppression) on wood density and tracheid anatomical properties. The average ring width successfully correlated wood density and tracheid anatomical properties of red pines (Pinus resinosa Ait.) from...

Extraordinary rocks from the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater: P-wave velocity, density, and porosity measurements from IODP/ICDP Expedition 364

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christeson, G. L.; Gulick, S. P. S.; Morgan, J. V.; Gebhardt, C.; Kring, D. A.; Le Ber, E.; Lofi, J.; Nixon, C.; Poelchau, M.; Rae, A. S. P.; Rebolledo-Vieyra, M.; Riller, U.; Schmitt, D. R.; Wittmann, A.; Bralower, T. J.; Chenot, E.; Claeys, P.; Cockell, C. S.; Coolen, M. J. L.; Ferrière, L.; Green, S.; Goto, K.; Jones, H.; Lowery, C. M.; Mellett, C.; Ocampo-Torres, R.; Perez-Cruz, L.; Pickersgill, A. E.; Rasmussen, C.; Sato, H.; Smit, J.; Tikoo, S. M.; Tomioka, N.; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, J.; Whalen, M. T.; Xiao, L.; Yamaguchi, K. E.

2018-08-01

Joint International Ocean Discovery Program and International Continental Scientific Drilling Program Expedition 364 drilled into the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater. We present P-wave velocity, density, and porosity measurements from Hole M0077A that reveal unusual physical properties of the peak-ring rocks. Across the boundary between post-impact sedimentary rock and suevite (impact melt-bearing breccia) we measure a sharp decrease in velocity and density, and an increase in porosity. Velocity, density, and porosity values for the suevite are 2900-3700 m/s, 2.06-2.37 g/cm3, and 20-35%, respectively. The thin (25 m) impact melt rock unit below the suevite has velocity measurements of 3650-4350 m/s, density measurements of 2.26-2.37 g/cm3, and porosity measurements of 19-22%. We associate the low velocity, low density, and high porosity of suevite and impact melt rock with rapid emplacement, hydrothermal alteration products, and observations of pore space, vugs, and vesicles. The uplifted granitic peak ring materials have values of 4000-4200 m/s, 2.39-2.44 g/cm3, and 8-13% for velocity, density, and porosity, respectively; these values differ significantly from typical unaltered granite which has higher velocity and density, and lower porosity. The majority of Hole M0077A peak-ring velocity, density, and porosity measurements indicate considerable rock damage, and are consistent with numerical model predictions for peak-ring formation where the lithologies present within the peak ring represent some of the most shocked and damaged rocks in an impact basin. We integrate our results with previous seismic datasets to map the suevite near the borehole. We map suevite below the Paleogene sedimentary rock in the annular trough, on the peak ring, and in the central basin, implying that, post impact, suevite covered the entire floor of the impact basin. Suevite thickness is 100-165 m on the top of the peak ring but 200 m in the central basin, suggesting that suevite flowed downslope from the collapsing central uplift during and after peak-ring formation, accumulating preferentially within the central basin.

GRAVITATIONAL ACCRETION OF PARTICLES ONTO MOONLETS EMBEDDED IN SATURN's RINGS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yasui, Yuki; Ohtsuki, Keiji; Daisaka, Hiroshi, E-mail: y.yasui@whale.kobe-u.ac.jp, E-mail: ohtsuki@tiger.kobe-u.ac.jp

2014-12-20

Using a local N-body simulation, we examine gravitational accretion of ring particles onto moonlet cores in Saturn's rings. We find that gravitational accretion of particles onto moonlet cores is unlikely to occur in the C ring and probably difficult in the inner B ring as well provided that the cores are rigid water ice. Dependence of particle accretion on ring thickness changes when the radial distance from the planet and/or the density of particles is varied: the former determines the size of the core's Hill radius relative to its physical size, while the latter changes the effect of self-gravity ofmore » accreted particles. We find that particle accretion onto high-latitude regions of the core surface can occur even if the rings' vertical thickness is much smaller than the core radius, although redistribution of particles onto the high-latitude regions would not be perfectly efficient in outer regions of the rings such as the outer A ring, where the size of the core's Hill sphere in the vertical direction is significantly larger than the core's physical radius. Our results suggest that large boulders recently inferred from observations of transparent holes in the C ring are not formed locally by gravitational accretion, while propeller moonlets in the A ring would be gravitational aggregates formed by particle accretion onto dense cores. Our results also imply that the main bodies of small satellites near the outer edge of Saturn's rings may have been formed in rather thin rings.« less

Size-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering of sodium benzoate on Silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badr, Y.; Mahmoud, M. A.

2005-07-01

The absorption spectrum of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different size and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was recorded. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of Sodium Benzoate (SB) adsorbed on Ag NPs with different particle size were studied. The carboxylic group bands were enhanced as the particle size decreases due to the chemisorption of SB on the Ag NPs through it in which the carboxyl group was perpendicular to the surface and the benzene ring parallel to the surface; the SB bands were enhanced as the coverage density of Ag NPs increased.

Annular wave packets at Dirac points in graphene and their probability-density oscillation.

PubMed

Luo, Ji; Valencia, Daniel; Lu, Junqiang

2011-12-14

Wave packets in graphene whose central wave vector is at Dirac points are investigated by numerical calculations. Starting from an initial Gaussian function, these wave packets form into annular peaks that propagate to all directions like ripple-rings on water surface. At the beginning, electronic probability alternates between the central peak and the ripple-rings and transient oscillation occurs at the center. As time increases, the ripple-rings propagate at the fixed Fermi speed, and their widths remain unchanged. The axial symmetry of the energy dispersion leads to the circular symmetry of the wave packets. The fixed speed and widths, however, are attributed to the linearity of the energy dispersion. Interference between states that, respectively, belong to two branches of the energy dispersion leads to multiple ripple-rings and the probability-density oscillation. In a magnetic field, annular wave packets become confined and no longer propagate to infinity. If the initial Gaussian width differs greatly from the magnetic length, expanding and shrinking ripple-rings form and disappear alternatively in a limited spread, and the wave packet resumes the Gaussian form frequently. The probability thus oscillates persistently between the central peak and the ripple-rings. If the initial Gaussian width is close to the magnetic length, the wave packet retains the Gaussian form and its height and width oscillate with a period determined by the first Landau energy. The wave-packet evolution is determined jointly by the initial state and the magnetic field, through the electronic structure of graphene in a magnetic field. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Growth of carbon structured over Pd, Pt and Ni: A comparative DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quiroga, Matías Abel

2013-03-01

To elucidate the graphene-like structures mechanisms growth over the M(1 1 1) surface (M = Pd, Pt and Ni) we performed ab initio calculus in the frame of density functional theory with the exchange-correlation functional treated according to the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA). In order to avoid the problem that represent the complex interaction between the well formed graphene layer and the metallic surface, we recreate the carbon rings formation initial steps, by adding one by one carbon atoms over M(1 1 1) surface. With this strategy, the chemical bonding is always present until the graphene layer is well formed, in which case the GGA neglects van der Waals dispersive forces. We investigate the electronic properties by studying the band structure and the density of states.

Reduction of Acute Inflammatory Effects of Fumed Silica Nanoparticles in the Lung by Adjusting Silanol Display through Calcination and Metal Doping

PubMed Central

Sun, Bingbing; Pokhrel, Suman; Dunphy, Darren R.; Zhang, Haiyuan; Ji, Zhaoxia; Wang, Xiang; Wang, Meiying; Liao, Yu-Pei; Chang, Chong Hyun; Dong, Juyao; Li, Ruibin; Mädler, Lutz; Brinker, C. Jeffrey; Nel, André E.; Xia, Tian

2015-01-01

The production of pyrogenic (fumed) silica is increasing worldwide at a 7% annual growth rate, including expanded use in food, pharmaceuticals and other industrial products. Synthetic amorphous silica, including fumed silica, has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, emerging evidence from experimental studies now suggests that fumed silica could be hazardous due to its siloxane ring structure, high silanol density, and “string-of-pearl-like” aggregate structure, which could combine to cause membrane disruption, generation of reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory effects, and liver fibrosis. Based on this structure-activity analysis (SAA), we investigated whether calcination and rehydration of fumed silica changes its hazard potential in the lung due to an effect on silanol density display. This analysis demonstrated that the accompanying change in surface reactivity could indeed impact cytokine production in macrophages and acute inflammation in the lung, in a manner that is dependent on siloxane ring reconstruction. Confirmation of this SAA in vivo, prompted us to consider safer design of fumed silica properties by titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) doping (0–7%), using flame spray pyrolysis (FSP). Detailed characterization revealed that increased Ti and Al doping could reduce surface silanol density and expression of three-membered siloxane rings, leading to dose-dependent reduction in hydroxyl radical generation, membrane perturbation, potassium efflux, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells. The reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also confirmed in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Ti- and to a lesser extent Al-doping, also ameliorated acute pulmonary inflammation, demonstrating the possibility of a safer design approach for fumed silica, should that be required for specific use circumstances. PMID:26200133

On the methanol emission detection in the TW Hya disc: the role of grain surface chemistry and non-LTE excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parfenov, S. Yu.; Semenov, D. A.; Henning, Th.; Shapovalova, A. S.; Sobolev, A. M.; Teague, R.

2017-06-01

The recent detection of gas-phase methanol (CH3OH) lines in the disc of TW Hya by Walsh et al. provided the first observational constraints on the complex O-bearing organic content in protoplanetary discs. The emission has a ring-like morphology, with a peak at ˜30-50 au and an inferred column density of ˜3-6 × 1012 cm-2. A low CH3OH fractional abundance of ˜0.3-4 × 10-11 (with respect to H2) is derived, depending on the assumed vertical location of the CH3OH molecular layer. In this study, we use a thermochemical model of the TW Hya disc, coupled with the alchemic gas-grain chemical model, assuming laboratory-motivated, fast diffusivities of the surface molecules to interpret the CH3OH detection. Based on this disc model, we performed radiative transfer calculations with the lime code and simulations of the observations with the casa simulator. We found that our model allows us to reproduce the observations well. The CH3OH emission in our model appears as a ring with radius of ˜60 au. Synthetic and observed line flux densities are equal within the rms noise level of observations. The synthetic CH3OH spectra calculated assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) can differ by up to a factor of 3.5 from the non-LTE spectra. For the strongest lines, the differences between LTE and non-LTE flux densities are very small and practically negligible. Variations in the diffusivity of the surface molecules can lead to variations of the CH3OH abundance and, therefore, line flux densities by an order of magnitude.

Electrostatic forces in planetary rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goertz, C. K.; Shan, Linhua; Havnes, O.

1988-01-01

The average charge on a particle in a particle-plasma cloud, the plasma potential inside the cloud, and the Coulomb force acting on the particle are calculated. The net repulsive electrostatic force on a particle depends on the plasma density, temperature, density of particles, particle size, and the gradient of the particle density. In a uniformly dense ring the electrostatic repulsion is zero. It is also shown that the electrostatic force acts like a pressure force, that even a collisionless ring can be stable against gravitational collapse, and that a finite ring thickness does not necessarily imply a finite velocity dispersion. A simple criterion for the importance of electrostatic forces in planetary rings is derived which involves the calculation of the vertical ring thickness which would result if only electrostatic repulsion were responsible for the finite ring thickness. Electrostatic forces are entirely negligible in the main rings of Saturn and the E and G rings. They may also be negligible in the F ring. However, the Uranian rings and Jupiter's ring seem to be very much influenced by electrostatic repulsion. In fact, electrostatic forces could support a Jovian ring which is an order of magnitude more dense than observed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thilker, David A.; Bianchi, Luciana; Schiminovich, David

We have discovered recent star formation in the outermost portion ((1-4) x R {sub 25}) of the nearby lenticular (S0) galaxy NGC 404 using Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV imaging. FUV-bright sources are strongly concentrated within the galaxy's H I ring (formed by a merger event according to del RIo et al.), even though the average gas density is dynamically subcritical. Archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging reveals resolved upper main-sequence stars and conclusively demonstrates that the UV light originates from recent star formation activity. We present FUV, NUV radial surface brightness profiles, and integrated magnitudes for NGC 404. Within the ring,more » the average star formation rate (SFR) surface density ({Sigma}{sub SFR}) is {approx}2.2 x 10{sup -5} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}. Of the total FUV flux, 70% comes from the H I ring which is forming stars at a rate of 2.5 x 10{sup -3} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1}. The gas consumption timescale, assuming a constant SFR and no gas recycling, is several times the age of the universe. In the context of the UV-optical galaxy color-magnitude diagram, the presence of the star-forming H I ring places NGC 404 in the green valley separating the red and blue sequences. The rejuvenated lenticular galaxy has experienced a merger-induced, disk-building excursion away from the red sequence toward bluer colors, where it may evolve quiescently or (if appropriately triggered) experience a burst capable of placing it on the blue/star-forming sequence for up to {approx}1 Gyr. The green valley galaxy population is heterogeneous, with most systems transitioning from blue to red but others evolving in the opposite sense due to acquisition of fresh gas through various channels.« less

Effect of Surface Pressure Integration Methodology on Launch Vehicle Buffet Forcing Functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sekula, Martin K.; Piatak, David J.; Rausch, Russ D.

2016-01-01

The 2014 test of the Space Launch System (SLS) Rigid Buffet Model conducted at the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel employed an extremely high number of unsteady pressure transducers. The high channel count provided an opportunity to examine the effect of transducer placement on the resulting buffet forcing functions (BFFs). Rings of transducers on the forward half of the model were employed to simulate a single-body vehicle. The impact of transducer density, circumferential distribution, and loss of a single transducer on the resulting BFFs were examined. Rings of transducers on the aft half of the SLS model were employed to examine the effect of transducer density and circumferential distribution on BFFs for a multi-body configuration. Transducer placement considerations with respect to model size, facility infrastructure, and data acquisition system capabilities, which affect the integration process, are also discussed.

Non-linear Evolution of Velocity Ring Distributions: Generation of Whistler Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mithaiwala, M.; Rudakov, L.; Ganguli, G.

2010-12-01

Although it is typically believed that an ion ring velocity distribution has a stability threshold, we find that they are universally unstable. This can substantially impact the understanding of dynamics in both laboratory and space plasmas. A high ring density neutralizes the stabilizing effect of ion Landau damping in a warm plasma and the ring is unstable to the generation of waves below the lower hybrid frequency- even for a very high temperature plasma. For ring densities lower than the background plasma density there is a slow instability with growth rate less than the background ion cyclotron frequency and consequently the background ion response is magnetized. This is in addition to the widely discussed fast instability where the wave growth rate exceeds the background ion cyclotron frequency and hence the background ions are effectively unmagnetized. Thus, even a low density ring is unstable to waves around the lower hybrid frequency range for any ring speed. This implies that effectively there is no velocity threshold for a sufficiently cold ring. The importance of these conclusions on the nonlinear evolution of space plasmas, in particular to solar wind-comet interaction, post-magnetospheric storm conditions, and chemical release experiments in the ionosphere will be discussed.

Universally Unstable Nature of Velocity Ring Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mithaiwala, Manish

2010-11-01

Although it is typically believed that an ion ring velocity distribution has a stability threshold, we find that they are universally unstable. This can substantially impact the understanding of dynamics in both laboratory and space plasmas. A high ring density neutralizes the stabilizing effect of ion Landau damping in a warm plasma and the ring is unstable to the generation of waves below the lower hybrid frequency- even for a very high temperature plasma. For ring densities lower than the background plasma density there is a slow instability with growth rate less than the background ion cyclotron frequency and consequently the background ion response is magnetized. This is in addition to the widely discussed fast instability where the wave growth rate exceeds the background ion cyclotron frequency and hence the background ions are effectively unmagnetized. Thus, even a low density ring is unstable to waves around the lower hybrid frequency range for any ring speed. This implies that effectively there is no velocity threshold for a sufficiently cold ring. The importance of these conclusions on the nonlinear evolution of space plasmas, in particular to solar wind-comet interaction, post-magnetospheric storm conditions, and chemical release experiments in the ionosphere will be discussed.

Spin transport properties of n-polyacene molecules (n = 1–15) connected to Ni surface electrodes: Theoretical analysis

PubMed Central

Caliskan, S.; Laref, A.

2014-01-01

Using non-equilibrium Green function formalism in conjunction with density functional theory, we explore the spin-polarized transport characteristics of several planar n-acene molecules suspended between two semi-infinite Ni electrodes via the thiol group. We examine the spin-dependence transport on Ni-n-acenes-Ni junctions, while the number of fused benzene rings varies between 1 and 15. Intriguingly, the induced magnetic moments of small acene molecules are higher than that of longer acene rings. The augmentation of fused benzene rings affects both the magnetic and transport features, such as the transmission function and conductance owing to their coupling to the Ni surface contacts via the anchoring group. The interplay between the spin-polarized transport properties, structural configuration and molecular electronic is a fortiori essential in these attractive molecular devices. Thus, this can conduct to the engineering of the electron spin transport in atomistic and molecular junctions. These prominent molecules convincingly infer that the molecular spin valves can conduct to thriving molecular devices. PMID:25482076

Nanograin Density Outside Saturn’s A Ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Robert E.; Tseng, Wei-Ling; Elrod, M. K.; Persoon, A. M.

2017-01-01

The observed disparity between the radial dependence of the ion and electron densities measured by the Cassini plasma (CAPS) and radio (RPWS) science instruments are used to show that the region between the outer edge of Saturn’s main rings and its tenuous G ring is permeated with small charged grains (nanograins). These grains emanate from the edge of the A ring and from the tenuous F and G rings. This is a region of Saturn’s magnetosphere that is relatively unexplored, but will be a focus of Cassini’s F ring orbits prior to the end of mission in 2017 September. Confirmation of the grain densities predicted here will enhance our ability to describe the formation and destruction of material in this important region of Saturn’s magnetosphere.

NANOGRAIN DENSITY OUTSIDE SATURN’S A RING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Robert E.; Tseng, Wei-Ling; Elrod, M. K.

The observed disparity between the radial dependence of the ion and electron densities measured by the Cassini plasma (CAPS) and radio (RPWS) science instruments are used to show that the region between the outer edge of Saturn’s main rings and its tenuous G ring is permeated with small charged grains (nanograins). These grains emanate from the edge of the A ring and from the tenuous F and G rings. This is a region of Saturn’s magnetosphere that is relatively unexplored, but will be a focus of Cassini ’s F ring orbits prior to the end of mission in 2017 September.more » Confirmation of the grain densities predicted here will enhance our ability to describe the formation and destruction of material in this important region of Saturn’s magnetosphere.« less

Quantum time crystal by decoherence: Proposal with an incommensurate charge density wave ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakatsugawa, K.; Fujii, T.; Tanda, S.

2017-09-01

We show that time translation symmetry of a ring system with a macroscopic quantum ground state is broken by decoherence. In particular, we consider a ring-shaped incommensurate charge density wave (ICDW ring) threaded by a fluctuating magnetic flux: the Caldeira-Leggett model is used to model the fluctuating flux as a bath of harmonic oscillators. We show that the charge density expectation value of a quantized ICDW ring coupled to its environment oscillates periodically. The Hamiltonians considered in this model are time independent unlike "Floquet time crystals" considered recently. Our model forms a metastable quantum time crystal with a finite length in space and in time.

Fields and Plasma Structures Around ``Shining'' Black Holes: Solitary Rings and Tri-dimensional Topologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppi, B.

2012-03-01

Field and plasma configurations that can be the distinguishing feature of and surround ``shining'' black holes have been identified. Considering the observation of the Quasi Periodic Oscillations that can be associated with inhomogeneous rotating plasmas, tri-dimensional rotating configurations have been looked for and found under special conditions. One is that these configurations are radially localized, such as narrow plasma ring pairs. Another is that the rotation frequency is nearly constant over the rings. Only axisymmetric local configurations consisting of solitary plasma rings or periodic sequences of rings are found when the gradient of the rotation frequency is (locally) significant. Assuming that the plasma pressure is scalar the problem is reduced to the solution of two coupled non-linear differential equations. One, the ``Master Equation'' [1], relates the magnetic surface function to the plasma rotation frequency that is connected to the gravity field. The other, the Vertical Equilibrium Equation, relates the plasma pressure gradient to both the Lorentz force and to the plasma density profile through the gravitational force.[4pt] [1] B. Coppi, Phys. Plasmas 18, 032901 (2011).

Discrete element modeling of shock-induced particle jetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Kun; Cui, Haoran

2018-05-01

The dispersal of particle shell or ring by divergent impulsive loads takes the form of coherent particle jets with the dimensions several orders larger than that of constituent grain. Particle-scale simulations based on the discrete element method have been carried out to reveal the evolution of jets in semi-two-dimensional rings before they burst out of the external surface. We identify two key events which substantially change the resulted jetting pattern, specifically, the annihilation of incipient jets and the tip-slipping of jets, which become active in different phases of jet evolution. Parametric investigations have been done to assess the correlations between the jetting pattern and a variety of structural parameters. Overpressure, the internal and outer diameters of ring as well as the packing density are found to have effects on the jet evolution with different relative importance.

The Interplay between Radiation Pressure and the Photoelectric Instability in Optically Thin Disks of Gas and Dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richert, Alexander J. W.; Lyra, Wladimir; Kuchner, Marc J.

2018-03-01

In optically thin disks, dust grains are photoelectrically stripped of electrons by starlight, heating nearby gas and possibly creating a dust clumping instability—the photoelectric instability (PeI)—that significantly alters global disk structure. In the current work, we use the Pencil Code to perform the first numerical models of the PeI that include stellar radiation pressure on dust grains in order to explore the parameter regime in which the instability operates. In some models with low gas and dust surface densities, we see a variety of dust structures, including sharp concentric rings. In the most gas- and dust-rich models, nonaxisymmetric clumps, arcs, and spiral arms emerge that represent dust surface density enhancements of factors of ∼5–20. In one high gas surface density model, we include a large, low-order gas viscosity and find that it observably smooths the structures that form in the gas and dust, suggesting that resolved images of a given disk may be useful for deriving constraints on the effective viscosity of its gas. Our models show that radiation pressure does not preclude the formation of complex structure from the PeI, but the qualitative manifestation of the PeI depends strongly on the parameters of the system. The PeI may provide an explanation for unusual disk morphologies, such as the moving blobs of the AU Mic disk, the asymmetric dust distribution of the 49 Ceti disk, and the rings and arcs found in the HD 141569A disk.

Adsorption of guaiacol on Fe (110) and Pd (111) from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hensley, Alyssa J. R.; Wang, Yong; McEwen, Jean-Sabin

2016-06-01

The catalytic properties of surfaces are highly dependent upon the effect said surfaces have on the geometric and electronic structure of adsorbed reactants, products, and intermediates. It is therefore crucial to have a surface-level understanding of the adsorption of the key species in a reaction in order to design active and selective catalysts. Here, we study the adsorption of guaiacol on Fe (110) and Pd (111) using dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations as both of these metals are of interest as hydrodeoxygenation catalysts for the conversion of bio-oils to useable biofuels. Both vertical (via the oxygen functional groups) and horizontal (via the aromatic ring) adsorption configurations were examined and the resulting adsorption and molecular distortion energies showed that the vertical sites were only physisorbed while the horizontal sites were chemisorbed on both metal surfaces. A comparison of guaiacol's horizontal adsorption on Fe (110) and Pd (111) showed that guaiacol had a stronger adsorption on Pd (111) while the Fe (110) surface distorted the Csbnd O bonds to a greater degree. Electronic analyses on the horizontal systems showed that the greater adsorption strength for guaiacol on Pd (111) was likely due to the greater charge transfer between the aromatic ring and the surface Pd atoms. Additionally, the greater distortion of the Csbnd O bonds in adsorbed guaiacol on Fe (110) is likely due to the greater degree of interaction between the oxygen and surface Fe atoms. Overall, our results show that the Fe (110) surface has a greater degree of interaction with the functional groups and the Pd (111) surface has a greater degree of interaction with the aromatic ring.

Weak absorptions in high density planetary atmospheres measured by the cavity ring down technique.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snels, M.; Stefani, S.; Piccioni, G.

2014-04-01

High density planetary atmospheres are characterized by a high opacity due to the strong absorbers. Howevere usually several transparency windows exist which allow to study the lower part of the atmosphere as well as the surface emission. The weak absorptions occurring in these transparency windows are mostly due to trace species and to continuum absorption of the major absorber(s). A good example is the atmosphere of Venus, where carbondioxide causes a high opacity throughout most of the infrared wavelengths, but also has some transparency spectral windows in the near infrared, allowing the study of low lying clouds , trace species such as water vapor and in some cases the surface emission. The cavity ring down (CRD) technique has shown to be a good tool for studying weak absorptions. Here we present a CRD apparatus which can be operated at high pressures (up to 40 bar) with a sensitivity which allows to measure attenuations up to 2x10-8 cm-1. This instrument has been used to measure the carbon dioxide absorption at pressures up to 40 bar and has been also used to measure attenuation due to Rayleigh scattering at 1.18 μm.

Wind slab formation in snow: experimental setup and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommer, Christian; Lehning, Michael; Fierz, Charles

2016-04-01

The formation of wind-hardened surface layers, also known as wind slabs or wind crusts, is studied. Better knowledge about which processes and parameters are important will lead to an improved understanding of the mass balances in polar and alpine areas. It will also improve snow-cover models (i.e. SNOWPACK) as well as the forecast of avalanche danger. A ring-shaped wind tunnel has been built and instrumented. The facility is ring-shaped to simulate an infinitely long snow surface (infinite fetch). A SnowMicroPen (SMP) is used to measure the snow hardness. Other sensors measure environmental conditions such as wind velocity, air temperature, air humidity, the temperature of the snow and of the snow surface. A camera is used to detect drifting particles and to measure the Specific Surface Area (SSA) at the snow surface via near-infrared photography. First experiments indicate that mechanical fragmentation followed by sintering is the most efficient process to harden the surface. The hardness increased rapidly during drifting snow events, but only slowly or not at all when the wind speed was kept below the threshold for drifting snow. With drifting, the penetration resistance increased from the original 0.07 N to around 0.3 N in about an hour. Without drifting, a slow, further increase in resistance was observed. In about six hours, the hardness of the top 1-2 cm increased to 0.5 N. During this eight-hour experiment consisting of about two hours with intermittent drifting and six hours without drifting, the density at the surface increased from 66 kg/m3 to around 170 kg/m3. In the unaffected region close to the ground, the density increased from 100 kg/m3 to 110 kg/m3.

The role of disk self-gravity on gap formation of the HL Tau proto-planetary disk

DOE PAGES

Li, Shengtai; Li, Hui

2016-05-31

Here, we use extensive global hydrodynamic disk gas+dust simulations with embedded planets to model the dust ring and gap structures in the HL Tau protoplanetary disk observed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA). Since the HL Tau is a relatively massive disk, we find the disk self-gravity (DSG) plays an important role in the gap formation induced by the planets. Our simulation results demonstrate that DSG is necessary in explaining of the dust ring and gap in HL Tau disk. The comparison of simulation results shows that the dust rings and gap structures are more evident when the fullymore » 2D DSG (non-axisymmetric components are included) is used than if 1D axisymmetric DSG (only the axisymetric component is included) is used, or the disk self-gravity is not considered. We also find that the couple dust+gas+planet simulations are required because the gap and ring structure is different between dust and gas surface density.« less

A theoretical investigation into the strength of N-NO2 bonds, ring strain and electrostatic potential upon formation of intermolecular H-bonds between HF and the nitro group in nitrogen heterocyclic rings C n H2n N-NO2 (n = 2-5), RDX and HMX.

PubMed

Wang, Bao-Guo; Ren, Fu-de; Shi, Wen-Jing

2015-11-01

Changes in N-NO2 bond strength, ring strain energy and electrostatic potential upon formation of intermolecular H-bonds between HF and the nitro group in nitrogen heterocyclic rings C n H2n N-NO2 (n = 2-5), RDX and HMX were investigated using DFT-B3LYP and MP2(full) methods with the 6-311++G(2df,2p) and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. Analysis of electron density shifts was also carried out. The results indicate that H-bonding energy correlates well with the increment of ring strain energy. Upon complex formation, the strength of the N-NO2 trigger-bond is enhanced, suggesting reduced sensitivity, while judged by the increased ring strain energy, sensitivity is increased. However, some features of the molecular surface electrostatic potential, such as a local maximum above the N-NO2 bond and ring, σ + (2) and electrostatic balance parameter ν, remain essentially unchanged upon complex formation, and only a small change in the impact sensitivity h 50 is suggested. It is not sufficient to determine sensitivity solely on the basis of trigger bond or ring strain; as a global feature of a molecule, the molecular surface electrostatic potential is available to help judge the change of sensitivity in H-bonded complexes. Graphical Abstract The strengthened N-NO2 bond suggests reduced sensitivity, while it is reverse by theincreased ring strain energy upon the complex formation. However, the molecular surfaceelectrostatic potential (V S) shows the little change of h 50. The V S should be taken into accountin the analysis of explosive sensitivity in the H-bonded complex.

Theoretical study of the electronic and optical properties of photochromic dithienylethene derivatives connected to small gold clusters.

PubMed

Perrier, Aurélie; Maurel, François; Aubard, Jean

2007-10-04

In the course of developing electronic devices on a molecular scale, dithienylethenes photochromic molecules constitute promising candidates for optoelectronic applications such as memories and switches. There is thus a great interest to understand and control the switching behavior of photochromic compounds deposited on metallic surfaces or nanoparticles. Within the framework of the density functional theory, we studied the effect of small gold clusters (Au3 and Au9) on the electronic structure and absorption spectrum of a model dithienylethene molecule. The molecular orbital interactions between the photochromic molecule and the gold cluster made it possible to rationalize some experimental findings (Dulic, D.; van der Molen, S. J.; Kudernac, T.; Jonkman, H. T.; de Jong, J. J. D.; Bowden, T. N.; van Esch, J.; Feringa, B. L.; van Wees, B. J. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2003, 91, 207402). For the closed-ring isomer, grafting a photochromic molecule on a small gold cluster does not change the characteristics of the electronic transition involved in the ring-opening reaction. On the opposite, the absorption spectrum of the photochromic open-ring isomer is strongly modified by the inclusion of the metallic cluster. In agreement with experimental results, our study thus showed that the cycloreversion reaction which involves the closed-ring isomer should be still possible, whereas the ring-closure reaction which involves the open-ring isomer should be inhibited. Connecting a dithienylethene molecule to a small gold cluster hence provides a qualitative comprehension of the photochromic activities of dithienylethenes connected to a gold surface.

DUST AND GAS IN THE DISK OF HL TAURI: SURFACE DENSITY, DUST SETTLING, AND DUST-TO-GAS RATIO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pinte, C.; Ménard, F.; Dent, W. R. F.

The recent ALMA observations of the disk surrounding HL Tau reveal a very complex dust spatial distribution. We present a radiative transfer model accounting for the observed gaps and bright rings as well as radial changes of the emissivity index. We find that the dust density is depleted by at least a factor of 10 in the main gaps compared to the surrounding rings. Ring masses range from 10–100 M{sub ⊕} in dust, and we find that each of the deepest gaps is consistent with the removal of up to 40 M{sub ⊕} of dust. If this material has accumulatedmore » into rocky bodies, these would be close to the point of runaway gas accretion. Our model indicates that the outermost ring is depleted in millimeter grains compared to the central rings. This suggests faster grain growth in the central regions and/or radial migration of the larger grains. The morphology of the gaps observed by ALMA—well separated and showing a high degree of contrast with the bright rings over all azimuths—indicates that the millimeter dust disk is geometrically thin (scale height ≈1 AU at 100 AU) and that a large amount of settling of large grains has already occurred. Assuming a standard dust settling model, we find that the observations are consistent with a turbulent viscosity coefficient of a few 10{sup −4}. We estimate the gas/dust ratio in this thin layer to be of the order of 5 if the initial ratio is 100. The HCO{sup +} and CO emission is consistent with gas in Keplerian motion around a 1.7 M{sub ⊙} star at radii from ≤10–120 AU.« less

Effect of collector molecular structure on the wettability of gold for froth flotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moncayo-Riascos, Ivan; Hoyos, Bibian A.

2017-10-01

Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to evaluate the alteration of the hydrophilic state of gold surfaces caused by the adsorption of collectors with different molecular structures, using the contact angle of water droplets as an evaluation parameter. Four collectors were evaluated: SDS (with twelve hydrogenated carbon atoms), PAX (with five hydrogenated carbon atoms), DTP (with two branched aliphatic chains) and MBT (with an aromatic ring). The contact angle was evaluated for coatings of a monolayer (ML) and for surface densities of 2.89 μmol/m2 for each collector. For a ML, the hydrophobic effect generated by the aromatic ring of the MBT collector is comparable with the effect of the non-polar short chain of the PAX collector. The increase in hydrophobicity for the gold surfaces achieved by collectors with aliphatic chains is because the water-collector interaction energy is significantly higher (repulsive) than the water-gold interactions (attractive). The lowest increase in hydrophobicity was achieved with the MBT collector, since the carbon-water interaction energy of the aromatic ring is stronger than the interaction with the carbon atoms in the aliphatic chains. The calculated contact angles of the water droplets deviated less than 4% with respect to the experimental values.

1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine decomposition and chemisorption on Al(111) surface: first-principles molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Umezawa, Naoto; Kalia, Rajiv K; Nakano, Aiichiro; Vashista, Priya; Shimojo, Fuyuki

2007-06-21

We have investigated the decomposition and chemisorption of a 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) molecule on Al(111) surface using molecular dynamics simulations, in which interatomic forces are computed quantum mechanically in the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The real-space DFT calculations are based on higher-order finite difference and norm-conserving pseudopotential methods. Strong attractive forces between oxygen and aluminum atoms break N-O and N-N bonds in the RDX and, subsequently, the dissociated oxygen atoms and NO molecules oxidize the Al surface. In addition to these Al surface-assisted decompositions, ring cleavage of the RDX molecule is also observed. These reactions occur spontaneously without potential barriers and result in the attachment of the rest of the RDX molecule to the surface. This opens up the possibility of coating Al nanoparticles with RDX molecules to avoid the detrimental effect of oxidation in high energy density material applications.

Hydrogen atom addition to the surface of graphene nanoflakes: A density functional theory study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, Hiroto

2017-02-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) provide a 2-dimensional (2D) reaction surface in 3-dimensional (3D) interstellar space and have been utilized as a model of graphene surfaces. In the present study, the reaction of PAHs with atomic hydrogen was investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) to systematically elucidate the binding nature of atomic hydrogen to graphene nanoflakes. PAHs with n = 4-37 were chosen, where n indicates the number of benzene rings. Activation energies of hydrogen addition to the graphene surface were calculated to be 5.2-7.0 kcal/mol at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level, which is almost constant for all PAHs. The binding energies of hydrogen atom were slightly dependent on the size (n): 14.8-28.5 kcal/mol. The absorption spectra showed that a long tail is generated at the low-energy region after hydrogen addition to the graphene surface. The electronic states of hydrogenated graphenes were discussed on the basis of theoretical results.

Molecular dynamics study of ionic liquid confined in silicon nanopore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y. S.; Sha, M. L.; Cai, K. Y.

2017-05-01

Molecular dynamics simulations was carried to investigate the structure and dynamics of [BMIM][PF6] ionic liquid (IL) confined inside a slit-like silicon nanopore with pore size of 5.5 nm. It is clearly shown that the mass and number densities of the confined ILs are oscillatory, high density layers are also formed in the vicinity of the silicon surface, which indicates the existence of solid-like high density IL layers. The orientational investigation shows that the imidazolium ring of [BMIM] cation lies preferentially flat on the surface of the silicon pore walls. Furthermore, the mean squared displacement (MSD) calculation indicates that the dynamics of confined ILs are significantly slower than those observed in bulk systems. Our results suggest that the interactions between the pore walls and the ILs can strongly affect the structural and dynamical properties of the confined ILs.

Saturn’s Ring Rain: Initial Estimates of Ring Mass Loss Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, Luke; O'Donoghue, J.; Mueller-Wodarg, I.; Mendillo, M.

2013-10-01

We estimate rates of mass loss from Saturn’s rings based on ionospheric model reproductions of derived H3+ column densities. On 17 April 2011 over two hours of near-infrared spectral data were obtained of Saturn using the Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSPEC) instrument on the 10-m Keck II telescope. The intensity of two bright H3+ rotational-vibrational emission lines was visible from nearly pole to pole, allowing low-latitude ionospheric emissions to be studied for the first time, and revealing significant latitudinal structure, with local extrema in one hemisphere being mirrored at magnetically conjugate latitudes in the opposite hemisphere. Even more striking, those minima and maxima mapped to latitudes of increased or increased density in Saturn’s rings, implying a direct ring-atmosphere connection in which charged water group particles from the rings are guided by magnetic field lines as they “rain” down upon the atmosphere. Water products act to quench the local ionosphere, and therefore modify the observed H3+ densities. Using the Saturn Thermosphere Ionosphere Model (STIM), a 3-D model of Saturn’s upper atmosphere, we derive the rates of water influx required from the rings in order to reproduce the observed H3+ column densities. As a unique pair of conjugate latitudes map to a specific radial distance in the ring plane, the derived water influxes can equivalently be described as rates of ring mass erosion as a function of radial distance in the ring plane, and therefore also allow for an improved estimate of the lifetime of Saturn’s rings.

Dust Density Distribution and Imaging Analysis of Different Ice Lines in Protoplanetary Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinilla, P.; Pohl, A.; Stammler, S. M.; Birnstiel, T.

2017-08-01

Recent high angular resolution observations of protoplanetary disks at different wavelengths have revealed several kinds of structures, including multiple bright and dark rings. Embedded planets are the most used explanation for such structures, but there are alternative models capable of shaping the dust in rings as it has been observed. We assume a disk around a Herbig star and investigate the effect that ice lines have on the dust evolution, following the growth, fragmentation, and dynamics of multiple dust size particles, covering from 1 μm to 2 m sized objects. We use simplified prescriptions of the fragmentation velocity threshold, which is assumed to change radially at the location of one, two, or three ice lines. We assume changes at the radial location of main volatiles, specifically H2O, CO2, and NH3. Radiative transfer calculations are done using the resulting dust density distributions in order to compare with current multiwavelength observations. We find that the structures in the dust density profiles and radial intensities at different wavelengths strongly depend on the disk viscosity. A clear gap of emission can be formed between ice lines and be surrounded by ring-like structures, in particular between the H2O and CO2 (or CO). The gaps are expected to be shallower and narrower at millimeter emission than at near-infrared, opposite to model predictions of particle trapping. In our models, the total gas surface density is not expected to show strong variations, in contrast to other gap-forming scenarios such as embedded giant planets or radial variations of the disk viscosity.

Effects of plantation density on wood density and anatomical properties of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.)

Treesearch

J. Y. Zhu; C. Tim Scott; Karen L. Scallon; Gary C. Myers

2007-01-01

This study demonstrated that average ring width (or average annual radial growth rate) is a reliable parameter to quantify the effects of tree plantation density (growth suppression) on wood density and tracheid anatomical properties. The average ring width successfully correlated wood density and tracheid anatomical properties of red pines (Pinus resinosa Ait.) from a...

"Ring rain" on Saturn's ionosphere: densities and temperatures from 2011 observations and re-detection in 2013 observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Donoghue, J.; Moore, L.; Melin, H.; Connerney, J. E. P.; Oliversen, R. J.

2017-12-01

In ground-based observations using the 10 meter W. M. Keck telescope in 2011, we discovered that the "ring rain" which falls on Saturn from the rings (along magnetic field lines) leaves an imprint on the upper-atmospheric H3+ ion. H3+ emissions were brightest where water products are expected to fall. Through subsequent modeling of the upper atmosphere, it became clear that an influx of water products (e.g. H2O+, O+, etc.) would act to soak up electrons - something that would otherwise destroy H3+ through recombination - and lead to a higher H3+ density and therefore emission. Here we present the first re-detections of the imprint of "ring rain" on Saturn's ionospheric H3+ from ground-based Keck telescope data from 2013. Observed intensities at low-latitudes decreased by an order of magnitude from 2011 to 2013, likely due to a decrease in upper atmospheric temperature by 100 K. A new analysis of 2011 observations revealed temperatures and densities as a function of latitude on Saturn for the first time. Where water influx is expected, H3+ column densities are high (as models predicted) and temperatures are low. While the latter was unexpected, the effect of ring rain on electron densities is stronger at lower altitudes. Therefore, as ring rain enhances density at lower altitudes where the temperature is lower, it should result in the emitting column of H3+ having a lower average temperature. These results come at a critical time as the Cassini spacecraft completes all orbits between planet and rings, with the opportunity to sample the forces and material fluxes related to ring rain.

Influencing factors on the size uniformity of self-assembled SiGe quantum rings grown by molecular beam epitaxy.

PubMed

Cui, J; Lv, Y; Yang, X J; Fan, Y L; Zhong, Z; Jiang, Z M

2011-03-25

The size uniformity of self-assembled SiGe quantum rings, which are formed by capping SiGe quantum dots with a thin Si layer, is found to be greatly influenced by the growth temperature and the areal density of SiGe quantum dots. Higher growth temperature benefits the size uniformity of quantum dots, but results in low Ge concentration as well as asymmetric Ge distribution in the dots, which induces the subsequently formed quantum rings to be asymmetric in shape or even broken somewhere in the ridge of rings. Low growth temperature degrades the size uniformity of quantum dots, and thus that of quantum rings. A high areal density results in the expansion and coalescence of neighboring quantum dots to form a chain, rather than quantum rings. Uniform quantum rings with a size dispersion of 4.6% and an areal density of 7.8×10(8) cm(-2) are obtained at the optimized growth temperature of 640°C.

Neutral O2 and Ion O2+ Sources from Rings into the Inner Magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elrod, M. K.; Johnson, R. E.; Cassidy, T. A.; Wilson, R. J.; Tseng, W.; Ip, W.

2009-12-01

The primary source of neutral O2 for Saturn’s magnetosphere is due to solar UV photons protons that produce O2 from H2O ice decomposition over the main rings as well as the tenuous F and G rings resulting in a tenuous O2 atmosphere (Johnson et. al. 2006). The O2 atmosphere is very thin to the point of being nearly collisionless. Our model of the atmosphere predict that as it interacts with the ring particles, the O2 is adsorbed and desorbed from the rings causing changes in the trajectories, which in turn, allows for a distribution of O2 from the rings throughout the magnetosphere (Tokar et. al. 2005; Tseng et. al. 2009). Predominately through photo-ionization and ion-exchange these O2 neutrals from the ice grains become a source for O2+ ions in the inner magnetosphere. Once the O2 becomes ionized to become O2+ the ions then follow the field lines. The ions interact with the ice particles in the rings to stick to the ring particles effectively reducing the ion density. As a result the ion density is greater over the Cassini Division and the area between the F and G ring where the optical depth due to the ice grain is less. Accordingly, the neutral O2 densities would tend to be high over the higher optical depth of the B and A main rings where the source rates are higher. Models of the neutral densities have shown high densities over the main rings, with a tail through the magnetosphere. Analysis of the CAPS (Cassini Plasma Spectrometer) data from the Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI) in 2004 shows a peak in density over the Cassini Division and a higher peak in O2+ ion density between the F and G rings. References: Johnson, R.E., J.G. Luhmann, R.L. Tokar, M. Bouhram, J.J. Berthelier, E.C. Siler, J.F. Cooper, T.W. Hill, H.T. Smith, M. Michael, M. Liu, F.J. Crary, D.T. Young, "Production, Ionization and Redistribution of O2 Saturn's Ring Atmosphere" Icarus 180, 393-402 (2006).(pdf) Tokar, R.L., and 12 colleagues, 2005. Cassini Observations of the Thermal Plasma in the Vicinity of Saturn’s Main Rings and the F and G Rings. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32, doi:10.1029/2005GL022690. L14S04. Martens, H. R., Reisenfeld, D. B., Williams, J. D., Johnson, R.E., Smith H. T., “Observations of molecular oxygen ions in Saturn’s inner magnetosphere”. Geophy. Res. Lett. 2009. W.-L. Tseng, Ip, W.-H., Johnson, R. E., Cassidy, T. A., Elrod, M. K., “The Structure and Time Variability of the Ring atmosphere and ionosphere”. Geophy. Res. Lett. 2009.

Axisymmetric Density Waves in Saturn's Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedman, Matthew; Nicholson, Philip

2018-04-01

Density waves in Saturn's rings are typically tightly wrapped spiral patterns generated by resonances with either Saturn's moons or structures inside the planet. However, between the Barnard and Bessel Gaps in the Cassini Division (i.e. between 120,240 and 120,300 km), there are density variations that appear to form an axisymmetric density wave, which consists of concentric regions of varying density that propagate radially through the rings. Such a wave requires some process that forces ring particles at all longitudes to pass through pericenter at the same time, and so cannot be generated by satellite resonances. Instead this particular wave appears to be excited by interference between a nearby satellite resonance and normal mode oscillations on the inner edge of the Barnard Gap. Similar axisymmetric waves may exist within the Dawes ringlet and the outermost part of the B ring, which are also just interior to resonantly confined edges that exhibit a large number of normal modes. These waves may therefore provide new insights into how resonant perturbations near an edge can propagate through a disk of material.

Molecular structure, spectroscopic studies and first-order molecular hyperpolarizabilities of p-amino acetanilide.

PubMed

Abraham, Jose P; Sajan, D; Joe, I Hubert; Jayakumar, V S

2008-11-15

The infrared absorption, Raman spectra and SERS spectra of p-amino acetanilide have been analyzed with the aid of density functional theory calculations at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. The electric dipole moment (mu) and the first hyperpolarizability (beta) values of the investigated molecule have been computed using ab initio quantum mechanical calculations. The calculation results also show that the synthesized molecule might have microscopic nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior with non-zero values. Computed geometries reveal that the PAA molecule is planar, while secondary amide group is twisted with respect to the phenyl ring is found, upon hydrogen bonding. The hyperconjugation of the C=O group with adjacent C-C bond and donor-acceptor interaction associated with the secondary amide have been investigated using computed geometry. The carbonyl stretching band position is found to be influenced by the tendency of phenyl ring to withdraw nitrogen lone pair, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, conjugation and hyperconjugation. The existence of intramolecular C=O...H hydrogen bonded have been investigated by means of the natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis. The influence of the decrease of N-H and C=O bond orders and increase of C-N bond orders due to donor-acceptor interaction has been identified in the vibrational spectra. The SERS spectral analysis reveals that the large enhancement of in-plane bending, out of plane bending and ring breathing modes in the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrum indicates that the molecule is adsorbed on the silver surface in a 'atleast vertical' configuration, with the ring perpendicular to the silver surface.

Molecular structure, spectroscopic studies and first-order molecular hyperpolarizabilities of p-amino acetanilide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Jose P.; Sajan, D.; Joe, I. Hubert; Jayakumar, V. S.

2008-11-01

The infrared absorption, Raman spectra and SERS spectra of p-amino acetanilide have been analyzed with the aid of density functional theory calculations at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. The electric dipole moment ( μ) and the first hyperpolarizability ( β) values of the investigated molecule have been computed using ab initio quantum mechanical calculations. The calculation results also show that the synthesized molecule might have microscopic nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior with non-zero values. Computed geometries reveal that the PAA molecule is planar, while secondary amide group is twisted with respect to the phenyl ring is found, upon hydrogen bonding. The hyperconjugation of the C dbnd O group with adjacent C-C bond and donor-acceptor interaction associated with the secondary amide have been investigated using computed geometry. The carbonyl stretching band position is found to be influenced by the tendency of phenyl ring to withdraw nitrogen lone pair, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, conjugation and hyperconjugation. The existence of intramolecular C dbnd O⋯H hydrogen bonded have been investigated by means of the natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis. The influence of the decrease of N-H and C dbnd O bond orders and increase of C-N bond orders due to donor-acceptor interaction has been identified in the vibrational spectra. The SERS spectral analysis reveals that the large enhancement of in-plane bending, out of plane bending and ring breathing modes in the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrum indicates that the molecule is adsorbed on the silver surface in a 'atleast vertical' configuration, with the ring perpendicular to the silver surface.

Back-scattered electron imaging of skeletal tissues.

PubMed

Boyde, A; Jones, S J

The use of solid-state back-scattered electron (BSE) detectors in the scanning electron microscopic study of skeletal tissues has been investigated. To minimize the topographic element in the image, flat samples and a ring detector configuration with the sample at normal incidence to the beam and the detector are used. Very flat samples are prepared by diamond micromilling or diamond polishing plastic-embedded tissue. Density discrimination in the image is so good that different density phases within mineralized bone can be imaged. For unembedded spongy bone, cut surfaces can be discriminated from natural surfaces by a topographic contrast mechanism. BSE imaging also presents advantages for unembedded samples with rough topography, such as anorganic preparations of the mineralization zone in cartilage, which give rise to severe charging problems with conventional secondary electron imaging.

Directed self-assembly of proteins into discrete radial patterns

PubMed Central

Thakur, Garima; Prashanthi, Kovur; Thundat, Thomas

2013-01-01

Unlike physical patterning of materials at nanometer scale, manipulating soft matter such as biomolecules into patterns is still in its infancy. Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with surface density gradient has the capability to drive biomolecules in specific directions to create hierarchical and discrete structures. Here, we report on a two-step process of self-assembly of the human serum albumin (HSA) protein into discrete ring structures based on density gradient of SAM. The methodology involves first creating a 2-dimensional (2D) polyethylene glycol (PEG) islands with responsive carboxyl functionalities. Incubation of proteins on such pre-patterned surfaces results in direct self-assembly of protein molecules around PEG islands. Immobilization and adsorption of protein on such structures over time evolve into the self-assembled patterns. PMID:23719678

Keeping the Edges Sharp I: Honing the Theory of Narrow Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, Douglas P.; Rimlinger, Thomas; Hahn, Joseph M.

2016-05-01

Most of the rings that encircle Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are very narrow structures with typical radial widths of just a few kilometers. Such extreme sharpness is surprising, as even slightly different orbital periods should allow ring particles to continually jostle one another in collisions that preserve angular momentum whileinexorably draining energy. Sharp edges should blur as rings spread in response to collisions and yet they do not. The generally accepted solution to this dilemma is to bracket each narrow ring with a pair of shepherding satellites that can pump energy back into the ring to replace that lost by collisions. But only a disappointing two of roughly twenty narrow rings actually have known attendant satellites. We present a compelling alternative in which the slight eccentricities and inclinations of narrow ringlets act as internal energy sources that can be tapped to prevent ring spreading. When unattended circular rings dissipate energy they must spread radially in order to preserve angular momentum. By contrast, eccentric or inclined rings have an extra degree of freedom that can be exploited to prevent radial spreading; energy is dissipated while keeping z-component of angular momentum, sqrt(a(1-e^2))cos(i), constant by simply decreasing the overall eccentricity (e) and/or inclination (i) of the entire ring. A real narrow ring moves inward as a unit, circularizes, and drops into the equatorial plane in a process that deters radial spreading for millions or billions of years. Using secular theory with dissipation (Zhang et al. 2013), we show that narrow rings are secular eigenstates in which ellipses are nested with pericenters almost, but not exactly aligned. The misalignment of pericenters is crucial in allowing energy dissipation to be shared evenly across the ring. We predict ring surface densities that are roughly constant across the ring's width, in contrast to profiles expected for shepherded rings. Rimlinger et al. (this meeting) present numerical simulations that critically test these findings.

The Propeller and the Frog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Margaret; Chiang, Eugene

2010-10-01

"Propellers" in planetary rings are disturbances in ring material excited by moonlets that open only partial gaps. We describe a new type of co-orbital resonance that can explain the observed non-Keplerian motions of propellers. The resonance is between the moonlet underlying the propeller and co-orbiting ring particles downstream of the moonlet where the gap closes. The moonlet librates within the gap about an equilibrium point established by co-orbiting material and stabilized by the Coriolis force. In the limit of small libration amplitude, the libration period scales linearly with the gap azimuthal width and inversely as the square root of the co-orbital mass. The new resonance recalls but is distinct from conventional horseshoe and tadpole orbits; we call it the "frog" resonance, after the relevant term in equine hoof anatomy. For a ring surface density and gap geometry appropriate for the propeller Blériot in Saturn's A ring, our theory predicts a libration period of ~4 years, similar to the ~3.7 year period over which Blériot's orbital longitude is observed to vary. These librations should be subtracted from the longitude data before any inferences about moonlet migration are made.

THE PROPELLER AND THE FROG

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Margaret; Chiang, Eugene, E-mail: mpan@astro.berkeley.ed

2010-10-20

'Propellers' in planetary rings are disturbances in ring material excited by moonlets that open only partial gaps. We describe a new type of co-orbital resonance that can explain the observed non-Keplerian motions of propellers. The resonance is between the moonlet underlying the propeller and co-orbiting ring particles downstream of the moonlet where the gap closes. The moonlet librates within the gap about an equilibrium point established by co-orbiting material and stabilized by the Coriolis force. In the limit of small libration amplitude, the libration period scales linearly with the gap azimuthal width and inversely as the square root of themore » co-orbital mass. The new resonance recalls but is distinct from conventional horseshoe and tadpole orbits; we call it the 'frog' resonance, after the relevant term in equine hoof anatomy. For a ring surface density and gap geometry appropriate for the propeller Bleriot in Saturn's A ring, our theory predicts a libration period of {approx}4 years, similar to the {approx}3.7 year period over which Bleriot's orbital longitude is observed to vary. These librations should be subtracted from the longitude data before any inferences about moonlet migration are made.« less

Guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation mechanism on Pt(111): insights from density functional theory and linear free energy relations.

PubMed

Lee, Kyungtae; Gu, Geun Ho; Mullen, Charles A; Boateng, Akwasi A; Vlachos, Dionisios G

2015-01-01

Density functional theory is used to study the adsorption of guaiacol and its initial hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions on Pt(111). Previous Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) correlations for small open-chain molecules are inadequate in estimating the reaction barriers of phenolic compounds except for the side group (methoxy) carbon-dehydrogenation. New BEP relations are established using a select group of phenolic compounds. These relations are applied to construct a potential-energy surface of guaiacol-HDO to catechol. Analysis shows that catechol is mainly produced via dehydrogenation of the methoxy functional group followed by the CHx (x<3) removal of the functional group and hydrogenation of the ring carbon, in contrast to a hypothesis of a direct demethylation path. Dehydroxylation and demethoxylation are slow, implying that phenol is likely produced from catechol but not through its direct dehydroxylation followed by aromatic carbon-ring hydrogenation. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface roughness of Saturn's rings and ring particles inferred from thermal phase curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morishima, Ryuji; Turner, Neal J.; Spilker, Linda

2017-10-01

We analyze thermal phase curves of all the main rings of Saturn (the A, B, C rings, and the Cassini division) measured by both the far-IR and mid-IR detectors of the Cassini Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS). All the rings show temperature increases toward zero phase angle, known as an opposition effect or thermal beaming. For the C ring and Cassini division, which have low optical depths, intra-particle shadowing is considered the dominant mechanism causing the effect. On the other hand, the phase curves of the optically thick B and A rings steepen significantly with decreasing absolute solar elevation angle from 21° to 14°, suggesting inter-particle shadowing plays an important role in these rings. We employ an analytic roughness model to estimate the degrees of surface roughness of the rings or ring particles. For optically thin rings, an isolated particle covered by spherical segment craters is employed while for the thick rings we approximate a packed particle layer as a slab covered by craters. The particles in the thin rings are found to have generally rough surfaces, except in the middle C ring. Across the C ring, the optical depth correlates with the degree of surface roughness. This may indicate that surface roughness comes mainly from particle clumping, while individual particles have rather smooth surfaces. For the optically thick rings, the surface roughness of the particle layer is found to be moderate. The modeled phase curves of optically thick rings are shallow if the phase angle change is primarily due to change of observer azimuthal angle. On the other hand, the phase curves are steep if the phase angle change is due to change of observer elevation angle, as inter-particle shadows become visible at higher observer elevation. In addition, the area of shadowed facets increases with decreasing solar elevation angle. These combined effects explain the large seasonal change of the phase curve steepness observed for the thick rings. The degrees of surface roughness inferred from the thermal phase curves are generally less than those from the phase curves in visible light. This is probably explained by different roughness scales seen in thermal and visible light.

Near Infrared Photometry of the Jovian Ring and Adrastea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Roland; Smith, Bradford A.; Owen, Tobias C.; Becklin, E. E.; Terrile, Richard J.

1999-10-01

The near IR spectral reflectance of the Jupiter dust ring is poorly known because of problems with scattered light from the planet. Here we report colors for the jovian ring and one of the two ring satellites, Adrastea, using observations from the near-IR camera NICMOS on the Hubble Space Telescope. Near the time when the Earth crossed the jovian ring plane in the fall of 1997, we recorded broad-band images at ˜1.1 (F110W), ˜1.6 (F160W), and ˜2.05 μm (F205W) and derived a single-pass, in radial direction measured ring brightness of 19.19±0.07, 18.76±0.06, and 18.49±0.04 mag linear arcsec -1, respectively. These single-pass radial ring brightnesses were derived from the observable part of the ring at a projected distance of >1.2 RJ using a model to remove projection effects. The corresponding apparent magnitudes for Adrastea are 18.30±0.10 (F110W), 17.73±0.09 (F160W), and 17.57±0.07 mag (F205W), obtained at a phase angle of φ=11.3°. The relative spectral reflectance of the ring and that of Adrastea turn out to be nearly identical, slightly reddish with a slope of about 15-20% between 1 and 2 μm. No evidence for transient ice crystals to be present in the main ring is seen. Our data are also in reasonable agreement with earlier ground-based measurements by Neugebauer et al. (1981), if we take their relatively large errors into account. The similarities of the colors of all inner satellites, including Io, are striking. The measured ring color provides evidence that the backscattered light from the ring is due to grains with mean particle sizes in excess of several micrometers. We were also able to infer a spatial particle distribution for the main ring. Its radial surface-density profile peaks sharply near the outer edge of the ring at the orbit of Adrastea, suggesting a strong dynamical relationship between the satellite and the ring particles. Our radial profile of the main ring is in excellent agreement with the results from Voyager images in backscattered light at visible wavelengths, except that we could not resolve any fine structures. The halo above and below the ring plane with a peak brightness near the inner edge of the ring appears to have a blue color compared to the main ring, but due to the low surface brightness of the halo the statistical significance of this color trend is only marginal. Such a color trend would be consistent with a dust population dominated by particles smaller than those in the main ring.

A field-to-desktop toolchain for X-ray CT densitometry enables tree ring analysis

PubMed Central

De Mil, Tom; Vannoppen, Astrid; Beeckman, Hans; Van Acker, Joris; Van den Bulcke, Jan

2016-01-01

Background and Aims Disentangling tree growth requires more than ring width data only. Densitometry is considered a valuable proxy, yet laborious wood sample preparation and lack of dedicated software limit the widespread use of density profiling for tree ring analysis. An X-ray computed tomography-based toolchain of tree increment cores is presented, which results in profile data sets suitable for visual exploration as well as density-based pattern matching. Methods Two temperate (Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica) and one tropical species (Terminalia superba) were used for density profiling using an X-ray computed tomography facility with custom-made sample holders and dedicated processing software. Key Results Density-based pattern matching is developed and able to detect anomalies in ring series that can be corrected via interactive software. Conclusions A digital workflow allows generation of structure-corrected profiles of large sets of cores in a short time span that provide sufficient intra-annual density information for tree ring analysis. Furthermore, visual exploration of such data sets is of high value. The dated profiles can be used for high-resolution chronologies and also offer opportunities for fast screening of lesser studied tropical tree species. PMID:27107414

The Case for Massive and Ancient Rings of Saturn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Larry W.

2016-10-01

Analysis of Voyager and Pioneer 11 results give a mass for Saturn's rings, M = 5 x 10-8 Msat. This is about the mass of Saturn's small moon Mimas. This has been interpreted as a lower limit to the ring mass (Esposito et al 1983), since the thickest parts of the rings were not penetrated by the stellar occultstion, and this calculation assumes an unvarying particle size throughout the rings. Because the rings are constantly bombarded by micrometeroids, their current composition of nearly pure water ice implies such low mass rings must have formed recently. The case is particularly strong for Saturn's A ring, where the data are the best, implying the A ring is less than 10% of the age of the Saturn (Esposito 1986). Cassini results compound this problem. UVIS spectra are consistent with either young rings or rings about 10x as massive as the Voyager estimate (Elliott and Esposito (2011). CDA confirms the impacting mass flux is similar to that assumed for the pollution calculations (Kempf etal 2015). VIMS analysis of density wave signatures in the B ring gives a value of about 1/3 the Voyager value (Hedmann etal 2016). This VIMS result implies the rings are even younger! The problem is that young rings are very unlikely to be formed recently, meaning that we live in a very special epoch, following some unlikely recent origin… like disruption of a medium sized moon or capture of the fragments of a disrupted comet (Charnoz etal 2009).To take the VIMS results at face value, Saturn's low mass rings must be very young. The optically thick B ring must be made of small, porous or fractal particles. An alternative is that we accept the higher mass interpretation of the Pioneer 11 results (Esposito etal 2008) using the granola bar model of Colwell etal 2007. This would imply that the density wave structure seen by VIMS is not sensing all the mass in the rings, where structure near strong resonances is dominted by temporary aggregates, and where non-linear effects cause the particles to jam (Lewis and Stewart 2009). The density waves may be seeing the mass density in the gaps between self-gravity wakes, whose optical depth is roughly contant and considerably lower than the total B ring opacity (Colwell etal 2007).

Coupled low-energy - ring current plasma diffusion in the Jovian magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summers, D.; Siscoe, G. L.

1985-01-01

The outwardly diffusing Iogenic plasma and the simultaneously inwardly diffusing ring current plasma in the Jovian magnetosphere are described using a coupled diffusion model which incorporates the effects of the pressure gradient of the ring current into the cross-L diffusion coefficient. The coupled diffusion coefficient is derived by calculating the total energy available to drive the diffusion process. The condition is imposed that the diffusion coefficient takes on a local minimum value at some point in the region L = 7-8, at which point the gradient of the Io plasma density is specified as ramp value given by Siscoe et al. (1981). The hypothesis that the pressure gradient of the ring current causes the diminution of radial plasma transport is tested, and solution profiles for the Iogenic and ring current plasma densities are obtained which imply that the Io plasma ramp is caused by a high-density, low-energy component of the ring current hitherto unobserved directly.

Identifying the Thermal Decomposition Mechanism of Guaiacol on Pt(111): An Integrated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hensley, Alyssa J.; Wockel, Claudia; Gleichweit, Christoph

Using a concerted effort from both experiment and theory, we determine the thermal decomposition mechanism for guaiacol on Pt(111), a reaction of interest in the area of bio-oil upgrading. This work serves as a demonstration of the power of combining in situ temperature-programmed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy cos (TPXPS) and density functional theory (DFT) to elucidate complex reaction mechanisms occurring on heterogeneous surfaces. At low temperature (230 K), guaiacol was found to chemisorb with the aromatic ring parallel to the Pt(111) surface with five distinct carbon species and three oxygen species. As the temperature was increased, TPXPS showed several significant changesmore » to the surface species. The increase in the species associated with the decomposition of the functional groups of guaiacol is followed by their subsequent disappearance and an increase in the nonaromatic carbon signal. On the basis of an energetic analysis of the various mechanisms using DFT, along with the comparison of the experimentally and theoretically derived core-level binding energies, we determined that guaiacol's decomposition mechanism occurs via the dehydrogenation of both the methyl and hydroxyl functional groups, followed by demethylation of the CH2 or CH group to form 1,2-benzoquinone. Further heating to above 375 K likely breaks the aromatic ring and results in the rapid formation and desorption of CO, accounting for the disappearance of the 0 is signal above 450 K These results show that a knowledgeable application of TPXPS and DFT can result in the quantitative identification of surface species during complex reactions, providing insight useful for the design of future heterogeneous surfaces.« less

Dust Density Distribution and Imaging Analysis of Different Ice Lines in Protoplanetary Disks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pinilla, P.; Pohl, A.; Stammler, S. M.

Recent high angular resolution observations of protoplanetary disks at different wavelengths have revealed several kinds of structures, including multiple bright and dark rings. Embedded planets are the most used explanation for such structures, but there are alternative models capable of shaping the dust in rings as it has been observed. We assume a disk around a Herbig star and investigate the effect that ice lines have on the dust evolution, following the growth, fragmentation, and dynamics of multiple dust size particles, covering from 1 μ m to 2 m sized objects. We use simplified prescriptions of the fragmentation velocity threshold,more » which is assumed to change radially at the location of one, two, or three ice lines. We assume changes at the radial location of main volatiles, specifically H{sub 2}O, CO{sub 2}, and NH{sub 3}. Radiative transfer calculations are done using the resulting dust density distributions in order to compare with current multiwavelength observations. We find that the structures in the dust density profiles and radial intensities at different wavelengths strongly depend on the disk viscosity. A clear gap of emission can be formed between ice lines and be surrounded by ring-like structures, in particular between the H{sub 2}O and CO{sub 2} (or CO). The gaps are expected to be shallower and narrower at millimeter emission than at near-infrared, opposite to model predictions of particle trapping. In our models, the total gas surface density is not expected to show strong variations, in contrast to other gap-forming scenarios such as embedded giant planets or radial variations of the disk viscosity.« less

The HR 4796A Debris System: Discovery of Extensive Exo-ring Dust Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Glenn; Debes, John H.; Grady, Carol A.; Gáspár, Andras; Henning, Thomas; Hines, Dean C.; Kuchner, Marc J.; Perrin, Marshall; Wisniewski, John P.

2018-02-01

The optically and IR-bright and starlight-scattering HR 4796A ringlike debris disk is one of the most- (and best-) studied exoplanetary debris systems. The presence of a yet-undetected planet has been inferred (or suggested) from the narrow width and inner/outer truncation radii of its r = 1.″05 (77 au) debris ring. We present new, highly sensitive Hubble Space Telescope (HST) visible-light images of the HR 4796A circumstellar debris system and its environment over a very wide range of stellocentric angles from 0.″32 (23 au) to ≈15″ (1100 au). These very high-contrast images were obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) using six-roll PSF template–subtracted coronagraphy suppressing the primary light of HR 4796A, with three image-plane occulters, and simultaneously subtracting the background light from its close angular proximity M2.5V companion. The resulting images unambiguously reveal the debris ring embedded within a much larger, morphologically complex, and biaxially asymmetric exo-ring scattering structure. These images at visible wavelengths are sensitive to and map the spatial distribution, brightness, and radial surface density of micron-size particles over 5 dex in surface brightness. These particles in the exo-ring environment may be unbound from the system and interacting with the local ISM. Herein, we present a new morphological and photometric view of the larger-than-prior-seen HR 4796A exoplanetary debris system with sensitivity to small particles at stellocentric distances an order of magnitude greater than has previously been observed.

[Rapid prediction of annual ring density of Paulownia elongate standing tress using near infrared spectroscopy].

PubMed

Jiang, Ze-Hui; Wang, Yu-Rong; Fei, Ben-Hua; Fu, Feng; Hse, Chung-Yun

2007-06-01

Rapid prediction of annual ring density of Paulownia elongate standing trees using near infrared spectroscopy was studied. It was non-destructive to collect the samples for trees, that is, the wood cores 5 mm in diameter were unthreaded at the breast height of standing trees instead of fallen trees. Then the spectra data were collected by autoscan method of NIR. The annual ring density was determined by mercury immersion. And the models were made and analyzed by the partial least square (PLS) and full cross validation in the 350-2 500 nm wavelength range. The results showed that high coefficients were obtained between the annual ring and the NIR fitted data. The correlation coefficient of prediction model was 0.88 and 0.91 in the middle diameter and bigger diameter, respectively. Moreover, high coefficients of correlation were also obtained between annual ring density laboratory-determined and the NIR fitted data in the middle diameter of Paulownia elongate standing trees, the correlation coefficient of calibration model and prediction model were 0.90 and 0.83, and the standard errors of calibration (SEC) and standard errors of prediction(SEP) were 0.012 and 0.016, respectively. The method can simply, rapidly and non-destructively estimate the annual ring density of the Paulownia elongate standing trees close to the cutting age.

Energetic particle signatures of satellites and rings in Neptune's magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Selesnick, R. S.; Stone, E. C.

1992-01-01

The cosmic ray system on Voyager 2 found a trapped radiation environment in Neptune's inner magnetosphere which is controlled primarily by absorption at the rings and satellite surfaces. The intensity of electrons with kinetic energies approximately greater than 1 MeV shows particularly strong and narrow signatures associated with absorption by the satellite 1989N1 at an orbital radius of 4.75 Neptune radii. Closer to the planet are several signatures of the inner satellites and rings. Absorption limits the intensity of the inner radiation belt sufficiently for the maximum intensity to occur outside the orbit of 1989N1 at a magnetic L shell of about 7. Radial profiles of the electron phase space density show that electrons diffuse inward from a source in the outer magnetosphere. Many of the inward-diffusing electrons are absorbed upon reaching a satellite orbital radius, but the finite absorption efficiency allows some of the electrons to pass by unaffected. The locations of the satellite and ring signatures also provide constraints on the nondipolar components of the planetary magnetic field.

Towards a theory for Neptune's arc rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldreich, P.; Tremaine, S.; Borderies, N.

1986-01-01

It is proposed that the incomplete rings of Neptune consist of a number of short arcs centered on the corotation resonances of a single satellite. The satellite must have a radius of the order of 100 km or more and move on an inclined orbit. Corotation resonances are located at potential maxima. Thus, mechanical energy dissipated by interparticle collisions must be continually replenished to prevent the arcs from spreading. It is shown that each corotation resonance is associated with a nearby Lindblad resonance, which excites the ring particles' orbital eccentricity, thus supplying the energy required to maintain the arc. The ultimate energy reservoir is the satellite's orbital energy. Therefore, interaction with the arcs damps the satellite's orbital inclination. The self-gravity of the arcs limits their contraction and enforces a relation between arc length and mass. The estimated arc masses are so small, of the order of 10 to the 16th g, that the satellite's orbital inclination suffers negligible decay over the age of the solar system. The inferred surface mass densities are comparable to those found in the major rings of Saturn and Uranus.

Liquid-Vapor Interfacial Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Guanidinium and Methyl Guanidinium Chloride: Influence of Molecular Orientation on Interface Fluctuations

PubMed Central

Ou, Shuching; Cui, Di; Patel, Sandeep

2014-01-01

The guanidinium cation (C(NH2)3+) is a highly stable cation in aqueous solution due to its efficient solvation by water molecules and resonance stabilization of the charge. Its salts increase the solubility of nonpolar molecules (”salting-in”) and decrease the ordering of water. It is one of the strongest denaturants used in biophysical studies of protein folding. We investigate the behavior of guanidinium and its derivative, methyl guanidinium (an amino acid analogue) at the air-water surface, using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and calculation of potentials of mean force. Methyl guanidinium cation is less excluded from the air-water surface than guanidinium cation, but both cations show orientational dependence of surface affinity. Parallel orientations of the guanidinium ring (relative to the Gibbs dividing surface) show pronounced free energy minima in the interfacial region, while ring orientations perpendicular to the GDS exhibit no discernible surface stability. Calculations of surface fluctuations demonstrate that near the air-water surface, the parallel-oriented cations generate significantly greater interfacial fluctuations compared to other orientations, which induces more long-ranged perturbations and solvent density redistribution. Our results suggest a strong correlation with induced interfacial fluctuations and ion surface stability. These results have implications for interpreting molecular-level, mechanistic action of this osmolyte’s interaction with hydrophobic interfaces as they impact protein denaturation (solubilization). PMID:23937431

Periodicity of the density wake past a vortex ring in a stratified liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokhorov, V.

2009-04-01

Spatial coherent structure of the density wake past a vortex ring moving horizontally in viscid stratified liquid is experimentally revealed. It follows from analysis that repetition period of the structure is determined by rotation radial frequency (or mean vorticity) of the vortex core and toward speed of the vortex ring. The wake formation of the ring is considered in respect to vorticity shedding which produces velocity disturbances in ambient medium. In case of stratified liquid velocity fluctuations, in their turn, cause density field distortion. This process is superimposed by vortex core oscillations, and, in result, vorticity shedding will be not monotonous but modulated at some frequency. So, the density wake is periodically structured, and the spatial period is defined by intrinsic frequency of the core and forward speed of the ring. To support analysis, experiments were conducted in which vortex rings excited by spring-piston generator were observed with high-sensitive Schlieren instrument and computer-controlled camera. Experimental tank was filled with salt-stratified water of constant buoyancy period, vortex ring velocities range from 3 to 16 cm/s. Spatial period is derived from schlieren image using two independent methods, both 2D spectral analysis and geometry calculations of the vortex core. Spatial periods and vortex intrinsic frequencies calculated by both algorithms are in good agreement; they vary in power lows depending on vortex speed

The electrons and ion characteristics of Saturn's plasma disk inside the Enceladus orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morooka, Michiko; Wahlund, Jan-Erik; Ye, Sheng-Yi; Kurth, William; Persoon, Ann; Holmberg, Mika

2017-04-01

Cassini observations revealed that Saturn's icy moon Enceladus and surrounding E ring are the significant plasma source of the magnetosphere. However, the observations sometimes show the electron density enhancement even inside the Enceladus orbiting distance, 4RS. Further plasma contribution from the inner rings, the G and the F rings and main A ring are the natural candidate as an additional plasma source. The Cassini/RPWS Langmuir Probe (LP) measurement provides the characteristics of the electrons and ions independently in a cold dense plasma. The observations near the center of the E ring showed that the ion density being larger than the electron density, indicating that there is additional particle as a negative charge carrier. Those are the small nm and μm sized dust grains that are negatively charged by the electron attachments. The faint F and G rings, located at R=2RS and 3RS, consist of small grains and similar electron/ion density discrepancies can be expected. We will show different types of the LP observations when Cassini traveled the equator region of the plasma disk down to 3RS. One with the electron density increasing inside 4RS, and another with the electron density decreasing inside 4RS. During the orbit 016 (2005 doy-284/285), the electron density continued to increase toward the planet. On the other hand, the ion currents, the LP measured currents from the negative bias voltage, turn to decreasing inside 4RS, implying the density decrease of the ions. By comparing the observed LP ion current characteristics and the modeled values using the obtained electron density, we found that the characteristic ion mass can be several times larger than the water ions (AMU=18) that we expected in this region. During the orbit 015 (2005 doy-266/267), on the other hand, the LP observed sharp electron density drop near 3RS. The dust signals from the RPWS antenna showed the density enhancement of the μm sized grains coincide the electron density drop and we have estimated that the characteristic ion mass can exceed AMU=100. Throughout the whole Cassini observation near the equator inside 4RS, we didn't find the case with the ion densities larger than the electron densities as were found near the E ring and the Enceladus plume. We suggest that Saturn's plasmadisk inside the Enceladus orbit is dynamic in ion characteristics where the water molecules coagulate and grow into a small icy dust grains. In the presentation we discuss the relationship between the electron/ion density and the density of the nm and μm sized grains.

The role of collective self-gravity in the nonlinear evolution of viscous overstability in Saturn's rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, M.; Schmidt, J.; Salo, H.

2017-09-01

Observational evidence for the presence of axisymmetric periodic micro-structure on length scales of 100m - 200m in Saturn's A and B rings was revealed by several instruments onboard the Cassini mission to Saturn. The structure was seen in radio occultations performed by the Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) (Thomson et al. (2007)) and stellar occultations carried out with the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) (Colwell et al. (2007)), and the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) (Hedman et al. (2014)). Up to date, this micro-structure is best explained by the viscous overstability, which arises as a spontaneous oscillatory instability in a dense ring, if certain conditions are met, leading to the formation of axisymmetric density waves with wavelengths on the order of 100m. We investigate the influence of collective self-gravity forces on the nonlinear, large scale evolution of the viscous overstability in Saturn's rings. To this end we numerically solve the nonlinear hydrodynamic model equations for a dense ring, including radial self-gravity and employing values for the transport coefficients (such as the ring's viscosity and heat conductivity) derived by salo et al. (2001). We concentrate on ring optical depths of order unity, which are appropriate to model Saturn's dense rings. Furthermore, local N-body simulations, incorporating vertical and radial collective self-gravity forces are performed. Direct particle-particle forces are omitted, which prevents small scale gravitational instabilities (self-gravity wakes) from forming, an approximation that allows us to study long radial scales of some 10 kilometers and to compare directly the hydrodynamic model and the N-body simulations. Our hydrodynamic model results, in the limit of vanishing self-gravity, compare very well with the studies of Latter & Ogilvie (2010) and Rein & Latter (2013). In contrast, for rings with non-vanishing radial self-gravity we find that the wavelengths of saturated overstable wave trains tend to settle close to the frequency minimum of the nonlinear dispersion relation, i.e. the saturation wavelengths decrease with increasing surface mass density of the ring. Good agreement between hydrodynamics and N-body simulations is found for disks with strong radial self-gravity, while the largest deviations occur in the limit of weak self-gravity. The resulting saturation wavelengths of the viscous overstability for moderate and strong radial self-gravity (100m-300m) agree reasonably well with the length scale of the axisymmetric periodic micro structure in Saturn's inner A ring and the B ring, as found by Cassini.

Dynamics of collision of a vortex ring and a planar surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McErlean, Michael; Krane, Michael; Fontaine, Arnold

2008-11-01

The dynamics of the impact between a vortex ring and a planar surface is presented. The vortex rings, generated by piston injection of a slug of water into a quiescent water tank, collide with a surface oriented normally to the ring's direction of travel. The time evolution of both the force imparted to a planar surface and the wall pressure are presented. These are supplemented by DPIV measurements of the evolution of ring strength and structure, before and during impact. The relation between changes in ring structure during collision and the waveforms of impact force and wall pressure will be discussed.

Surface roughness of Saturn's rings and ring particles inferred from thermal phase curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morishima, Ryuji; Turner, Neal; Spilker, Linda

2017-10-01

We analyze thermal phase curves of all the main rings of Saturn (the A, B, C rings, and the Cassini division) measured by both the far-IR and mid-IR detectors of the Cassini Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS). All the rings show temperature increases toward zero phase angle, known as an opposition effect or thermal beaming. For the C ring and Cassini division, which have low optical depths, intra-particle shadowing is considered the dominant mechanism causing the effect. On the other hand, the phase curves of the optically thick B and A rings steepen significantly with decreasing absolute solar elevation angle from 21° to 14°, suggesting inter-particle shadowing plays an important role in these rings. We employ an analytic roughness model to estimate the degrees of surface roughness of the rings or ring particles. For optically thin rings, an isolated particle covered by spherical segment craters is employed while for the thick rings we approximate a packed particle layer as a slab covered by craters. The particles in the thin rings are found to have generally rough surfaces, except in the middle C ring. Across the C ring, the optical depth correlates with the degree of surface roughness. This may indicate that surface roughness comes mainly from particle clumping, while individual particles have rather smooth surfaces. For the optically thick rings, the surface roughness of the particle layer is found to be moderate. The modeled phase curves of optically thick rings are shallow if the phase angle change is primarily due to change of observer azimuthal angle. On the other hand, the phase curves are steep if the phase angle change is due to change of observer elevation angle, as inter-particle shadows become visible at higher observer elevation. In addition, the area of shadowed facets increases with decreasing solar elevation angle. These combined effects explain the large seasonal change of the phase curve steepness observed for the thick rings. The degrees of surface roughness inferred from the thermal phase curves are generally less than those from the phase curves in visible light. This is probably explained by different roughness scales seen in thermal and visible light or by dilution of thermal phase curve steepnesses due to particle motion.

Joining mechanism with stem tension and interlocked compression ring

DOEpatents

James, Allister W.; Morrison, Jay A.

2012-09-04

A stem (34) extends from a second part (30) through a hole (28) in a first part (22). A groove (38) around the stem provides a non-threaded contact surface (42) for a ring element (44) around the stem. The ring element exerts an inward force against the non-threaded contact surface at an angle that creates axial tension (T) in the stem, pulling the second part against the first part. The ring element is formed of a material that shrinks relative to the stem by sintering. The ring element may include a split collet (44C) that fits partly into the groove, and a compression ring (44E) around the collet. The non-threaded contact surface and a mating distal surface (48) of the ring element may have conic geometries (64). After shrinkage, the ring element is locked onto the stem.

Simultaneous measurements of work function and H‒ density including caesiation of a converter surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cristofaro, S.; Friedl, R.; Fantz, U.

2017-08-01

Negative hydrogen ion sources rely on the surface conversion of neutral atomic hydrogen and positive hydrogen ions to H-. The efficiency of this process depends on the actual work function of the converter surface. By introducing caesium into the source the work function decreases, enhancing the negative ion yield. In order to study the impact of the work function on the H- surface production at similar conditions to the ones in ion sources for fusion devices like ITER and DEMO, fundamental investigations are performed in a flexible laboratory experiment. The work function of the converter surface can be absolutely measured by photoelectric effect, while a newly installed cavity ring-down spectroscopy system (CRDS) measures the H- density. The CRDS is firstly tested and characterized by investigations on H- volume production. Caesiation of a stainless steel sample is then performed in vacuum and the plasma effect on the Cs layer is investigated also for long plasma-on times. A minimum work function of (1.9±0.1) eV is reached after some minutes of plasma treatment, resulting in a reduction by a value of 0.8 eV compared to vacuum measurements. The H- density above the surface is (2.1±0.5)×1015 m-3. With further plasma exposure of the caesiated surface, the work function increases up to 3.75 eV, due to the impinging plasma particles which gradually remove the Cs layer. As a result, the H- density decreases by a factor of at least 2.

Formation of an ensemble of silver nanoparticles in the process of surface evaporation of glass optical waveguides doped with silver ions by the radiation of a pulsed CO{sub 2} laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Egorov, V I; Sidorov, A I; Nashchekin, A V

It is shown that pulsed irradiation (a wavelength of 10.6 μm and an energy density of 0.6 – 8.5 J cm{sup -2}) of glass with a waveguide layer containing silver ion leads to the formation of a ring, surrounding the irradiated zone and consisting of silver nanoparticles deposited on the glass surface. The possible process of formation of silver nanoparticles under laser irradiation is discussed. (optics and technology of nanostructures)

Orbital Winch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoyt, Robert (Inventor); Slostad, Jeffrey T. (Inventor); Frank, Scott (Inventor); Barnes, Ian M. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Orbital winch having: lower and upper frames; spool having upper and lower flanges with lower flange attached to lower frame; axial tether guide mounted to upper frame; secondary slewing ring coaxial with spool and rotatably mounted to upper frame, wherein secondary slewing ring's outer surface has gearing; upper tether guide mounted to inner surface of secondary slewing ring; linear translation means having upper end mounted to upper frame and lower end mounted on lower frame; primary slewing ring rotatably mounted within linear translation means allowing translation axially between flanges, wherein primary slewing ring's outer surface has gearing; lower tether guide mounted on primary slewing ring's inner surface; pinion rod having upper end mounted to upper frame and lower end mounted to lower frame, wherein pinion rod's teeth engage primary and secondary slewing rings' outer surface teeth; and tether passing through axial, upper, and lower tether guides and winding around spool.

Dynamic apical surface rings in superficial layer cells of koi Cyprinus carpio scale epidermis.

PubMed

DePasquale, J A

2016-09-01

This study examined the novel ring-shaped structures found in the apical surface of individual cells of the scale epidermis of koi Cyprinus carpio. These apical rings are highly dynamic structures with lifetimes ranging from a few to several minutes. While several ring forms were observed, the predominant ring morphology is circular or oval. Two distinct ring forms were identified and designated type I and type II. Type I rings have a well-defined outer border that encircles the surface microridges. Type II rings are smooth-surfaced, dinner-plate-like structures with membranous folds or compressed microridges in the centre. Type II rings appear less frequently than type I rings. Type I rings form spontaneously, arising from swollen or physically interrupted microridges but without initially perturbing the encircled microridges. After persisting for up to several minutes the ring closes in a centripetal movement to form a circular or irregular-shaped structure, the terminal disc. The terminal disc eventually disappears, leaving behind a submembranous vesicle-like structure, the terminal body. Type I rings can undergo multiple cycles of formation and closing. Recycling epidermal apical rings form through centrifugal expansion from the terminal disc followed by apparent contraction back to the disc structure, whereupon the cycle may repeat or cease. The findings demonstrate a novel skin surface structure in fishes and are discussed with respect to communication with the external aqueous environment. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Feasibility of high-density climate reconstruction based on Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) collected tree-ring data

Treesearch

R. Justin DeRose; Shih-Yu Wang; John D. Shaw

2013-01-01

This study introduces a novel tree-ring dataset, with unparalleled spatial density, for use as a climate proxy. Ancillary Douglas fir and pinyon pine tree-ring data collected by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA data) were subjected to a series of tests to determine their feasibility as climate proxies. First, temporal coherence between...

Nanoparticle motion on the surface of drying droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Mingfei; Yong, Xin

2018-03-01

Advances in solution-based printing and surface patterning techniques for additive manufacturing demand a clear understanding of particle dynamics in drying colloidal droplets and its relationship with deposit structure. Although the evaporation-driven deposition has been studied thoroughly for the particles dispersed in the bulk of the droplet, few investigations have focused on the particles strongly adsorbed to the droplet surface. We modeled the assembly and deposition of the surface-active particles in a drying sessile droplet with a pinned contact line by the multiphase lattice Boltzmann-Brownian dynamics method. The particle trajectory and its area density profile characterize the assembly dynamics and deposition pattern development during evaporation. While the bulk-dispersed particles continuously move to the contact line, forming the typical "coffee-ring" deposit, the interface-bound particles migrate first toward the apex and then to the contact line as the droplet dries out. To understand this unexpected behavior, we resolve the droplet velocity field both in the bulk and within the interfacial region. The simulation results agree well with the analytical solution for the Stokes flow inside an evaporating droplet. At different stages of evaporation, our study reveals that the competition between the tangential surface flow and the downward motion of the evaporating liquid-vapor interface governs the dynamics of the interface-bound particles. In particular, the interface displacement contributes to the particle motion toward the droplet apex in a short phase, while the outward advective flow prevails at the late stage of drying and carries the particles to the contact line. The final deposit of the surface-adsorbed particles exhibits a density enhancement at the center, in addition to a coffee ring. Despite its small influence on the final deposit in the present study, the distinct dynamics of surface-active particles due to the interfacial confinement could offer a new route to deposition control when combined with Marangoni effects.

Fluorocarbon seal replaces metal piston ring in low density gas environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morath, W. D.; Morgan, N. E.

1967-01-01

Reinforced fluorocarbon cupseal, which provides an integral lip-type seal, replaces the metal piston rings in piston-cylinder configurations used in the compression of low density gases. The fluorocarbon seal may be used as cryogenic compressor piston seals.

A field-to-desktop toolchain for X-ray CT densitometry enables tree ring analysis.

PubMed

De Mil, Tom; Vannoppen, Astrid; Beeckman, Hans; Van Acker, Joris; Van den Bulcke, Jan

2016-06-01

Disentangling tree growth requires more than ring width data only. Densitometry is considered a valuable proxy, yet laborious wood sample preparation and lack of dedicated software limit the widespread use of density profiling for tree ring analysis. An X-ray computed tomography-based toolchain of tree increment cores is presented, which results in profile data sets suitable for visual exploration as well as density-based pattern matching. Two temperate (Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica) and one tropical species (Terminalia superba) were used for density profiling using an X-ray computed tomography facility with custom-made sample holders and dedicated processing software. Density-based pattern matching is developed and able to detect anomalies in ring series that can be corrected via interactive software. A digital workflow allows generation of structure-corrected profiles of large sets of cores in a short time span that provide sufficient intra-annual density information for tree ring analysis. Furthermore, visual exploration of such data sets is of high value. The dated profiles can be used for high-resolution chronologies and also offer opportunities for fast screening of lesser studied tropical tree species. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Unusual Physical Properties of the Chicxulub Crater Peak Ring: Results from IODP/ICDP Expedition 364

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christeson, G. L.; Gebhardt, C.; Gulick, S. P. S.; Le Ber, E.; Lofi, J.; Morgan, J. V.; Nixon, C.; Rae, A.; Schmitt, D. R.

2017-12-01

IODP/ICDP Expedition 364 Hole M0077A drilled into the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater, recovering core between 505.7 and 1334.7 m below the seafloor (mbsf). Physical property measurements include wireline logging data, a vertical seismic profile (VSP), Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) measurements, and discrete sample measurements. The Hole M0077A peak ring rocks have unusual physical properties. Across the boundary between post-impact sediment and crater breccia we measure a sharp decrease in velocities and densities, and an increase in porosity. Mean crater breccia values are 3000-3300 m/s, 2.14-2.15 g/cm3, and 31% for velocity, density, and porosity, respectively. This zone is also associated with a low-frequency reflector package on MCS profiles and a low-velocity layer in FWI images, both confirmed from the VSP dataset. The thin (24 m) crater melt unit has mean velocity measurements of 3800-4150 m/s, density measurements of 2.32-2.34 g/cm3, and porosity measurements of 20%; density and porosity values are intermediate between the overlying impact breccia and underlying granitic basement, while the velocity values are similar to those for the underlying basement. The Hole M0077A crater melt unit velocities and densities are considerably less than values of 5800 m/s and 2.68 g/cm3 measured at an onshore well located in the annular trough. The uplifted granitic peak ring materials have mean values of 4100-4200 m/s, 2.39-2.44 g/cm3, and 11% for compressional wave velocity, density, and porosity, respectively; these values differ significantly from typical granite which has higher velocities (5400-6000 m/s) and densities (2.62-2.67 g/cm3), and lower porosities (<1%). All Hole M0077A peak-ring velocity, density, and porosity measurements indicate considerable fracturing, and are consistent with numerical models for peak-ring formation.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Daniel P.; Tymińska, Nina; Zurek, Eva, E-mail: ezurek@buffalo.edu

Dispersion corrected Density Functional Theory calculations were employed to study the adsorption of benzenes derivatized with functional groups encompassing a large region of the activated/deactivated spectrum to the Ag(111) surface. Benzenes substituted with weak activating or deactivating groups, such as methyl and fluoro, do not have a strong preference for adsorbing to a particular site on the substrate, with the corrugations in the potential energy surface being similar to those of benzene. Strong activating (N(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}) and deactivating (NO{sub 2}) groups, on the other hand, possess a distinct site preference. The nitrogen in the former prefers to lie abovemore » a silver atom (top site), but in the latter a hollow hexagonal-closed-packed (H{sub hcp}) site of the Ag(111) surface is favored instead. Benzenes derivatized with classic activating groups donate electron density from their highest occupied molecular orbital to the surface, and those functionalized with deactivating groups withdraw electron density from the surface into orbitals that are unoccupied in the gas phase. For benzenes functionalized with two substituents, the groups that are strongly activating or deactivating control the site preference and the other groups assume sites that are, to a large degree, dictated by their positions on the benzene ring. The relative stabilities of the ortho, meta, and para positional isomers of disubstituted benzenes can, in some cases, be modified by adsorption to the surface.« less

Radio Occultation Investigation of the Rings of Saturn and Uranus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marouf, Essam A.

1997-01-01

The proposed work addresses two main objectives: (1) to pursue the development of the random diffraction screen model for analytical/computational characterization of the extinction and near-forward scattering by ring models that include particle crowding, uniform clustering, and clustering along preferred orientations (anisotropy). The characterization is crucial for proper interpretation of past (Voyager) and future (Cassini) ring, occultation observations in terms of physical ring properties, and is needed to address outstanding puzzles in the interpretation of the Voyager radio occultation data sets; (2) to continue the development of spectral analysis techniques to identify and characterize the power scattered by all features of Saturn's rings that can be resolved in the Voyager radio occultation observations, and to use the results to constrain the maximum particle size and its abundance. Characterization of the variability of surface mass density among the main ring, features and within individual features is important for constraining the ring mass and is relevant to investigations of ring dynamics and origin. We completed the developed of the stochastic geometry (random screen) model for the interaction of electromagnetic waves with of planetary ring models; used the model to relate the oblique optical depth and the angular spectrum of the near forward scattered signal to statistical averages of the stochastic geometry of the randomly blocked area. WE developed analytical results based on the assumption of Poisson statistics for particle positions, and investigated the dependence of the oblique optical depth and angular spectrum on the fractional area blocked, vertical ring profile, and incidence angle when the volume fraction is small. Demonstrated agreement with the classical radiative transfer predictions for oblique incidence. Also developed simulation procedures to generate statistical realizations of random screens corresponding to uniformly packed ring models, and used the results to characterize dependence of the extinction and near-forward scattering on ring thickness, packing fraction, and the ring opening angle.

Molecular dynamics simulations of pyrrolidinium and imidazolium ionic liquids at graphene interfaces.

PubMed

Begić, Srđan; Jónsson, Erlendur; Chen, Fangfang; Forsyth, Maria

2017-11-15

Understanding the electrode-electrolyte interface is essential in the battery research as the ion transport and ion structures at the interface most likely affect the performance of a battery. Here we investigate interfacial structures of three ionic liquids: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([C 2 mim][dca]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([C 4 mim][dca]) and N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium dicyanamide ([C 4 myr][dca]) at a charged and uncharged graphene interface using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that these ionic liquids (ILs) behave differently both in the bulk phase and near a graphene interface and we find that this difference is apparent in all types of analyses performed here. First, a partial density analysis in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the electrodes, which, in the cases near a negatively charged graphene, reveals that the pyrrolidinium system is generally more layered than the imidazolium systems. Second, a 2D topographic structure analysis of the IL species in the inner layer near a negatively charged graphene surface, which reveals that the pyrrolidinium system exhibits a quasi-hexagonal surface configuration of the cations, while the imidazolium systems show linearly arranged groups of cations. Third, a 3D orientation-preference analysis of cation rings near the negative graphene electrode, which shows that the pyrrolidinium rings prefer to lie parallel to the electrode surface while the imidazolium rings prefer to stand on the electrode surface at high tilt angles. Extending the imidazolium alkyl chain was found to reduce the number of imidazoliums that can link up into linearly arranged groups in the inner layer 2D structures. Our results support earlier experimental findings and indicate that the interfacial nanostructures may have a significant influence on the electrochemical performance of IL-based batteries.

Bimetallic 3D nanostar dimers in ring cavities: recyclable and robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates for signal detection from few molecules.

PubMed

Gopalakrishnan, Anisha; Chirumamilla, Manohar; De Angelis, Francesco; Toma, Andrea; Zaccaria, Remo Proietti; Krahne, Roman

2014-08-26

Top-down fabrication of electron-beam lithography (EBL)-defined metallic nanostructures is a successful route to obtain extremely high electromagnetic field enhancement via plasmonic effects in well-defined regions. To this aim, various geometries have been introduced such as disks, triangles, dimers, rings, self-similar lenses, and more. In particular, metallic dimers are highly efficient for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and their decoupling from the substrate in a three-dimensional design has proven to further improve their performance. However, the large fabrication time and cost has hindered EBL-defined structures from playing a role in practical applications. Here we present three-dimensional nanostar dimer devices that can be recycled via maskless metal etching and deposition processes, due to conservation of the nanostructure pattern in the 3D geometry of the underlying Si substrate. Furthermore, our 3D-nanostar-dimer-in-ring structures (3D-NSDiRs) incorporate several advantageous aspects for SERS by enhancing the performance of plasmonic dimers via an external ring cavity, by efficient decoupling from the substrate through an elevated 3D design, and by bimetallic AuAg layers that exploit the increased performance of Ag while maintaining the biocompatibility of Au. We demonstrate SERS detection on rhodamine and adenine at extremely low density up to the limit of few molecules and analyze the field enhancement of the 3D-NSDiRs with respect to the exciting wavelength and metal composition.

Wafer-level packaging with compression-controlled seal ring bonding

DOEpatents

Farino, Anthony J

2013-11-05

A device may be provided in a sealed package by aligning a seal ring provided on a first surface of a first semiconductor wafer in opposing relationship with a seal ring that is provided on a second surface of a second semiconductor wafer and surrounds a portion of the second wafer that contains the device. Forcible movement of the first and second wafer surfaces toward one another compresses the first and second seal rings against one another. A physical barrier against the movement, other than the first and second seal rings, is provided between the first and second wafer surfaces.

Laser collisional induced fluorescence electron density measurements as a function of ring bias and the onset of anode spot formation in a ring cusp magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arthur, N. A.; Foster, J. E.; Barnat, E. V.

2018-05-01

Two-dimensional electron density measurements are made in a magnetic ring cusp discharge using laser collisional induced fluorescence. The magnet rings are isolated from the anode structure such that they can be biased independently in order to modulate electron flows through the magnetic cusps. Electron density images are captured as a function of bias voltage in order to assess the effects of current flow through the cusp on the spatial extent of the cusp. We anticipated that for a fixed current density being funneled through the magnetic cusp, the leak width would necessarily increase. Unexpectedly, the leak width, as measured by LCIF images, does not increase. This suggests that the current density is not constant, and that possibly either electrons are being heated or additional ionization events are occurring within the cusp. Spatially resolving electron temperature would be needed to determine if electrons are being heated within the cusp. We also observe breakdown of the anode magnetosheath and formation of anode spots at high bias voltage.

Simulating structure and dynamics in small droplets of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brehm, Martin; Sebastiani, Daniel

2018-05-01

To investigate the structure and dynamics of small ionic liquid droplets in gas phase, we performed a DFT-based ab initio molecular dynamics study of several 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate clusters in vacuum as well as a bulk phase simulation. We introduce an unbiased criterion for average droplet diameter and density. By extrapolation of the droplet densities, we predict the experimental bulk phase density with a deviation of only a few percent. The hydrogen bond geometry between cations and anions is very similar in droplets and bulk, but the hydrogen bond dynamics is significantly slower in the droplets, becoming slower with increasing system size, with hydrogen bond lifetimes up to 2000 ps. From a normal mode analysis of the trajectories, we identify the modes of the ring proton C-H stretching, which are strongly affected by hydrogen bonding. From analyzing these, we find that the hydrogen bond becomes weaker with increasing system size. The cations possess an increased concentration inside the clusters, whereas the anions show an excess concentration on the outside. Almost all anions point towards the droplet center with their carboxylic groups. Ring stacking is found to be a very important structural motif in the droplets (as in the bulk), but side chain interactions are only of minor importance. By using Voronoi tessellation, we define the exposed droplet surface and find that it consists mainly of hydrogen atoms from the cation's and anion's methyl and ethyl groups. Polar atoms are rarely found on the surface, such that the droplets appear completely hydrophobic on the outside.

Biophysical modelling of intra-ring variations in tracheid features and wood density of Pinus pinaster trees exposed to seasonal droughts.

PubMed

Wilkinson, Sarah; Ogée, Jérôme; Domec, Jean-Christophe; Rayment, Mark; Wingate, Lisa

2015-03-01

Process-based models that link seasonally varying environmental signals to morphological features within tree rings are essential tools to predict tree growth response and commercially important wood quality traits under future climate scenarios. This study evaluated model portrayal of radial growth and wood anatomy observations within a mature maritime pine (Pinus pinaster (L.) Aït.) stand exposed to seasonal droughts. Intra-annual variations in tracheid anatomy and wood density were identified through image analysis and X-ray densitometry on stem cores covering the growth period 1999-2010. A cambial growth model was integrated with modelled plant water status and sugar availability from the soil-plant-atmosphere transfer model MuSICA to generate estimates of cell number, cell volume, cell mass and wood density on a weekly time step. The model successfully predicted inter-annual variations in cell number, ring width and maximum wood density. The model was also able to predict the occurrence of special anatomical features such as intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs) in growth rings. Since cell wall thickness remained surprisingly constant within and between growth rings, variations in wood density were primarily the result of variations in lumen diameter, both in the model and anatomical data. In the model, changes in plant water status were identified as the main driver of the IADFs through a direct effect on cell volume. The anatomy data also revealed that a trade-off existed between hydraulic safety and hydraulic efficiency. Although a simplified description of cambial physiology is presented, this integrated modelling approach shows potential value for identifying universal patterns of tree-ring growth and anatomical features over a broad climatic gradient. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Theoretical predictions of anti-corrosive properties of THAM and its derivatives.

PubMed

Malinowski, Szymon; Jaroszyńska-Wolińska, Justyna; Herbert, Tony

2017-12-04

We present quantum chemical theoretical estimations of the anti-corrosive properties of THAM (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) and three derivatives that differ in the number of benzene rings: THAM-1 (2-amino-3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl) propylobenzoate), THAM-2 (2-amino-2-(hydroxymetyl)prapan-1,3-diyldibenzoate) and THAM-3 (2-amino-propan-1,2,3-triyltribenzoate). Fourteen exchange-correlation functionals based on the density functional theory (DFT) were chosen for quantum chemical study of THAM derivatives. The objective was to examine the effect of benzene rings on potential anti-corrosive properties of THAM compounds. The results indicate that the addition of benzene rings in THAM derivatives is likely to significantly enhance electrostatic bonding of a THAM-based coating to a presented metal surface and, thus, its adhesion and long-term effect in corrosion inhibition. Whereas it is clear that all three derivatives appear to be superior in their bonding characteristics to pure THAM, the potential order of merit between the three is less clear, although THAM-3 presents as possibly superior.

An Extinction Probe Through the HD 107146 Debris Ring: Taking Unique Advantage of a Background Galaxy Transit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Glenn

2016-10-01

We propose a 3-cycle GO program utilizing a total of HST 30 orbits to directly measure and map the line-of-sight optical depth through the brightest sector of the HD 107146 solar-analog debris ring by ring-transit differential photometry of a bright (compared to the disk), spatially extended, background galaxy. We will advantageously exploit its serendipitously unique and experiment-enabling high proper motion reflex trajectory w.r.t. the galaxy back-lighting a sectional slice the exoplanetary debris system (EDS) with a 2D grid of multiple sight-lines through the nearly face-on disk over time. These measures (the only opportunity for such in remaining HST lifetime) will uniquely provide unambiguous extinction/optical depth constraints to better elucidate the physical properties of the debris particles in this otherwise well studied EDS. With these and prior data we will: (a) disambiguate inferred particle spatial, size, and mass density distributions otherwise conflated with debris material optical property dependencies, (b) better constrain the posited pathways for planetary debris dust production mechanisms in EDSs (e.g., catastrophic collisions of parent bodies, dust-production cascades, cratering events, etc.) and (c) search for and discriminated between clumps , bumps , and clouds of collisional debris of varying particle (and mass) densities. This investigation was enabled in forethought by mapping the galaxy surface brightness out-of-transit in a comprehensive 2011 precursor study (HST GO/12228) using exactly the same STIS instrumental configuration with multi-roll PSF template subtracted coronagraphy we propose for the upcoming ring transit opportunity.

An Extinction Probe Through the HD 107146 Debris Ring: Taking Unique Advantage of a Background Galaxy Transit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Glenn

2017-08-01

We propose a 3-cycle GO program utilizing a total of HST 30 orbits to directly measure and map the line-of-sight optical depth through the brightest sector of the HD 107146 solar-analog debris ring by ring-transit differential photometry of a bright (compared to the disk), spatially extended, background galaxy. We will advantageously exploit its serendipitously unique and experiment-enabling high proper motion reflex trajectory w.r.t. the galaxy back-lighting a sectional slice the exoplanetary debris system (EDS) with a 2D grid of multiple sight-lines through the nearly face-on disk over time. These measures (the only opportunity for such in remaining HST lifetime) will uniquely provide unambiguous extinction/optical depth constraints to better elucidate the physical properties of the debris particles in this otherwise well studied EDS. With these and prior data we will: (a) disambiguate inferred particle spatial, size, and mass density distributions otherwise conflated with debris material optical property dependencies, (b) better constrain the posited pathways for planetary debris dust production mechanisms in EDSs (e.g., catastrophic collisions of parent bodies, dust-production cascades, cratering events, etc.) and (c) search for and discriminated between clumps , bumps , and clouds of collisional debris of varying particle (and mass) densities. This investigation was enabled in forethought by mapping the galaxy surface brightness out-of-transit in a comprehensive 2011 precursor study (HST GO/12228) using exactly the same STIS instrumental configuration with multi-roll PSF template subtracted coronagraphy we propose for the upcoming ring transit opportunity.

Effect of Entomopathogenic Nematodes on Mesocriconema xenoplax Populations in Peach and Pecan

PubMed Central

Nyczepir, A. P.; Shapiro-Ilan, D. I.; Lewis, E. E.; Handoo, Z. A.

2004-01-01

The effect of Steinernema riobrave and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora on population density of Mesocriconema xenoplax in peach was studied in the greenhouse. Twenty-one days after adding 112 M. xenoplax adults and juveniles/1,500 cm³ soil to the soil surface of each pot, 50 infective juveniles/cm² soil surface of either S. riobrave or H. bacteriophora were applied. Another entomopathogenic nematode application of the same density was administered 3 months later. The experiment was repeated once. Mesocriconema xenoplax populations were not suppressed (P ≤ 0.05) in the presence of either S. riobrave or H. bacteriophora 180 days following ring nematode inoculation. On pecan, 200 S. riobrave infective-stage juveniles/cm² were applied to the soil surface of 2-year-old established M. xenoplax populations in field microplots. Additional applications of S. riobrave were administered 2 and 4 months later. This study was terminated 150 days following the initial application of S. riobrave. Populations of M. xenoplax were not suppressed in the presence of S. riobrave. PMID:19262805

Effect of Entomopathogenic Nematodes on Mesocriconema xenoplax Populations in Peach and Pecan.

PubMed

Nyczepir, A P; Shapiro-Ilan, D I; Lewis, E E; Handoo, Z A

2004-06-01

The effect of Steinernema riobrave and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora on population density of Mesocriconema xenoplax in peach was studied in the greenhouse. Twenty-one days after adding 112 M. xenoplax adults and juveniles/1,500 cm(3) soil to the soil surface of each pot, 50 infective juveniles/cm(2) soil surface of either S. riobrave or H. bacteriophora were applied. Another entomopathogenic nematode application of the same density was administered 3 months later. The experiment was repeated once. Mesocriconema xenoplax populations were not suppressed (P

A density functional theory study on the acetylene cyclotrimerization on Pd-modified Au(111) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Bohua; Dong, Xiuqin; Yu, Yingzhe; Zhang, Minhua

2017-10-01

Calculations based on the first-principle density functional theory were carried out to study the possible acetylene cyclotrimerization reactions on Pd-Au(111) surface and to investigate the effect of Au atom alloying with Pd. The adsorption of C2H2, C4H4, C6H6 and the PDOS of 4d orbitals of surface Pd and Au atoms were studied. The comparison of d-band center of Pd and Au atom before and after C2H2 or C4H4 adsorption suggests that these molecules affect the activity of Pd-Au(111) surface to some degree due to the high binding energy of the adsorption. In our study, the second neighboring Pd ensembles on Pd-Au(111) surface can adsorb two acetylene molecules on parallel-bridge site of two Au atoms and one Pd atom, respectively. Csbnd C bonds are parallel to each other and two acetylenes are adsorbed face to face to produce four-membered ring C4H4 firstly. The geometric effect and electronic effect of Pd-Au(111) surface with the second neighboring Pd ensembles both help to reduce this activation barrier.

Variability in radial sap flux density patterns and sapwood area among seven co-occurring temperate broad-leaved tree species.

PubMed

Gebauer, Tobias; Horna, Viviana; Leuschner, Christoph

2008-12-01

Forest transpiration estimates are frequently based on xylem sap flux measurements in the outer sections of the hydro-active stem sapwood. We used Granier's constant-heating technique with heating probes at various xylem depths to analyze radial patterns of sap flux density in the sapwood of seven broad-leaved tree species differing in wood density and xylem structure. Study aims were to (1) compare radial sap flux density profiles between diffuse- and ring-porous trees and (2) analyze the relationship between hydro-active sapwood area and stem diameter. In all investigated species except the diffuse-porous beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and ring-porous ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), sap flux density peaked at a depth of 1 to 4 cm beneath the cambium, revealing a hump-shaped curve with species-specific slopes. Beech and ash reached maximum sap flux densities immediately beneath the cambium in the youngest annual growth rings. Experiments with dyes showed that the hydro-active sapwood occupied 70 to 90% of the stem cross-sectional area in mature trees of diffuse-porous species, whereas it occupied only about 21% in ring-porous ash. Dendrochronological analyses indicated that vessels in the older sapwood may remain functional for 100 years or more in diffuse-porous species and for up to 27 years in ring-porous ash. We conclude that radial sap flux density patterns are largely dependent on tree species, which may introduce serious bias in sap-flux-derived forest transpiration estimates, if non-specific sap flux profiles are assumed.

Planetary rings: Structure and history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, L.

The composition and structure of planetary rings provide the key evidence to understand their origin and evolution. Before the first space observations, we were able to maintain an idealized view of the rings around Saturn, the only known ring system at that time. Rings were then discovered around Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Saturn's F ring was discovered by Pioneer 11. Our ideal view of circular, planar, symmetric and unchanging rings was shattered by observations of inclined, eccentric rings, waves and wavy edges, and numerous processes acting at rates that give timescales much younger than the solar system. Moons within and near the rings sculpt them and are the likely progenitors of future rings. The moonlet lifetimes are much less than Saturn's age. The old idea of ancient rings gave rise to youthful rings, that are recently created by erosion and destruction of small nearby moons. Although this explanation may work well for most rings, Saturn's massive ring system provides a problem. It is extremely improbable that Saturn's rings were recently created by the destruction of a moon as large as Mimas, or even by the breakup of a large comet that passed too close to Saturn. The history of Saturn's rings has been a difficult problem, now made even more challenging by the close-up Cassini measurements. Cassini observations show unexpected ring variability in time and space. Time variations are seen in ring edges, in the thinner D and F rings, and in the neutral oxygen cloud, which outweighs the E ring in the same region around Saturn. The rings are inhomogeneous, with structures on all scales, sharp gradients and edges. Compositional gradients are sharper than expected, but nonetheless cross structural boundaries. This is evidence for ballistic transport that has not gone to completion. The autocovariance maximizes in the middle of the A ring, with smaller structure near the main rings' outer edge. Density wave locations have a fresher ice composition. The processes of collisions, diffusion and transport should have homogenized the rings over the age of the solar system. Instead, these differences persist. The mass density in the Cassini division inferred from density waves is so low, that the material there would be ground to 1 dust in 30,000 years. The observed moons that cause such interesting structure in the rings have short lifetimes against disruption by cometary bombardment and against the angular momentum transfers that push them away from the rings. These rapid processes evident in the Cassini data have been taken as evidence that the rings were recently created, perhaps from a comet that passed too close to Saturn. Instead, an alternative is that primordial material may have been re-used and recycled. In the zone near the Roche limit where rings are found, limited accretion is possible, with the larger bodies able to recapture smaller fragments. The `propeller' structures, the self-gravity wakes, and the size distribution of clumps in Saturn's F ring are all indications of the accretion process. Recycling could extend the ring lifetime almost indefinitely. The variety evident in the latest observations and the low mass density inferred for the largest bodies are both consistent with extensive recycling of ring material as the explanation of the apparent youth of Saturn's rings. Similar processes are likely occurring tin the other ring systems and in the formation of planets around other stars. 2

Transcranial current stimulation focality using disc and ring electrode configurations: FEM analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Abhishek; Elwassif, Maged; Battaglia, Fortunato; Bikson, Marom

2008-06-01

We calculated the electric fields induced in the brain during transcranial current stimulation (TCS) using a finite-element concentric spheres human head model. A range of disc electrode configurations were simulated: (1) distant-bipolar; (2) adjacent-bipolar; (3) tripolar; and three ring designs, (4) belt, (5) concentric ring, and (6) double concentric ring. We compared the focality of each configuration targeting cortical structures oriented normal to the surface ('surface-radial' and 'cross-section radial'), cortical structures oriented along the brain surface ('surface-tangential' and 'cross-section tangential') and non-oriented cortical surface structures ('surface-magnitude' and 'cross-section magnitude'). For surface-radial fields, we further considered the 'polarity' of modulation (e.g. superficial cortical neuron soma hyper/depolarizing). The distant-bipolar configuration, which is comparable with commonly used TCS protocols, resulted in diffuse (un-focal) modulation with bi-directional radial modulation under each electrode and tangential modulation between electrodes. Increasing the proximity of the two electrodes (adjacent-bipolar electrode configuration) increased focality, at the cost of more surface current. At similar electrode distances, the tripolar-electrodes configuration produced comparable peak focality, but reduced radial bi-directionality. The concentric-ring configuration resulted in the highest spatial focality and uni-directional radial modulation, at the expense of increased total surface current. Changing ring dimensions, or use of two concentric rings, allow titration of this balance. The concentric-ring design may thus provide an optimized configuration for targeted modulation of superficial cortical neurons.

A kinematic determination of the structure of the double ring planetary nebula NGC 2392, the Eskimo

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'dell, C.R.; Weiner, L.D.; Chu, Yoyhua

Slit spectra and existing velocity cube data have been used to determine the structure of the double ring PN NGC 2392. The inner shell is a stellar wind-sculpted prolate spheroid with a ratio of axes of 2:1 and the approaching end of the long axis pointed 20 deg from the line of sight in P.A. = 200 deg. The outer ring is caused by an outer disk with density dropping off with distance from the central star and with distance from its plane, which is the same as the equatorial band of high density in the inner shell. The outermore » disk contains a ring of higher density knots at a distance of 16 arcsec and is losing material through free expansion, forming an outer envelope of increasing velocity. Forbidden S II spectra are used to determine the densities in all of the major regions of the nebula. It is argued that the filamentary cores at the centers of the knots seen in the outer ring originate in the sublimation of bodies formed at the same time as the parent star. 26 refs.« less

Experimental study of interaction between a vortex ring and a solid surface for a wide range of ring velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikulin, V. V.

2014-12-01

Experiments were carried out for interaction of water-travelling vortex ring with a solid surface with the normal impingement to the surface; the vortex velocity was varied by factor of 30 and the Reynolds number had 60-times span. Laminar and turbulent vortex rings have been studied. The ratio of the vortex diameter at the moment of rebound from the surface to the vortex diameter before impingement is almost independent of the vortex velocity and Reynolds number. Within the experimental accuracy, the diameter of the vortex ring after rebound equals the footprint of the vortex on the solid surface. This brings assumption that the previously observed restrictions on the trace were related to the vortex rebound from the solid surface.

Density estimation using the trapping web design: A geometric analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Link, W.A.; Barker, R.J.

1994-01-01

Population densities for small mammal and arthropod populations can be estimated using capture frequencies for a web of traps. A conceptually simple geometric analysis that avoid the need to estimate a point on a density function is proposed. This analysis incorporates data from the outermost rings of traps, explaining large capture frequencies in these rings rather than truncating them from the analysis.

Parametric design analysis of a hybrid composite flywheel using a laminated central disc and a filament wound outer ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nimmer, R. P.

1980-09-01

A hybrid flywheel design concept based on the use of a laminated central disk with a filament-wound outer ring is analyzed for several different combinations of composite materials. Some of the results of this study are: (1) an optimized E-glass disk with Kevlar-49 outer ring offers the prospect of 30% additional energy density over a laminated disk without a ring; (2) a laminated S2-glass disk is capable of storing more energy per unit mass than an E-glass disk because of its higher tensile strength; and (3) the use of wound graphite outer rings with S2-glass disks leads to substantial reductions in the size of the interference fit while offering still higher energy densities than for a Kevlar-49 outer ring.

The Case for Massive and Ancient Rings of Saturn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Larry W.

2016-04-01

Analysis of Voyager and Pioneer 11 results give a mass for Saturn's rings, M = 5 x 10-8 Msat. This is about the mass of Saturn's small moon Mimas. This has been interpreted as a lower limit to the ring mass (Esposito et al 1983), since the thickest parts of the rings were not penetrated by the stellar occultstion, and this calculation assumes an unvarying particle size throughout the rings. Because the rings are constantly bombarded by micrometeroids, their current composition of nearly pure water ice implies such low mass rings must have formed recently. The case is par-ticularly strong for Saturn's A ring, where the data are the best, implying the A ring is less than 10% of the age of the Saturn (Esposito 1986). Cassini results com-pound this problem. UVIS spectra are consistent with either young rings or rings about 10x as massive as the Voyager estimate (Elliott and Esposito (2011). CDA confirms the impacting mass flux is similar to that as-sumed for the pollution calculations (Kempf etal 2015). VIMS analysis of density wave signatures in the B ring gives a value of about 1/3 the Voyager value (Hedmann etal 2016). This VIMS result implies the rings are even younger! The problem is that young rings are very unlikely to be formed recently, meaning that we live in a very special epoch, following some unlikely recent origin… like disruption of a medium sized moon or capture of the fragments of a disrupted comet. This paradox (Charnoz etal 2009) is unre-solved. Alternative interpretations: To take the VIMS results at face value, Saturn's low mass rings must be very young. The optically thick B ring must be made of small, porous or fractal particles. This is hard to understand, since the particles are continually colliding every few hours and temporary aggregates will stir the collision velocities to higher values. An alternative is that we accept the higher mass interpretation of the Pioneer 11 results (Esposito etal 2008) using the granola bar model of Colwell etal 2007. This would imply that the density wave structure seen by VIMS is not sensing all the mass in the rings, where structure near strong resonances is dominted by temporary aggregates, and where non-linear effects cause the parti-cles to jam (Lewis and Stewart 2009). The density waves may be seeing the mass density in the gaps be-tween self-gravity wakes, whose optical depth is roughly contant and considerably lower than the total B ring opacity (Colwell etal 2007). These massive rings would be consistent with the origin model of Canup (2011) where a Titan-sized diffferntiated moon was disrupted early in Saturn's formation.

The impact of exospheric neutral dynamics on ring current decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilie, R.; Liemohn, M. W.; Skoug, R. M.; Funsten, H. O.; Gruntman, M.; Bailey, J. J.; Toth, G.

2015-12-01

The geocorona plays an important role in the energy budget of the Earth's inner magnetosphere since charge exchange of energetic ions with exospheric neutrals makes the exosphere act as an energy sink for ring current particles. Long-term ring current decay following a magnetic storm is mainly due to these electron transfer reactions, leading to the formation energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) that leave the ring current system on ballistic trajectories. The number of ENAs emitted from a given region of space depends on several factors, such as the energy and species of the energetic ion population in that region and the density of the neutral gas with which the ions undergo charge exchange. However, the density and structure of the exosphere are strongly dependent on changes in atmospheric temperature and density as well as charge exchange with the ions of plasmaspheric origin, which depletes the geocorona (by having a neutral removed from the system). Moreover, the radiation pressure exerted by solar far-ultraviolet photons pushes the geocoronal hydrogen away from the Earth in an anti-sunward direction to form a tail of neutral hydrogen. TWINS ENA images provide a direct measurement of these ENA losses and therefore insight into the dynamics of the ring current decay through interactions with the geocorona. We assess the influence of geocoronal neutrals on ring current formation and decay by analysis of the predicted ENA emissions using 6 different geocoronal models and simulations from the HEIDI ring current model during storm time. Comparison with TWINS ENA images shows that the location of the peak ENA enhancements is highly dependent on the distribution of geocoronal hydrogen density. We show that the neutral dynamics has a strong influence on the time evolution of the ring current populations as well as on the formation of energetic neutral atoms.

Formation of Pluto's moons: the fission hypothesis revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prentice, A. J.

2015-12-01

I re-examine the fission hypothesis for the formation of Pluto's moons within the framework of a gas ring model for the origin of the solar system (Prentice 1978 Moon Planets 19 341; 2015 LPSC, abs. 2664). It is supposed that the planetary system condensed from a concentric family of orbiting gas rings. These were cast off by the proto-solar cloud (PSC) as a means for disposing of excess spin angular momentum during gravitational contraction. If contraction is homologous, the mean orbital radii R(n) (n = 0,1,2,3,..) of the rings form a nearly geometric sequence. The temperatures T(n) of the rings scale roughly as T(n) = A/R(n) and the gas pressures p(n) on the gas ring mean orbits scale as p(n) = B/R(n)^4. The constants A & B are chosen so that (1) the geometric mean of the ratio R(n+1)/R(n) of successive gas ring radii from Jupiter to Mercury matches the observed mean ratio of planetary distances and (2) that the metal mass fraction at Mercury's orbit, namely 0.70, yields a planet whose mean density equals the observed value (Prentice 2008, LPSC abs. 1945.pdf). I assume that proto-Pluto (PPO) condensed within the n = 0 gas ring shed by the PSC at the orbit of Quaoar (43.2 AU). Here T(0) = 26.3 K and p(0) = 1.3 x 10^(-9) bar. The condensate consists of anhydrous rock (mass fraction 0.5255), graphite (0.0163), water ice (0.1858), dry ice (0.2211), and methane ice (0.0513). The RTP rock density is 3.662 g/cc. I assume that melting of the ices in the PPO took place through the decay of short-lived radioactive nuclides, causing internal segregation of rock & graphite. If rotational fission did occur and Pluto's moons formed from ejected liquid water and CO2, we get a Charon mean density of 1.24 g/cc. This is much lower than the observed value. Perhaps some of the rock and graphite became entrained in the fissioned liquid, so yielding a dense core for Charon of mass fraction ~0.4? In any event, the surfaces of all of the moons should have initially been football-shaped, very smooth and consist solely of water ice. As there is no outward migration of the major planets in the gas ring model, the risk of impact bombardment is minimal. Most likely, subsequent tidal action between Pluto and Charon produced the chasms that girdle the equator of Charon (Barr & Collins 2015). I predict that New Horizons will detect dry ice in those parts of Hydra that have been gouged by impacts.

DFT study on the adsorption behavior and electronic response of AlN nanotube and nanocage toward toxic halothane gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, R.; Hosseinian, A.; Khosroshahi, E. Saedi; Edjlali, L.; Vessally, E.

2018-04-01

We have investigated the adsorption of a halothane molecule on the AlN nanotube, and nanocage using density functional theory calculations. We predicted that the halothane molecule tends to be physically adsorbed on the surface of AlN nanotube with adsorption energy (Ead) of -4.2 kcal/mol. The electronic properties of AlN nanotube are not affected by the halothane, and it is not a sensor. But the AlN nanocage is more reactive than the AlN nanotube because of its higher curvature. The halothane tends to be adsorbed on a hexagonal ring, an Alsbnd N bond, and a tetragonal ring of the AlN nanocage. The adsorption ability order is as follows: tetragonal ring (Ead = -14.7 kcal/mol) > Alsbnd N bond (Ead = -12.3 kcal/mol) > hexagonal ring (Ead = -10.1 kcal/mol). When a halothane molecule is adsorbed on the AlN nanocage, its electrical conductivity is increased, demonstrating that it can yield an electronic signal at the presence of this molecule, and can be employed in chemical sensors. The AlN nanocage benefits from a short recovery time of about 58 ms at room temperature.

Mechanical seal with textured sidewall

DOEpatents

Khonsari, Michael M.; Xiao, Nian

2017-02-14

The present invention discloses a mating ring, a primary ring, and associated mechanical seal having superior heat transfer and wear characteristics. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more dimples are formed onto the cylindrical outer surface of a mating ring sidewall and/or a primary ring sidewall. A stationary mating ring for a mechanical seal assembly is disclosed. Such a mating ring comprises an annular body having a central axis and a sealing face, wherein a plurality of dimples are formed into the outer circumferential surface of the annular body such that the exposed circumferential surface area of the annular body is increased. The texture added to the sidewall of the mating ring yields superior heat transfer and wear characteristics.

The particle size distribution in Saturn's Main Rings from VIMS and UVIS stellar occultations and RSS radio occultations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerousek, R. G.; Colwell, J. E.; Hedman, M. M.; Marouf, E. A.; French, R. G.; Esposito, L. W.; Nicholson, P. D.

2017-12-01

The parameters of a simple power-law particle size distribution can be inferred from measurements of optical depth at multiple wavelengths (Marouf et al. 1982, 1983, Zebker et al. 1985) where the number of particles of radius between a and a+da is given by n(a)da = n0(a/a0)-qda with amin ≤ a ≤ amax. In the C ring and Cassini division where the surface mass density is low, the Toomre critical wavelength for gravitational collapse is comparable to the radii of the largest particles ( 1 m) and the effects of viewing geometry on measured normal optical depth can be ignored. In these regions, we fit optical depths measured by the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) at λ = 2.9μm, the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) at λ = 0.15μm, and by the Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) at X band (λ = 3.6cm) and Ka band (λ = 9.4mm) to power-law derived optical depths and constrain the power-law parameters at 10km radial resolution. In the A and B rings where the Toomre critical wavelength is much larger than the radii of the largest particles, self-gravity wakes (ephemeral elongated particle aggregates canted to the direction of orbital motion by Keplerian shear) form. Occultations of these ring regions that occur at different viewing geometries measure different normal optical depths. We model and remove the geometric effects on the ring normal optical depth using the self-gravity wake model of Colwell et al. (2006, 2007) and fit wake model derived optical depths to power-law determined optical depths to constrain the parameters of the power-law particle size distribution. We find average values of amin 5 mm in the background C ring, the C ring plateaus, and in the Cassini Division. In the A and B ring and outside the strong density waves triggered by resonances with Janus and Mimas, we find amin 9 mm except in the trans-Encke region were the minimum particle radius drops to 5 mm and again to about 3.5 mm in the trans-Keeler region near the A ring outer edge. amax ranges from one to several meters throughout the main rings, and a positive correlation between amax and the measured optical depth except in the C ring plateaus. Over the various ring regions, average amin and q are consistent with determinations from previous studies by Harbison et al. (2013), Becker et al. (2016), Jerousek et al. (2016), and Marouf et al. (2008a) with average q 2.9-3.1.

Saturn Ring Rain: New Observations and Estimates of Water Influx

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, L.; O'Donoghue, J.; Mueller-Wodarg, I.; Galand, M.; Mendillo, M.

2014-04-01

We estimate the maximum rates of water influx from Saturn's rings based on ionospheric model reproductions of derived H3+ column densities. On 17 April 2011 over two hours of near-infrared spectral data were obtained of Saturn using the Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSPEC) instrument on the 10-m Keck II telescope. Two bright H3+ rotationalvibrational emission lines were visible nearly from pole to pole, allowing low-latitude ionospheric emissions to be studied for the first time, and revealing significant latitudinal structure, with local extrema in one hemisphere being mirrored at magnetically conjugate latitudes in the opposite hemisphere. In addition, those minima and maxima mapped to latitudes of increased or decreased density, respectively, in Saturn's rings, implying a direct ringatmosphere connection in which charged water group particles from the rings are guided by magnetic field lines as they "rain" down upon the atmosphere. Water products act to quench the local ionosphere, and therefore modify the H3+ densities and their observed emissions. Using the Saturn Thermosphere Ionosphere Model (STIM), a 3-D model of Saturn's upper atmosphere, we derive the maximum rates of water influx required from the rings in order to reproduce the H3+ column densities observed on 17 April 2011. We estimate the globally averaged maximum ringderived water influx to be (1.6-12)x105 cm-2 sec-1, which represents a maximum total global influx of water from Saturn's rings to its atmosphere of (1.0-6.8)x1026 sec-1. We will also present the initial findings of Keck ring rain observing campaigns from April 2013 and May 2014.

On the tidal environment of an outwardly migrating F ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutton, Phil J.

2018-07-01

Saturn's F ring is a unique narrow ring that lies (radially) close to the tidally disruptive Roche limit of water ice for Saturn. Significant work has been done that shows it to be one of the most dynamic places in the Solar system. Aggregates that are fortunate enough to form constantly battle against the strong tidal forces of Saturn and the nearby moons Prometheus and Pandora, which act to gravitationally stir up ring material. Planetary rings are also known to radially spread. Therefore, as the F ring lies at the edge of the main rings, we investigate the effect of an outwardly migrated F ring and its interaction with Prometheus. An increase in the maximum number density of particles at the channel edges is observed with decreasing local tidal environment. Radial velocity dispersions are also observed to fall below the typical escape velocity of a 150 m icy moonlet (<10 cm s^{-1}) where density is enhanced, and are gravitationally unstable with Toomre parameters Q < 2. Additionally, in locations of the ring where Q < 2 is observed, more particles are seen to fall below or close to the critical Toomre parameter as the radial location of the ring increases.

Highly dispersed buckybowls as model carbocatalysts for C–H bond activation

DOE PAGES

Soykal, I. Ilgaz; Wang, Hui; Park, Jewook; ...

2015-03-19

Buckybowl fractions dispersed on mesoporous silica constitute an ideal model for studying the catalysis of graphitic forms of carbon since the dispersed carbon nanostructures contain a high ratio of edge defects and curvature induced by non-six-membered rings. Dispersion of the active centers on an easily accessible high surface area material allowed for high density of surface active sites associated with oxygenated structures. This report illustrates a facile method of creating model polycyclic aromatic nano-structures that are not only active for alkane C-H bond activation and oxidative dehydrogenation but also can be practical catalysts to be eventually used in industry.

AN ANALYTIC PARAMETERIZATION OF SELF-GRAVITY WAKES IN SATURN'S RINGS, WITH APPLICATION TO OCCULTATIONS AND PROPELLERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tiscareno, Matthew S.; Hedman, Matthew M.; Burns, Joseph A.

2010-02-15

We have developed a semianalytic method of parameterizing N-body simulations of self-gravity wakes in Saturn's rings, describing their photometric properties by means of only six numbers: three optical depths and three weighting factors. These numbers are obtained by fitting a sum of three Gaussians to the results of a density-estimation procedure that finds the frequencies of various values of local density within a simulated ring patch. Application of our parameterization to a suite of N-body simulations implies that rings dominated by self-gravity wakes appear to be mostly empty space, with more than half of their surface area taken up bymore » local optical depths around 0.01. Such regions will be photometrically inactive for all viewing geometries. While this result might be affected by our use of identically sized particles, we believe the general result that the distribution of local optical depths is trimodal, rather than bimodal as previous authors have assumed, is robust. The implications of this result for the analysis of occultation data are more conceptual than practical, as we find that occultations can only distinguish between bimodal and trimodal models at very low opening angles. Thus, the only adjustment needed in existing analyses of occultation data is that the model parameter {tau}{sub gap} should be interpreted as representing the area-weighted average optical depth within the gaps (or inter-wake regions), keeping in mind the possibility that the optical depth within those inter-wake regions may vary significantly. The most significant consequence of our results applies to the question of why 'propeller' structures observed in the mid-A ring are seen as relative-bright features, even though the most prominent features of simulated propellers are regions of relatively low density. Our parameterization of self-gravity wakes lends preliminary quantitative support to the hypothesis that propellers would be bright if they involve a local and temporary disruption of self-gravity wakes. Even though the overall local density is lower within the propeller-shaped structure surrounding an embedded central moonlet, disruption of the wakes would flood these same regions with more 'photometrically active' material (i.e., material that can contribute to the rings' local optical depth), raising their apparent brightnesses in agreement with observations. We find for a wide range of input parameters that this mechanism indeed can plausibly make propellers brighter than the wake-dominated background, though it is also possible for propellers to blend in with the background or even to remain dark. We suggest that this mechanism be tested by future detailed numerical models.« less

Concentric ring flywheel without expansion separators

DOEpatents

Kuklo, Thomas C.

1999-01-01

A concentric ring flywheel wherein the adjacent rings are configured to eliminate the need for differential expansion separators between the adjacent rings. This is accomplished by forming a circumferential step on an outer surface of an inner concentric ring and forming a matching circumferential step on the inner surface of an adjacent outer concentric ring. During operation the circumferential steps allow the rings to differentially expand due to the difference in the radius of the rings without the formation of gaps therebetween, thereby eliminating the need for expansion separators to take up the gaps formed by differential expansion.

Physical mechanisms for chemotactic pattern formation by bacteria.

PubMed Central

Brenner, M P; Levitov, L S; Budrene, E O

1998-01-01

This paper formulates a theory for chemotactic pattern formation by the bacteria Escherichia coli in the presence of excreted attractant. In a chemotactically neutral background, through chemoattractant signaling, the bacteria organize into swarm rings and aggregates. The analysis invokes only those physical processes that are both justifiable by known biochemistry and necessary and sufficient for swarm ring migration and aggregate formation. Swarm rings migrate in the absence of an external chemoattractant gradient. The ring motion is caused by the depletion of a substrate that is necessary to produce attractant. Several scaling laws are proposed and are demonstrated to be consistent with experimental data. Aggregate formation corresponds to finite time singularities in which the bacterial density diverges at a point. Instabilities of swarm rings leading to aggregate formation occur via a mechanism similar to aggregate formation itself: when the mass density of the swarm ring exceeds a threshold, the ring collapses cylindrically and then destabilizes into aggregates. This sequence of events is demonstrated both in the theoretical model and in the experiments. PMID:9545032

Plasmaspheric Erosion via Plasmasphere Coupling to Ring Current Plasmas: EUV Observations and Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adrian, M. L.; Gallagher, D. L.; Khazanov, G. V.; Chsang, S. W.; Liemohn, M. W.; Perez, J. D.; Green, J. L.; Sandel, B. R.; Mitchell, D. G.; Mende, S. B.;

Dust characteristics of dusty plasma ring of Saturn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morooka, M.; Wahlund, J.-E.; Ye, S.-Y.; Persoon, A. M.; Kurth, W. S.

2017-09-01

During the Ring Grazing orbit, starting from December 2016, Cassini carried out twenty of the faint Saturn ring crossing observations at the distance of 2.45-2.51 RS (1RS 60,268 km) from Saturn center. We will show the electron and the ion density measurements of the RPWS/Langmuir Probe (LP) during these orbits. In most of the orbits significant ion/electron density differences have been observed, which indicates the presence of the charged nm and µm sized grains. The relationship between the observed charge densities and the electrical potential of the grains shows that the grains and the ambient electrons and ions are electro dynamical ensemble, a dusty plasma. The results show that characteristic dust size changes depending on the distance from the ring center. The result suggests that a dusty plasma state is related to the dynamics of the grain sizes.

Molecular Simulation of Ionic Polyimides and Composites with Ionic Liquids as Gas-Separation Membranes.

PubMed

Abedini, Asghar; Crabtree, Ellis; Bara, Jason E; Turner, C Heath

2017-10-24

Polyimides are at the forefront of advanced membrane materials for CO 2 capture and gas-purification processes. Recently, ionic polyimides (i-PIs) have been reported as a new class of condensation polymers that combine structural components of both ionic liquids (ILs) and polyimides through covalent linkages. In this study, we report CO 2 and CH 4 adsorption and structural analyses of an i-PI and an i-PI + IL composite containing [C 4 mim][Tf 2 N]. The combination of molecular dynamics (MD) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations is used to compute the gas solubility and the adsorption performance with respect to the density, fractional free volume (FFV), and surface area of the materials. Our results highlight the polymer relaxation process and its correlation to the gas solubility. In particular, the surface area can provide meaningful guidance with respect to the gas solubility, and it tends to be a more sensitive indicator of the adsorption behavior versus only considering the system density and FFV. For instance, as the polymer continues to relax, the density, FFV, and pore-size distribution remain constant while the surface area can continue to increase, enabling more adsorption. Structural analyses are also conducted to identify the nature of the gas adsorption once the ionic liquid is added to the polymer. The presence of the IL significantly displaces the CO 2 molecules from the ligand nitrogen sites in the neat i-PI to the imidazolium rings in the i-PI + IL composite. However, the CH 4 molecules move from the imidazolium ring sites in the neat i-PI to the ligand nitrogen atoms in the i-PI + IL composite. These molecular details can provide critical information for the experimental design of highly selective i-PI materials as well as provide additional guidance for the interpretation of the simulated adsorption systems.

In situ measurements of Saturn’s ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahlund, J.-E.; Morooka, M. W.; Hadid, L. Z.; Persoon, A. M.; Farrell, W. M.; Gurnett, D. A.; Hospodarsky, G.; Kurth, W. S.; Ye, S.-Y.; Andrews, D. J.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Eriksson, A. I.; Vigren, E.

2018-01-01

The ionized upper layer of Saturn’s atmosphere, its ionosphere, provides a closure of currents mediated by the magnetic field to other electrically charged regions (for example, rings) and hosts ion-molecule chemistry. In 2017, the Cassini spacecraft passed inside the planet’s rings, allowing in situ measurements of the ionosphere. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument detected a cold, dense, and dynamic ionosphere at Saturn that interacts with the rings. Plasma densities reached up to 1000 cubic centimeters, and electron temperatures were below 1160 kelvin near closest approach. The density varied between orbits by up to two orders of magnitude. Saturn’s A- and B-rings cast a shadow on the planet that reduced ionization in the upper atmosphere, causing a north-south asymmetry.

High-resolution imaging of Saturn's main rings during the Cassini Ring-Grazing Orbits and Grand Finale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiscareno, M. S.

2017-12-01

Cassini is ending its spectacular 13-year mission at Saturn with a two-part farewell, during which it has obtained the sharpest and highest-fidelity images ever taken of Saturn's rings. From December 2016 to April 2017, the spacecraft executed 20 near-polar orbits that passed just outside the outer edge of the main rings; these "Ring-Grazing Orbits" provided the mission's best viewing of the A and F rings and the outer B ring. From April to September 2017, the spacecraft is executing 22 near-polar orbits that pass between the innermost D ring and the planet's clouds; this "Grand Finale" provides the mission's best viewing of the C and D rings and the inner B ring. 1) Clumpy BeltsClumpy structure called "straw" was previously observed in parts of the main rings [Porco et al. 2005, Science]. New images show this structure with greater clarity. More surprisingly, new images reveal strong radial variations in the degree and character of clumpiness, which are probably an index for particle properties and interactions. Belts with different clumpiness characteristics are often adjacent to each other and not easily correlated with other ring characteristics. 2) PropellersA "propeller" is a local disturbance in the ring created by an embedded moon [Tiscareno et al. 2006, Nature; 2010, ApJL]. Cassini has observed two classes of propellers: small propellers that swarm in the "Propeller Belts" of the mid-A ring, and "Giant Propellers" whose individual orbits can be tracked in the outer A ring. Both are shown in unprecedented detail in new images. Targeted flybys of Giant Propellers were executed on both the lit and unlit sides of the ring (see figure), yielding enhanced ability to convert brightness to optical depth and surface density. 3) Impact Ejecta CloudsBeing a large and delicate system, Saturn's rings function as a detector of their planetary environment. Cassini images of impact ejecta clouds in the rings previously constrained the population of decimeter-to-meter-sized meteoroids in Saturn's vicinity [Tiscareno et al. 2013, Science]. Many more IECs are detected in new images, with color data that may constrain the particle-size distribution of the ejecta, and thus the fracture properties of ring material.

Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescope Observations of the Debris Disk around the nearby K Dwarf HD 92945

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golimowski, D. A.; Krist, J. E.; Stapelfeldt, K. R.; Chen, C. H.; Ardila, D. R.; Bryden, G.; Clampin, M.; Ford, H. C.; Illingworth, G. D.; Plavchan, P.; Rieke, G. H.; Su, K. Y. L.

2011-07-01

We present the first resolved images of the debris disk around the nearby K dwarf HD 92945, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope's (HST 's) Advanced Camera for Surveys. Our F606W (Broad V) and F814W (Broad I) coronagraphic images reveal an inclined, axisymmetric disk consisting of an inner ring about 2farcs0-3farcs0 (43-65 AU) from the star and an extended outer disk whose surface brightness declines slowly with increasing radius approximately 3farcs0-5farcs1 (65-110 AU) from the star. A precipitous drop in the surface brightness beyond 110 AU suggests that the outer disk is truncated at that distance. The radial surface-density profile is peaked at both the inner ring and the outer edge of the disk. The dust in the outer disk scatters neutrally but isotropically, and it has a low V-band albedo of 0.1. This combination of axisymmetry, ringed and extended morphology, and isotropic neutral scattering is unique among the 16 debris disks currently resolved in scattered light. We also present new infrared photometry and spectra of HD 92945 obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope's Multiband Imaging Photometer and InfraRed Spectrograph. These data reveal no infrared excess from the disk shortward of 30 μm and constrain the width of the 70 μm source to lsim180 AU. Assuming that the dust comprises compact grains of astronomical silicate with a surface-density profile described by our scattered-light model of the disk, we successfully model the 24-350 μm emission with a minimum grain size of a min = 4.5 μm and a size distribution proportional to a -3.7 throughout the disk, but with maximum grain sizes of 900 μm in the inner ring and 50 μm in the outer disk. Together, our HST and Spitzer observations indicate a total dust mass of ~0.001M ⊕. However, our observations provide contradictory evidence of the dust's physical characteristics: its neutral V-I color and lack of 24 μm emission imply grains larger than a few microns, but its isotropic scattering and low albedo suggest a large population of submicron-sized grains. If grains smaller than a few microns are absent, then stellar radiation pressure may be the cause only if the dust is composed of highly absorptive materials like graphite. The dynamical causes of the sharply edged inner ring and outer disk are unclear, but recent models of dust creation and transport in the presence of migrating planets support the notion that the disk indicates an advanced state of planet formation around HD 92945. Based in part on guaranteed observing time awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the Advanced Camera for Surveys Investigation Definition Team and the Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer Instrument Team.

Dynamics of collision of a vortex ring and a planar surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McErlean, Michael; Krane, Michael; Fontaine, Arnold

2009-11-01

The dynamics of the impact between a vortex ring and a planar surface orientated perpendicular to the direction of travel are presented. High Reynolds number vortex rings are injected into a quiescent tank of water using a piston-cylinder generator before colliding with a target at a long distance. Both the pressure at the stagnation point on the surface and the force imparted to the target by the ring impact are measured directly. The changes in both are related to the ring motion and deformation captured by high speed digital video, and DPIV measurements. These relations are used to develop a scaling law relation between impact force and vortex ring circulation, speed, and size.

ANTS/SARA: Future Observation of Saturn's Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, P. E.; Rilee, M. L.; Curtis, S. A.; Cheung, C. Y.; Mumma, M. J.

2004-05-01

The Saturn Autonomous Ring Array (SARA) mission concept applies the Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm (ANTS) architecture, a paradigm developed for exploration of high surface area and/or multi-body targets. ANTS architecture involves large numbers of tiny, highly autonomous, yet socially interactive, craft, in a small number of specialist classes. SARA will acquire in situ observations in the high gravity environment of Saturn's rings. The high potential for collision represents an insurmountable challenge for previous mission designs. Each ANTS nanocraft weighs approximately a kilogram, and thus requires gossamer structures for all subsystems. Individual specialists include Workers, the vast majority, that acquire scientific measurements, as well as Messenger/Rulers that provide communication and coordination. The high density distribution of particles combines with the high intensity gravity and magnetic field environment to produce dynamic plasmas. Plasma, particle, wave, and field detectors will take measurements from the edge of the ring plane to observe the result of particle interactions. Imagers and spectrome-ters would measure variations composition and dust/gas ratio among particles using a strategy for serial rendezvous with individual particles. The numbers and distances of these particles, as well as anticipated high attrition rate, re-quire hundreds of spacecraft to characterize thousands of particles and ring features over the course of the mission. The bimodal propulsion system would include a large solar sail carrier for transporting the swarm the long distance in low gravity between deployment site and the target, and a nuclear system for each craft for maneuvering in the high gravity regime of Saturn's rings.

Multi-century long density chronology of living and sub-fossil trees from Lake Schwarzensee, Austria.

PubMed

Kłusek, Marzena; Melvin, Thomas M; Grabner, Michael

This paper presents a multi-century, maximum latewood density (MXD) chronology developed from living and sub-fossil spruce trees from the Eastern Alps. The chronology is continuous from 88AD to 2008AD. This time series has been analysed with respect to its possible use for climate reconstruction. Correlations with climatic data showed strong dependence between MXD of growth rings and temperature of April, May, June, July, August and September and a weaker, negative dependence with precipitation of May and September. For solar radiation a positive relationship was noted for April, July, August and September. Light rings were frequently observed within the analysed samples and the climate of years with light rings was examined. Mean monthly temperatures in January, June, August, September and October, averaged during light ring years, were cooler than during years without light rings. Precipitation was also significantly reduced in March during light ring years. In turn, solar radiation during light ring years has significantly lowered values in February and August. The occurrence of light rings was often positively related to strong volcanic events.

Multi-century long density chronology of living and sub-fossil trees from Lake Schwarzensee, Austria

PubMed Central

Kłusek, Marzena; Melvin, Thomas M.; Grabner, Michael

2015-01-01

This paper presents a multi-century, maximum latewood density (MXD) chronology developed from living and sub-fossil spruce trees from the Eastern Alps. The chronology is continuous from 88AD to 2008AD. This time series has been analysed with respect to its possible use for climate reconstruction. Correlations with climatic data showed strong dependence between MXD of growth rings and temperature of April, May, June, July, August and September and a weaker, negative dependence with precipitation of May and September. For solar radiation a positive relationship was noted for April, July, August and September. Light rings were frequently observed within the analysed samples and the climate of years with light rings was examined. Mean monthly temperatures in January, June, August, September and October, averaged during light ring years, were cooler than during years without light rings. Precipitation was also significantly reduced in March during light ring years. In turn, solar radiation during light ring years has significantly lowered values in February and August. The occurrence of light rings was often positively related to strong volcanic events. PMID:26109836

Global Structure and Sodium Ion Dynamics in Mercury's Magnetosphere With the Offset Dipole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, M.; Seki, K.; Matsumoto, Y.; Delcourt, D. C.; Leblanc, F.

2017-11-01

We conducted global magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulation of Mercury's magnetosphere with the dipole offset, which was revealed by MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging) observations, in order to investigate its global structure under northward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. Sodium ion dynamics originating from the Mercury's exosphere is also investigated based on statistical trajectory tracing in the electric and magnetic fields obtained from the MHD simulations. The results reveal a north-south asymmetry characterized by open field lines around the southern polar region and northward deflection of the plasma sheet in the far tail. The asymmetry of magnetic field structure near the planet drastically affects trajectories of sodium ion and thus their pressure distributions and precipitation pattern onto the planet. Weaker magnetic field strength in the southern hemisphere than in the north increases ion loss by precipitation onto the planetary surface in the southern hemisphere. The "sodium ring," which is formed by high-energy sodium ions drifting around the planet, is also found in the vicinity of the planet. The sodium ring is almost circular under nominal solar wind conditions. The ring becomes partial under high solar wind density, because dayside magnetosphere is so compressed that there is no space for the sodium ions to drift around. In both cases, the sodium ring is formed by sodium ions that are picked up, accelerated in the magnetosheath just outside the magnetopause, and reentered into the magnetosphere due to combined effects of finite Larmor radius and convection electric field in the dawnside magnetosphere.

Ceres: Its Origin and Predicted Bulk Chemical Composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prentice, Andrew

2014-11-01

I explore the formation of Ceres in the framework of the Modern Laplacian theory of Solar System origin (MLT; Prentice 2006 PASA 23 1; 2008 LPSC, abs.1945.pdf). I suggest that all MB asteroids condensed within a gas ring cast off from the equator of the contracting protosolar cloud (PSC) near to the mean present orbit of Ceres. According to the MLT, the shedding of gas rings started at the orbit of Quaoar and comes about through supersonic turbulent stress due to powerful convective motions in the cloud. If the PSC contracts uniformly, the gas ring mean orbital radii Rn (n = 0, 1, 2...) form a geometric sequence and their temperatures Tn scale nearly as Tn ~ A/Rn. The values of the mean ratio Rn/Rn+1 and the constant A depend on the controlling parameters of the PSC. These are chosen so that the mean ratio matches the observed mean planetary spacing and that the metal mass fraction ~0.71 of the condensate at Mercury’s orbit yields a planet of mean density 5.43 g/cc. For Mercury, Tn = 1638 K and the gas pressure on the gas ring mean orbit is 18 kPa.For Ceres, Tn = 272 K and the gas pressure is 8.9 Pa. The condensate consists mostly of Mg-silicates & SiO2 (mass fraction 0.394), magnetite (0.181), (Fe-Ni-Co)S (0.191), and brucite (0.127). The RTP mean density is 3.391 g/cc. If short-lived radionuclides cause dehydration of the rock and separation of rocks & metals to form a central core, the RTP density of the core is 3.662 g/cc and the mass fractions of separated water and NaCl are 0.04182 and 0.00153. All MB asteroids may initially have been ocean worlds. As Tn exceeds the brine freezing temperature 271 K, the water mantles remain liquid. Collisions between the asteroid embryos dislodge water from the smaller ones, so creating a liquid torus on the gas ring mean orbit. This water is then accreted by the largest embryos. A 4-zone model for Ceres (c) with mean density 2.08 g/cc has a rock (and inner metal) core of mass 0.732Mc, overlain by a 2.5 km thick salt layer and an outer pure ice mantle of mass 0.258 Mc. The MOI factor of this model is 0.295. Perhaps Dawn will find the surface of Ceres to be very flat, though roughened through aeons of impacts, with fresh craters having bright floors and ejecta.

Coherent π-electron dynamics of (P)-2,2'-biphenol induced by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses: Angular momentum and ring current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mineo, H.; Lin, S. H.; Fujimura, Y.

2013-02-01

The results of a theoretical investigation of coherent π-electron dynamics for nonplanar (P)-2,2'-biphenol induced by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses are presented. Expressions for the time-dependent coherent angular momentum and ring current are derived by using the density matrix method. The time dependence of these coherences is determined by the off-diagonal density matrix element, which can be obtained by solving the coupled equations of motion of the electronic-state density matrix. Dephasing effects on coherent angular momentum and ring current are taken into account within the Markov approximation. The magnitudes of the electronic angular momentum and current are expressed as the sum of expectation values of the corresponding operators in the two phenol rings (L and R rings). Here, L (R) denotes the phenol ring in the left (right)-hand side of (P)-2,2'-biphenol. We define the bond current between the nearest neighbor carbon atoms Ci and Cj as an electric current through a half plane perpendicular to the Ci-Cj bond. The bond current can be expressed in terms of the inter-atomic bond current. The inter-atomic bond current (bond current) depends on the position of the half plane on the bond and has the maximum value at the center. The coherent ring current in each ring is defined by averaging over the bond currents. Since (P)-2,2'-biphenol is nonplanar, the resultant angular momentum is not one-dimensional. Simulations of the time-dependent coherent angular momentum and ring current of (P)-2,2'-biphenol excited by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses are carried out using the molecular parameters obtained by the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method. Oscillatory behaviors in the time-dependent angular momentum (ring current), which can be called angular momentum (ring current) quantum beats, are classified by the symmetry of the coherent state, symmetric or antisymmetric. The bond current of the bridge bond linking the L and R rings is zero for the symmetric coherent state, while it is nonzero for the antisymmetric coherent state. The magnitudes of ring current and ring current-induced magnetic field are also evaluated, and their possibility as a control parameter in ultrafast switching devices is discussed. The present results give a detailed description of the theoretical treatment reported in our previous paper [H. Mineo, M. Yamaki, Y. Teranish, M. Hayashi, S. H. Lin, and Y. Fujimura, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134, 14279 (2012), 10.1021/ja3047848].

Coherent π-electron dynamics of (P)-2,2'-biphenol induced by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses: angular momentum and ring current.

PubMed

Mineo, H; Lin, S H; Fujimura, Y

2013-02-21

The results of a theoretical investigation of coherent π-electron dynamics for nonplanar (P)-2,2'-biphenol induced by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses are presented. Expressions for the time-dependent coherent angular momentum and ring current are derived by using the density matrix method. The time dependence of these coherences is determined by the off-diagonal density matrix element, which can be obtained by solving the coupled equations of motion of the electronic-state density matrix. Dephasing effects on coherent angular momentum and ring current are taken into account within the Markov approximation. The magnitudes of the electronic angular momentum and current are expressed as the sum of expectation values of the corresponding operators in the two phenol rings (L and R rings). Here, L (R) denotes the phenol ring in the left (right)-hand side of (P)-2,2'-biphenol. We define the bond current between the nearest neighbor carbon atoms Ci and Cj as an electric current through a half plane perpendicular to the Ci-Cj bond. The bond current can be expressed in terms of the inter-atomic bond current. The inter-atomic bond current (bond current) depends on the position of the half plane on the bond and has the maximum value at the center. The coherent ring current in each ring is defined by averaging over the bond currents. Since (P)-2,2'-biphenol is nonplanar, the resultant angular momentum is not one-dimensional. Simulations of the time-dependent coherent angular momentum and ring current of (P)-2,2'-biphenol excited by ultrashort linearly polarized UV pulses are carried out using the molecular parameters obtained by the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method. Oscillatory behaviors in the time-dependent angular momentum (ring current), which can be called angular momentum (ring current) quantum beats, are classified by the symmetry of the coherent state, symmetric or antisymmetric. The bond current of the bridge bond linking the L and R rings is zero for the symmetric coherent state, while it is nonzero for the antisymmetric coherent state. The magnitudes of ring current and ring current-induced magnetic field are also evaluated, and their possibility as a control parameter in ultrafast switching devices is discussed. The present results give a detailed description of the theoretical treatment reported in our previous paper [H. Mineo, M. Yamaki, Y. Teranish, M. Hayashi, S. H. Lin, and Y. Fujimura, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134, 14279 (2012)].

Quasi-one-dimensional density of states in a single quantum ring.

PubMed

Kim, Heedae; Lee, Woojin; Park, Seongho; Kyhm, Kwangseuk; Je, Koochul; Taylor, Robert A; Nogues, Gilles; Dang, Le Si; Song, Jin Dong

2017-01-05

Generally confinement size is considered to determine the dimensionality of nanostructures. While the exciton Bohr radius is used as a criterion to define either weak or strong confinement in optical experiments, the binding energy of confined excitons is difficult to measure experimentally. One alternative is to use the temperature dependence of the radiative recombination time, which has been employed previously in quantum wells and quantum wires. A one-dimensional loop structure is often assumed to model quantum rings, but this approximation ceases to be valid when the rim width becomes comparable to the ring radius. We have evaluated the density of states in a single quantum ring by measuring the temperature dependence of the radiative recombination of excitons, where the photoluminescence decay time as a function of temperature was calibrated by using the low temperature integrated intensity and linewidth. We conclude that the quasi-continuous finely-spaced levels arising from the rotation energy give rise to a quasi-one-dimensional density of states, as long as the confined exciton is allowed to rotate around the opening of the anisotropic ring structure, which has a finite rim width.

Staggering Structure

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-06

This view from NASA's Cassini spacecraft shows a wave structure in Saturn's rings known as the Janus 2:1 spiral density wave. Resulting from the same process that creates spiral galaxies, spiral density waves in Saturn's rings are much more tightly wound. In this case, every second wave crest is actually the same spiral arm which has encircled the entire planet multiple times. This is the only major density wave visible in Saturn's B ring. Most of the B ring is characterized by structures that dominate the areas where density waves might otherwise occur, but this innermost portion of the B ring is different. The radius from Saturn at which the wave originates (toward lower-right in this image) is 59,796 miles (96,233 kilometers) from the planet. At this location, ring particles orbit Saturn twice for every time the moon Janus orbits once, creating an orbital resonance. The wave propagates outward from the resonance (and away from Saturn), toward upper-left in this view. For reasons researchers do not entirely understand, damping of waves by larger ring structures is very weak at this location, so this wave is seen ringing for hundreds of bright wave crests, unlike density waves in Saturn's A ring. The image gives the illusion that the ring plane is tilted away from the camera toward upper-left, but this is not the case. Because of the mechanics of how this kind of wave propagates, the wavelength decreases with distance from the resonance. Thus, the upper-left of the image is just as close to the camera as the lower-right, while the wavelength of the density wave is simply shorter. This wave is remarkable because Janus, the moon that generates it, is in a strange orbital configuration. Janus and Epimetheus share practically the same orbit and trade places every four years. Every time one of those orbit swaps takes place, the ring at this location responds, spawning a new crest in the wave. The distance between any pair of crests corresponds to four years' worth of the wave propagating downstream from the resonance, which means the wave seen here encodes many decades' worth of the orbital history of Janus and Epimetheus. According to this interpretation, the part of the wave at the very upper-left of this image corresponds to the positions of Janus and Epimetheus around the time of the Voyager flybys in 1980 and 1981, which is the time at which Janus and Epimetheus were first proven to be two distinct objects (they were first observed in 1966). Epimetheus also generates waves at this location, but they are swamped by the waves from Janus, since Janus is the larger of the two moons. This image was taken on June 4, 2017, with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera. The image was acquired on the sunlit side of the rings from a distance of 47,000 miles (76,000 kilometers) away from the area pictured. The image scale is 1,730 feet (530 meters) per pixel. The phase angle, or sun-ring-spacecraft angle, is 90 degrees. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21627

Magnetic storm of September 4, 1984 - A synthesis of ring current spectra and energy densities measured with AMPTE/CCE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krimigis, S. M.; Mcentire, R. W.; Potemra, T. A.; Gloeckler, G.; Scarf, F. L.; Shelley, E. G.

1985-01-01

Compositional studies of the equatorial distributions of ring current ions during the September 4, 1984 magnetic storm have been made possible by comprehensive energy, charge state, and mass coverage data from the Charge Composition Explorer satellite. An examination of ion spectra at an L value of about 4 on September 5, in the local evening sector, shows that energy density was dominated by protons, with O ions contributing about 27 percent at the peak of about 150 keV, while He ions contributed less than about 2 percent. September 6 ion spectra, taken during the recovery phase of the storm, indicate that ion densities at more than 20 keV had decreased markedly, and that the ring current energy density was primarily provided by protons.

Small-Scale Structure in Saturn's Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehnberg, Morgan

2017-08-01

The rings of Saturn are the largest and most complex in the Solar System. Decades of observation from ground- and space-based observatories and spacecraft missions have revealed the broad structure of the rings and the intricate interactions between the planet's moons and its rings. Stellar occultations observed by the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph's High Speed Photometer onboard the Cassini spacecraft now enable the direct study of the small-scale structure that results from these interactions. In this dissertation, I present three distinct phenomena resulting from the small-scale physics of the rings. Many resonance locations with Saturn's external satellites lie within the main (A and B) rings. Two of these satellites, Janus and Epimetheus, have a unique co-orbital relationship and move radially to switch positions every 4.0 years. This motion also moves the resonance locations within the rings. As the spiral density waves created at these resonances interact, they launch an enormous solitary wave every eight years. I provide the first-ever observations of this never-predicted phenomenon and detail a possible formation mechanism. Previous studies have reported a population of kilometer-scale aggregates in Saturn's F ring, which likely form as a result of self-gravitation between ring particles in Saturn's Roche zone. I expand the known catalog of features in UVIS occultations and provide the first estimates of their density derived from comparisons with the A ring. These features are orders of magnitude less dense than previously believed, a fact which reconciles them with detections made by other means. Theory and indirect observations indicate that the smallest regular structures in the rings are wavelike aggregates called self-gravity wakes. Using the highest-resolution occulta- tions, I provide the first-ever direct detection of these features by identifying the gaps that represent the minima of the wakes. I demonstrate that the distribution of these gaps is con- sistent with the broad brightness asymmetries previously observed in the rings. Furthermore, the presence of spiral density waves affects the formation of self-gravity waves.

Role of four-membered rings in C32 fullerene stability and mechanisms of generalized Stone-Wales transformation: a density functional theory investigation.

PubMed

Wang, Weiwei; Dang, Jingshuang; Zhao, Xiang

2011-08-28

Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been applied to study C(32) fullerenes built from four-, five-, and six-membered rings. The relative energies of pure C(32) fullerenes have been evaluated to locate three most stable structures, 32:D(4d) with two squares, 1:D(3) without square and 5:C(s) with one square. Structural analysis reveals that there is a rearrangement pathway between the lowest energy classical isomer 1:D(3) and the lowest energy non-classical isomer 32:D(4d), and 5:C(s) behaves just as an intermediate between them. The kinetic processes of generalized Stone-Wales transformation (GSWT) with four-membered rings have been explored and two distinct reaction mechanisms are determined by all the transition states and intrinsic reaction coordinates with PBE1PBE/6-31G(d) approach for the first time. One mechanism is the concerted reaction with a rotating dimer closed to the cage surface and another is the stepwise reaction with a carbene-like sp(3) structure, whereas the latter is sorted into two paths based on four-membered ring vanishing before or after the formation of the carbene-like structure. It is indicated that there is no absolute preference for any mechanism, which depends on the adaptability of different reactants on the diverse mechanisms. Furthermore, it's found that the interconversion process with the participation of squares is more reactive than the rearrangement between C(60)_I(h) and C(60)_C(2v), implying some potential importance of non-classical small fullerenes in the fullerene isomerization.

Investigation of the boundary layer during the transition from volume to surface dominated H- production at the BATMAN test facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wimmer, C.; Schiesko, L.; Fantz, U.

2016-02-01

BATMAN (Bavarian Test Machine for Negative ions) is a test facility equipped with a 1/8 scale H- source for the ITER heating neutral beam injection. Several diagnostics in the boundary layer close to the plasma grid (first grid of the accelerator system) followed the transition from volume to surface dominated H- production starting with a Cs-free, cleaned source and subsequent evaporation of caesium, while the source has been operated at ITER relevant pressure of 0.3 Pa: Langmuir probes are used to determine the plasma potential, optical emission spectroscopy is used to follow the caesiation process, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy allows for the measurement of the H- density. The influence on the plasma during the transition from an electron-ion plasma towards an ion-ion plasma, in which negative hydrogen ions become the dominant negatively charged particle species, is seen in a strong increase of the H- density combined with a reduction of the plasma potential. A clear correlation of the extracted current densities (jH-, je) exists with the Cs emission.

Investigation of the boundary layer during the transition from volume to surface dominated H⁻ production at the BATMAN test facility.

PubMed

Wimmer, C; Schiesko, L; Fantz, U

2016-02-01

BATMAN (Bavarian Test Machine for Negative ions) is a test facility equipped with a 18 scale H(-) source for the ITER heating neutral beam injection. Several diagnostics in the boundary layer close to the plasma grid (first grid of the accelerator system) followed the transition from volume to surface dominated H(-) production starting with a Cs-free, cleaned source and subsequent evaporation of caesium, while the source has been operated at ITER relevant pressure of 0.3 Pa: Langmuir probes are used to determine the plasma potential, optical emission spectroscopy is used to follow the caesiation process, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy allows for the measurement of the H(-) density. The influence on the plasma during the transition from an electron-ion plasma towards an ion-ion plasma, in which negative hydrogen ions become the dominant negatively charged particle species, is seen in a strong increase of the H(-) density combined with a reduction of the plasma potential. A clear correlation of the extracted current densities (j(H(-)), j(e)) exists with the Cs emission.

On the formation of ring galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yu-Ting; Jiang, Ing-Guey

2011-08-01

The formation scenario of ring galaxies is addressed in this paper. We focus on the P-type ring galaxies presented in Madore, Nelson & Petrillo (2009), particularly on the axis-symmetric ones. Our simulations show that a ring can form through the collision of disc and dwarf galaxies, and the locations, widths, and density contrasts of the ring are well determined. We find that a ring galaxy such as AM 2302-322 can be produced by this collision scenario.

High speed, self-acting shaft seal. [for use in turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludwig, L. P.; Hady, W. F. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A high-speed, self-acting circumferential type shaft seal for use in turbine engines is disclosed. One or more conventional circumferential ring seals having a central aperture are mounted in a housing. In three of the four embodiments of the invention, a helical groove and one or more dam seals are cut in the inner cylindrical surface of the one or more ring seals. In a fourth embodiment, two or more lift pads are disposed in surface contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the seal rings. To the outside of the lift pads, two dam seals are cut in the inner cylindrical surface of two of the ring seals. In each of the embodiments, a net outward radial force was produced during rotation of the turbine causing the ring seals to lift out of contact with the turbine shaft to minimize wear of the ring seals.

Preventive Role of Hilar Parasympathetic Ganglia on Pulmonary Artery Vasospasm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Araz, Omer; Aydin, Mehmet Dumlu; Gundogdu, Betul; Altas, Ender; Cakir, Murteza; Calikoglu, Cagatay; Atalay, Canan; Gundogdu, Cemal

2015-01-01

Pulmonary arteries are mainly innervated by sympathetic vasoconstrictor and parasympathetic vasodilatory fibers. We examined whether there is a relationship between the neuron densities of hilar parasympathetic ganglia and pulmonary vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Twenty-four rabbits were divided into two groups: control (n=8) and SAH (n=16). The animals were observed for 20 days following experimental SAH. The number of hilar parasympathetic ganglia and their neuron densities were determined. Proportion of pulmonary artery ring surface to lumen surface values was accepted as vasospasm index (VSI). Neuron densities of the hilar ganglia and VSI values were compared statistically. Animals in the SAH group experienced either mild (n=6) or severe (n=10) pulmonary artery vasospasm. In the control group, the mean VSI of pulmonary arteries was 0.777±0.048 and the hilar ganglion neuron density was estimated as 12.100±2.010/mm < sup > 3 < /sup > . In SAH animals with mild vasospasm, VSI=1.148±0.090 and neuron density was estimated as 10.110±1.430/mm < sup > 3 < /sup > ; in animals with severe vasospasm, VSI=1.500±0.120 and neuron density was estimated as 7.340±990/mm < sup > 3 < /sup > . There was an inverse correlation between quantity and neuron density of hilar ganglia and vasospasm index value. The low numbers and low density of hilar parasympathetic ganglia may be responsible for the more severe artery vasospasm in SAH.

Methanol clusters (CH3OH)n: putative global minimum-energy structures from model potentials and dispersion-corrected density functional theory.

PubMed

Kazachenko, Sergey; Bulusu, Satya; Thakkar, Ajit J

2013-06-14

Putative global minima are reported for methanol clusters (CH3OH)n with n ≤ 15. The predictions are based on global optimization of three intermolecular potential energy models followed by local optimization and single-point energy calculations using two variants of dispersion-corrected density functional theory. Recurring structural motifs include folded and/or twisted rings, folded rings with a short branch, and stacked rings. Many of the larger structures are stabilized by weak C-H···O bonds.

In situ measurements of Saturn's ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings.

PubMed

Wahlund, J-E; Morooka, M W; Hadid, L Z; Persoon, A M; Farrell, W M; Gurnett, D A; Hospodarsky, G; Kurth, W S; Ye, S-Y; Andrews, D J; Edberg, N J T; Eriksson, A I; Vigren, E

2018-01-05

The ionized upper layer of Saturn's atmosphere, its ionosphere, provides a closure of currents mediated by the magnetic field to other electrically charged regions (for example, rings) and hosts ion-molecule chemistry. In 2017, the Cassini spacecraft passed inside the planet's rings, allowing in situ measurements of the ionosphere. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument detected a cold, dense, and dynamic ionosphere at Saturn that interacts with the rings. Plasma densities reached up to 1000 cubic centimeters, and electron temperatures were below 1160 kelvin near closest approach. The density varied between orbits by up to two orders of magnitude. Saturn's A- and B-rings cast a shadow on the planet that reduced ionization in the upper atmosphere, causing a north-south asymmetry. Copyright © 2018, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Spin Bose-metal phase in a spin- (1)/(2) model with ring exchange on a two-leg triangular strip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, D. N.; Motrunich, Olexei I.; Fisher, Matthew P. A.

2009-05-01

Recent experiments on triangular lattice organic Mott insulators have found evidence for a two-dimensional (2D) spin liquid in close proximity to the metal-insulator transition. A Gutzwiller wave function study of the triangular lattice Heisenberg model with a four-spin ring exchange term appropriate in this regime has found that the projected spinon Fermi sea state has a low variational energy. This wave function, together with a slave particle-gauge theory analysis, suggests that this putative spin liquid possesses spin correlations that are singular along surfaces in momentum space, i.e., “Bose surfaces.” Signatures of this state, which we will refer to as a “spin Bose metal” (SBM), are expected to manifest in quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) ladder systems: the discrete transverse momenta cut through the 2D Bose surface leading to a distinct pattern of 1D gapless modes. Here, we search for a quasi-1D descendant of the triangular lattice SBM state by exploring the Heisenberg plus ring model on a two-leg triangular strip (zigzag chain). Using density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) supplemented by variational wave functions and a bosonization analysis, we map out the full phase diagram. In the absence of ring exchange the model is equivalent to the J1-J2 Heisenberg chain, and we find the expected Bethe-chain and dimerized phases. Remarkably, moderate ring exchange reveals a new gapless phase over a large swath of the phase diagram. Spin and dimer correlations possess singular wave vectors at particular “Bose points” (remnants of the 2D Bose surface) and allow us to identify this phase as the hoped for quasi-1D descendant of the triangular lattice SBM state. We use bosonization to derive a low-energy effective theory for the zigzag spin Bose metal and find three gapless modes and one Luttinger parameter controlling all power law correlations. Potential instabilities out of the zigzag SBM give rise to other interesting phases such as a period-3 valence bond solid or a period-4 chirality order, which we discover in the DMRG. Another interesting instability is into a spin Bose-metal phase with partial ferromagnetism (spin polarization of one spinon band), which we also find numerically using the DMRG.

Initial mechanisms for the unimolecular decomposition of electronically excited bisfuroxan based energetic materials.

PubMed

Yuan, Bing; Bernstein, Elliot R

2017-01-07

Unimolecular decomposition of energetic molecules, 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-bisfuroxan (labeled as A) and 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-bisfuroxan (labeled as B), has been explored via 226/236 nm single photon laser excitation/decomposition. These two energetic molecules, subsequent to UV excitation, create NO as an initial decomposition product at the nanosecond excitation energies (5.0-5.5 eV) with warm vibrational temperature (1170 ± 50 K for A, 1400 ± 50 K for B) and cold rotational temperature (<55 K). Initial decomposition mechanisms for these two electronically excited, isolated molecules are explored at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF(12,12)/6-31G(d)) level with and without MP2 correction. Potential energy surface calculations illustrate that conical intersections play an essential role in the calculated decomposition mechanisms. Based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations, NO product is released through opening of the furoxan ring: ring opening can occur either on the S 1 excited or S 0 ground electronic state. The reaction path with the lowest energetic barrier is that for which the furoxan ring opens on the S 1 state via the breaking of the N1-O1 bond. Subsequently, the molecule moves to the ground S 0 state through related ring-opening conical intersections, and an NO product is formed on the ground state surface with little rotational excitation at the last NO dissociation step. For the ground state ring opening decomposition mechanism, the N-O bond and C-N bond break together in order to generate dissociated NO. With the MP2 correction for the CASSCF(12,12) surface, the potential energies of molecules with dissociated NO product are in the range from 2.04 to 3.14 eV, close to the theoretical result for the density functional theory (B3LYP) and MP2 methods. The CASMP2(12,12) corrected approach is essential in order to obtain a reasonable potential energy surface that corresponds to the observed decomposition behavior of these molecules. Apparently, highly excited states are essential for an accurate representation of the kinetics and dynamics of excited state decomposition of both of these bisfuroxan energetic molecules. The experimental vibrational temperatures of NO products of A and B are about 800-1000 K lower than previously studied energetic molecules with NO as a decomposition product.

Ring dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borderies, Nicole

1989-01-01

Theoretical models of planetary-ring dynamics are discussed in a detailed analytical review and illustrated with graphs and diagrams. The streamline concept is introduced, and the phenomena associated with the transport of angular momentum are described. Particular attention is then given to (1) broad rings like those of Saturn (shepherding, density-wave excitation, gaps, bending-wave excitation, multiringlet structures, inner-edge shepherding, and the possibility of polar rings around Neptune), (2) narrow rings like those of Uranus (shepherding, ring shapes, and a self-gravity model of rigid precession), and (3) ring arcs like those seen in stellar-occultation observations of Neptune.

Origin of Quantum Ring Formation During Droplet Epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Z. Y.; Zheng, C. X.; Tang, W. X.; Tersoff, J.; Jesson, D. E.

2013-07-01

Droplet epitaxy of GaAs is studied in real time using in situ surface electron microscopy. The resulting movies motivate a theoretical model for quantum ring formation which can explain the origin of nanoscale features such as double rings observed under a variety of experimental conditions. Inner rings correspond to GaAs deposition at the droplet edge, while outer rings result from the reaction of Ga and As atoms diffusing along the surface. The observed variety of morphologies primarily reflects relative changes in the outer rings with temperature and As flux.

Adaptive optics fundus images of cone photoreceptors in the macula of patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Tojo, Naoki; Nakamura, Tomoko; Fuchizawa, Chiharu; Oiwake, Toshihiko; Hayashi, Atsushi

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine cone photoreceptors in the macula of patients with retinitis pigmentosa using an adaptive optics fundus camera and to investigate any correlations between cone photoreceptor density and findings on optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. We examined two patients with typical retinitis pigmentosa who underwent ophthalmological examination, including measurement of visual acuity, and gathering of electroretinographic, optical coherence tomographic, fundus autofluorescent, and adaptive optics fundus images. The cone photoreceptors in the adaptive optics images of the two patients with retinitis pigmentosa and five healthy subjects were analyzed. An abnormal parafoveal ring of high-density fundus autofluorescence was observed in the macula in both patients. The border of the ring corresponded to the border of the external limiting membrane and the inner segment and outer segment line in the optical coherence tomographic images. Cone photoreceptors at the abnormal parafoveal ring were blurred and decreased in the adaptive optics images. The blurred area corresponded to the abnormal parafoveal ring in the fundus autofluorescence images. Cone densities were low at the blurred areas and at the nasal and temporal retina along a line from the fovea compared with those of healthy controls. The results for cone spacing and Voronoi domains in the macula corresponded with those for the cone densities. Cone densities were heavily decreased in the macula, especially at the parafoveal ring on high-density fundus autofluorescence in both patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Adaptive optics images enabled us to observe in vivo changes in the cone photoreceptors of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, which corresponded to changes in the optical coherence tomographic and fundus autofluorescence images.

Lord of the Rings - Return of the King: Swift-XRT observations of dust scattering rings around V404 Cygni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beardmore, A. P.; Willingale, R.; Kuulkers, E.; Altamirano, D.; Motta, S. E.; Osborne, J. P.; Page, K. L.; Sivakoff, G. R.

2016-10-01

On 2015 June 15, the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni went into outburst, exhibiting extreme X-ray variability which culminated in a final flare on June 26. Over the following days, the Swift-X-ray Telescope detected a series of bright rings, comprising five main components that expanded and faded with time, caused by X-rays scattered from the otherwise unobservable dust layers in the interstellar medium in the direction of the source. Simple geometrical modelling of the rings' angular evolution reveals that they have a common temporal origin, coincident with the final, brightest flare seen by INTEGRAL's JEM X-1, which reached a 3-10 keV flux of ˜25 Crab. The high quality of the data allows the dust properties and density distribution along the line of sight to the source to be estimated. Using the Rayleigh-Gans approximation for the dust scattering cross-section and a power-law distribution of grain sizes a, ∝ a-q, the average dust emission is well modelled by q = 3.90^{+0.09}_{-0.08} and maximum grain size of a_+ = 0.147^{+0.024}_{-0.004} { μ m}, though significant variations in q are seen between the rings. The recovered dust density distribution shows five peaks associated with the dense sheets responsible for the rings at distances ranging from 1.19 to 2.13 kpc, with thicknesses of ˜40-80 pc and a maximum density occurring at the location of the nearest sheet. We find a dust column density of Ndust ≈ (2.0-2.5) × 1011 cm-2, consistent with the optical extinction to the source. Comparison of the inner rings' azimuthal X-ray evolution with archival Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mid-IR data suggests that the second most distant ring follows the general IR emission trend, which increases in brightness towards the Galactic north side of the source.

Method of fabricating a prestressed cast iron vessel

DOEpatents

Lampe, Robert F.

1982-01-01

A method of fabricating a prestressed cast iron vessel wherein double wall cast iron body segments each have an arcuate inner wall and a spaced apart substantially parallel outer wall with a plurality of radially extending webs interconnecting the inner wall and the outer wall, the bottom surface and the two exposed radial side surfaces of each body segment are machined and eight body segments are formed into a ring. The top surfaces and outer surfaces of the outer walls are machined and keyways are provided across the juncture of adjacent end walls of the body segments. A liner segment complementary in shape to a selected inner wall of one of the body segments is mounted to each of the body segments and again formed into a ring. The liner segments of each ring are welded to form unitary liner rings and thereafter the cast iron body segments are prestressed to complete the ring assembly. Ring assemblies are stacked to form the vessel and adjacent unitary liner rings are welded. A top head covers the top ring assembly to close the vessel and axially extending tendons retain the top and bottom heads in place under pressure.

Serial imaging and structure-function correlates of high-density rings of fundus autofluorescence in retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Robson, Anthony G; Tufail, Adnan; Fitzke, Fred; Bird, Alan C; Moore, Anthony T; Holder, Graham E; Webster, Andrew R

2011-09-01

To document the evolution and functional and structural significance of parafoveal rings of high-density fundus autofluorescence (AF) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and preserved visual acuity. Fifty-two patients with nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa or Usher syndrome, who had a parafoveal ring of high-density AF and a visual acuity of 20/30 or better, were ascertained. All had international standard full-field electroretinography and pattern electroretinography. Autofluorescence imaging was repeated in 30 patients after periods of up to 9.3 years. Of the 52 patients, 35 underwent optical coherence tomography. Progressive constriction of the ring was detected in 17 patients. Ring radius reduced by up to 40% at a mean rate of between 0.8% and 15.8% per year. In 1 patient, a small ring was replaced by irregular AF; visual acuity deteriorated over the same period. There was a high correspondence between the lateral extent of the preserved optical coherence tomography inner segment/outer segment band and the diameter of the ring along the same optical coherence tomographic scan plane (slope, 0.9; r = 0.97; P < 0.005; n = 35) and between preserved inner segment/outer segment lamina and the pattern electroretinography P50 measure of macular function (R = 0.72; P < 0.005; n = 34). Rings of increased AF surround areas of preserved outer retina and preserved photopic function. Serial fundus AF may provide prognostic indicators for preservation of central acuity and potentially assist in the identification and evaluation of patients suitable for treatment aimed at preservation of remaining function.

Mechanically expandable annular seal

DOEpatents

Gilmore, R.F.

1983-07-19

A mechanically expandable annular reusable seal assembly to form an annular hermetic barrier between two stationary, parallel, and planar containment surfaces is described. A rotatable ring, attached to the first surface, has ring wedges resembling the saw-tooth array of a hole saw. Matching seal wedges are slidably attached to the ring wedges and have their motion restricted to be perpendicular to the second surface. Each seal wedge has a face parallel to the second surface. An annular elastomer seal has a central annular region attached to the seal wedges' parallel faces and has its inner and outer circumferences attached to the first surface. A rotation of the ring extends the elastomer seal's central region perpendicularly towards the second surface to create the fluid tight barrier. A counter rotation removes the barrier. 6 figs.

Studies of short-range tungsten migration in DIII-D divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudakov, D. L.; Stangeby, P. C.; Elder, J. D.; Ding, R.; Abrams, T.; Unterberg, E. A.; Briesemeister, A.; Donovan, D.; McLean, A. G.; Guo, H. Y.; Thomas, D. M.; Hinson, E.; Wampler, W. R.; Watkins, J. G.

2016-10-01

Two toroidal rings of 5 cm wide W-coated TZM inserts were installed in the lower divertor of DIII-D. Migration of W on the graphite tile surfaces 1-6 cm radially outwards from the outermost ring was studied in a series of 23 reproducible lower single null L-mode discharges with the Outer Strike Point (OSP) placed on the ring. The discharges used 3.2 MW of NBI heating power; plasma density and electron temperature at the OSP were about 1x1020m-3 and 30 eV. W gross erosion rates were measured via monitoring 400.9 nm WI line and applying S/XB coefficient. W deposition was measured on a graphite DiMES sample used as a divertor collector probe. The sample featured two 1 mm wide radial inserts; one was exposed for the whole experiment, the other was exchanged every 4-8 plasma discharges. Measurements of the areal density of W on the inserts by post-mortem RBS analysis show that W deposition is largest in the area of net carbon deposition, possibly due to W re-erosion suppression by C deposits. Measured W coverage in the area of net C erosion is comparable to ERO modeling predictions. Supported by US DOE under DE-FG02-07ER54917, DE-AC04-94AL85000, DE-AC05-00OR22725, DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Revealing Asymmetries in the HD181327 Debris Disk: A Recent Massive Collision or Interstellar Medium Warping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stark, Christopher C.; Schneider, Glenn; Weinberger, Alycia J.; Debes, John H.; Grady, Carol A.; Jang-Condell, Hannah; Kuchner, Marc J.

2014-01-01

New multi-roll coronagraphic images of the HD181327 debris disk obtained using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope reveal the debris ring in its entirety at high signal-to-noise ratio and unprecedented spatial resolution. We present and apply a new multi-roll image processing routine to identify and further remove quasi-static point-spread function-subtraction residuals and quantify systematic uncertainties. We also use a new iterative image deprojection technique to constrain the true disk geometry and aggressively remove any surface brightness asymmetries that can be explained without invoking dust density enhancements/ deficits. The measured empirical scattering phase function for the disk is more forward scattering than previously thought and is not well-fit by a Henyey-Greenstein function. The empirical scattering phase function varies with stellocentric distance, consistent with the expected radiation pressured-induced size segregation exterior to the belt. Within the belt, the empirical scattering phase function contradicts unperturbed debris ring models, suggesting the presence of an unseen planet. The radial profile of the flux density is degenerate with a radially varying scattering phase function; therefore estimates of the ring's true width and edge slope may be highly uncertain.We detect large scale asymmetries in the disk, consistent with either the recent catastrophic disruption of a body with mass greater than 1% the mass of Pluto, or disk warping due to strong interactions with the interstellar medium.

Revealing asymmetries in the HD 181327 debris disk: A recent massive collision or interstellar medium warping

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stark, Christopher C.; Kuchner, Marc J.; Schneider, Glenn

New multi-roll coronagraphic images of the HD 181327 debris disk obtained using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope reveal the debris ring in its entirety at high signal-to-noise ratio and unprecedented spatial resolution. We present and apply a new multi-roll image processing routine to identify and further remove quasi-static point-spread function-subtraction residuals and quantify systematic uncertainties. We also use a new iterative image deprojection technique to constrain the true disk geometry and aggressively remove any surface brightness asymmetries that can be explained without invoking dust density enhancements/deficits. The measured empirical scattering phase function for themore » disk is more forward scattering than previously thought and is not well-fit by a Henyey-Greenstein function. The empirical scattering phase function varies with stellocentric distance, consistent with the expected radiation pressured-induced size segregation exterior to the belt. Within the belt, the empirical scattering phase function contradicts unperturbed debris ring models, suggesting the presence of an unseen planet. The radial profile of the flux density is degenerate with a radially varying scattering phase function; therefore estimates of the ring's true width and edge slope may be highly uncertain. We detect large scale asymmetries in the disk, consistent with either the recent catastrophic disruption of a body with mass >1% the mass of Pluto, or disk warping due to strong interactions with the interstellar medium.« less

Revealing Asymmetries in the HD 181327 Debris Disk: A Recent Massive Collision or Interstellar Medium Warping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, Christopher C.; Schneider, Glenn; Weinberger, Alycia J.; Debes, John H.; Grady, Carol A.; Jang-Condell, Hannah; Kuchner, Marc J.

2014-07-01

New multi-roll coronagraphic images of the HD 181327 debris disk obtained using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope reveal the debris ring in its entirety at high signal-to-noise ratio and unprecedented spatial resolution. We present and apply a new multi-roll image processing routine to identify and further remove quasi-static point-spread function-subtraction residuals and quantify systematic uncertainties. We also use a new iterative image deprojection technique to constrain the true disk geometry and aggressively remove any surface brightness asymmetries that can be explained without invoking dust density enhancements/deficits. The measured empirical scattering phase function for the disk is more forward scattering than previously thought and is not well-fit by a Henyey-Greenstein function. The empirical scattering phase function varies with stellocentric distance, consistent with the expected radiation pressured-induced size segregation exterior to the belt. Within the belt, the empirical scattering phase function contradicts unperturbed debris ring models, suggesting the presence of an unseen planet. The radial profile of the flux density is degenerate with a radially varying scattering phase function; therefore estimates of the ring's true width and edge slope may be highly uncertain. We detect large scale asymmetries in the disk, consistent with either the recent catastrophic disruption of a body with mass >1% the mass of Pluto, or disk warping due to strong interactions with the interstellar medium.

Vortex Ring Formation in a Starting Buoyant Plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pottebaum, Tait; Shusser, Michael; Gharib, Morteza

1999-11-01

Vortex ring formation in starting buoyant plumes is studied experimentally. Buoyant plumes are produced using a heating element at the base of a water tank. Digital particle image velocimetry and thermometry (DPIVT) is used to obtain the velocity and temperature fields, from which the vorticity and density fields are determined. The results indicate that the circulation of the vortex ring initially grows and saturates at later times. This saturation process is associated with the disconnection of the vorticity field of the vortex ring from that of the trailing plume. This is analogous to the pinch off of a vortex ring produced by a piston as reported by Gharib et al (1998 JFM 360, 121-140). Similar to the definition used by Gharib et al, a 'formation number' can be defined as the normalized time at which the circulation produced by the buoyancy source is equal to the peak circulation achieved by the vortex ring. This formation number is examined for a variety of plume density ratios. The results are compared to predictions of a model based on the Kelvin-Benjamin variational principle for steady axis-touching vortex rings.

On the number of light rings in curved spacetimes of ultra-compact objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hod, Shahar

2018-01-01

In a very interesting paper, Cunha, Berti, and Herdeiro have recently claimed that ultra-compact objects, self-gravitating horizonless solutions of the Einstein field equations which have a light ring, must possess at least two (and, in general, an even number of) light rings, of which the inner one is stable. In the present compact paper we explicitly prove that, while this intriguing theorem is generally true, there is an important exception in the presence of degenerate light rings which, in the spherically symmetric static case, are characterized by the simple dimensionless relation 8 πrγ2 (ρ +pT) = 1 [here rγ is the radius of the light ring and { ρ ,pT } are respectively the energy density and tangential pressure of the matter fields]. Ultra-compact objects which belong to this unique family can have an odd number of light rings. As a concrete example, we show that spherically symmetric constant density stars with dimensionless compactness M / R = 1 / 3 possess only one light ring which, interestingly, is shown to be unstable.

The Application of a Cylindrical-spherical Floating Ring Bearing as a Device to Control Stability of Turbogenerators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leung, P. S.; Craighead, I. A.; Wilkinson, T. S.

1991-01-01

The development of a new device to control stability of turbogenerators is described. The device comprises a floating ring installed between the journal and bearing housing of a fluid film bearing. The journal and the inner surface of the ring are cylindrical while the outer surface of the ring and bearing surface are spherical providing axial location of the ring and self-alignment of the bearing. The employment of this device would lead to a consistent machine performance. System stability may be controlled by changing a number of bearing and floating ring parameters. This device also offers an additional advantage of having a very low frictional characteristic. A feasibility study was carried out to investigate the suitability of the new device to turbogenerator applications. Both theoretical analysis and experimental observations were carried out. Initial results suggest that the new floating ring device is a competitive alternative to other conventional arrangements.

Inter-molecule interaction for magnetic property of vanadyl tetrakis(thiadiazole) porphyrazine film on Au(1 1 1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Jie; Wang, Yu; Eguchi, Keitaro; Nanjo, Chihiro; Takaoka, Tsuyoshi; Sainoo, Yasuyuki; Awaga, Kunio; Komeda, Tadahiro

2018-05-01

We report scanning tunneling microscope (STM) observation of vanadyl tetrakis(thiadiazole) porphyrazine (VOTTDPz) molecules, which is a family molecule of phthalocyanine (Pc) but without Csbnd H termination in the perimeter, deposited on Au(1 1 1) surface. Well-ordered film corresponding to 4 × 4 superstructure with respect to Au(1 1 1) surface is formed, in which the centers of the molecules are separated by 1.12 nm, which is much smaller than that observed for a VOPc molecule on Au(1 1 1), due to the absence of Csbnd H termination. At the same time, the azimuthal angles of neighboring molecules rotate with each other by 30°. A contrast variation of bright and dark molecules is observed, which are interpreted as O-up and O-down molecules, respectively, based on the density functional theory simulation. Spin-polarized local density of states calculation shows spin-polarized V 3d state, which is delocalized over the ring. Spin detection is executed by measuring Kondo resonance in the tunneling spectroscopy near the Fermi level, which is caused by the interaction of an isolated spin and conduction electron of the substrate. We detected asymmetric and weak Kondo peak for out-of-plane outer magnetic field of 0 T, which becomes strong and symmetric peak at 5 T, which is understood by the shift of the spin center of the Kondo resonance from V 3d to delocalized π state in ring with the magnetic field.

A Note on the Propagation of Quantized Vortex Rings Through a Quantum Turbulence Tangle: Energy Transport or Energy Dissipation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurie, Jason; Baggaley, Andrew W.

2015-07-01

We investigate quantum vortex ring dynamics at scales smaller than the inter-vortex spacing in quantum turbulence. Through geometrical arguments and high-resolution numerical simulations, we examine the validity of simple estimates for the mean free path and the structure of vortex rings post-reconnection. We find that a large proportion of vortex rings remain coherent objects where approximately of their energy is preserved. This leads us to consider the effectiveness of energy transport in turbulent tangles. Moreover, we show that in low density tangles, appropriate for the ultra-quantum regime, ring emission cannot be ruled out as an important mechanism for energy dissipation. However at higher vortex line densities, typically associated with the quasi-classical regime, loop emission is expected to make a negligible contribution to energy dissipation, even allowing for the fact that our work shows rings can survive multiple reconnection events. Hence the Kelvin wave cascade seems the most plausible mechanism leading to energy dissipation.

Negative refraction, surface modes, and superlensing effect via homogenization near resonances for a finite array of split-ring resonators.

PubMed

Farhat, M; Guenneau, S; Enoch, S; Movchan, A B

2009-10-01

We present a theoretical and numerical analysis of liquid surface waves (LSWs) localized at the boundary of a phononic crystal consisting of split-ring resonators (SRRs). We first derive the homogenized parameters of the fluid-filled structure using a three-scale asymptotic expansion in the linearized Navier-Stokes equations. In the limit when the wavelength of the LSW is much larger than the typical heterogeneity size of the phononic crystal, we show that it behaves as an artificial fluid with an anisotropic effective shear modulus and a dispersive effective-mass density. We then analyze dispersion diagrams associated with LSW propagating within an infinite array of SRR, for which eigensolutions are sought in the form of Floquet-Bloch waves. The main emphasis is given to the study of localized modes within such a periodic fluid-filled structure and to the control of low-frequency stop bands associated with resonances of SRRs. Considering a macrocell, we are able to compute the dispersion of LSW supported by a semi-infinite phononic crystal of SRRs. We find that the dispersion of this evanescent mode nearly sits within the first stop band of the doubly periodic structure. We further discover that it is linked to the frequency at which the effective-mass density of the homogenized phononic crystal becomes negative. We demonstrate that this surface mode displays the hallmarks of all-angle negative refraction and it leads to a superlensing effect. Last, we note that our homogenization results for the velocity potential can be applied mutatis mutandis to designs of electromagnetic and acoustic superlenses for transverse electric waves propagating in arrays of infinite conducting SRRs and antiplane shear waves in arrays of cracks shaped as SRRs.

Formation of aggregated nanoparticle spheres through femtosecond laser surface processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubaki, Alfred T.; Koten, Mark A.; Lucis, Michael J.; Zuhlke, Craig; Ianno, Natale; Shield, Jeffrey E.; Alexander, Dennis R.

2017-10-01

A detailed structural and chemical analysis of a class of self-organized surface structures, termed aggregated nanoparticle spheres (AN-spheres), created using femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) on silicon, silicon carbide, and aluminum is reported in this paper. AN-spheres are spherical microstructures that are 20-100 μm in diameter and are composed entirely of nanoparticles produced during femtosecond laser ablation of material. AN-spheres have an onion-like layered morphology resulting from the build-up of nanoparticle layers over multiple passes of the laser beam. The material properties and chemical composition of the AN-spheres are presented in this paper based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) milling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. There is a distinct difference in the density of nanoparticles between concentric rings of the onion-like morphology of the AN-sphere. Layers of high-density form when the laser sinters nanoparticles together and low-density layers form when nanoparticles redeposit while the laser ablates areas surrounding the AN-sphere. The dynamic nature of femtosecond laser ablation creates a variety of nanoparticles that make-up the AN-spheres including Si/C core-shell, nanoparticles that directly fragmented from the base material, nanoparticles with carbon shells that retarded oxidation, and amorphous, fully oxidized nanoparticles.

Optofluidic lasers with a single molecular layer of gain

PubMed Central

Chen, Qiushu; Ritt, Michael; Sivaramakrishnan, Sivaraj; Sun, Yuze; Fan, Xudong

2014-01-01

We achieve optofluidic lasers with a single molecular layer of gain, in which green fluorescent protein, dye-labeled bovine serum albumin, and dye-labeled DNA are respectively used as the gain medium and attached to the surface of a ring resonator via surface immobilization biochemical methods. It is estimated that the surface density of the gain molecules is on the order of 1012/cm2, sufficient for lasing under pulsed optical excitation. It is further shown that the optofluidic laser can be tuned by energy transfer mechanisms through biomolecular interactions. This work not only opens a door to novel photonic devices that can be controlled at the level of a single molecular layer, but also provides a promising sensing platform to analyze biochemical processes at the solid-liquid interface. PMID:25312306

Size of Self-Gravity Wakes from Cassini UVIS Tracking Occultations and Ring Transparency Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Larry W.; Rehnberg, Morgan; Colwell, Joshua E.; Sremcevic, Miodrag

2017-10-01

We compare two methods for determining the size of self-gravity wakes in Saturn’s rings. Analysis of gaps seen in UVIS occultations gives a power law distribution from 10-100m (Rehnberg etal 2017). Excess variance from UVIS occultations can be related to characteristic clump widths, a method which extends the work of Showalter and Nicholson (1990) to more arbitrary shadow distributions. In the middle A ring, we use results from Colwell etal (2017) for the variance and results from Jerousek etal (2016) for the relative size of gaps and wakes to estimate the wake width consistent with the excess variance observed there. Our method gives:W= sqrt (A) * E/T2 * (1+ S/W)Where A is the area observed by UVIS in an integration period, E is the measured excess variance above Poisson statistics, T is the mean transparency, and S and W are the separation and width of self-gravity wakes in the granola bar model of Colwell etal (2006). We find:W ~ 10m and infer the wavelength of the fastest growing instabilityLambda(TOOMRE) = S + W ~ 30m.This is consistent with the calculation of the Toomre wavelength from the surface mass density of the A ring, and with the highest resolution UVIS star occultations.

Size of Self-Gravity Wakes from Cassini UVIS Tracking Occultations and Ring Transparency Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, L. W.; Rehnberg, M.; Colwell, J. E.; Sremcevic, M.

2017-12-01

We compare two methods for determining the size of self-gravity wakes in Saturn's rings. Analysis of gaps seen in UVIS occultations gives a power law distribution from 10-100m (Rehnberg etal 2017). Excess variance from UVIS occultations can be related to characteristic clump widths, a method which extends the work of Showalter and Nicholson (1990) to more arbitrary shadow distributions. In the middle A ring, we use results from Colwell etal (2017) for the variance and results from Jerousek etal (2016) for the relative size of gaps and wakes to estimate the wake width consistent with the excess variance observed there. Our method gives: W= sqrt (A) * E/T2 * (1+ S/W)Where A is the area observed by UVIS in an integration period, E is the measured excess variance above Poisson statistics, T is the mean transparency, and S and W are the separation and width of self-gravity wakes in the granola bar model of Colwell etal (2006). We find: W 10m and infer the wavelength of the fastest growing instability lamdaT = S + W 30m. This is consistent with the calculation of the Toomre wavelength from the surface mass density of the A ring, and with the highest resolution UVIS star occultations.

Extra-large pore zeolite (ITQ-40) with the lowest framework density containing double four- and double three-rings

PubMed Central

Díaz-Cabañas, M. J.; Jiang, J.; Afeworki, M.; Dorset, D. L.; Soled, S. L.; Strohmaier, K. G.

2010-01-01

The first zeolite structure (ITQ-40) that contains double four (D4) and double three (D3) member ring secondary building units has been synthesized by introducing Ge and NH4F and working in concentrated synthesis gels. It is the first time that D3-Rs have been observed in a zeolite structure. As was previously analyzed [Brunner GO, Meier, WM (1989) Nature 337:146–147], such a structure has a very low framework density (10.1 T/1,000 Å3). Indeed, ITQ-40 has the lowest framework density ever achieved in oxygen-containing zeolites. Furthermore, it contains large pore openings, i.e., 15-member rings parallel to the [001] hexagonal axis and 16-member ring channels perpendicular to this axis. The results presented here push ahead the possibilities of zeolites for uses in electronics, control delivery of drugs and chemicals, as well as for catalysis. PMID:20660773

Hermetically sealed electrical feedthrough for high temperature secondary cells

DOEpatents

Knoedler, R.; Nelson, P.A.; Shimotake, H.; Battles, J.E.

1983-07-26

A passthrough seal is disclosed for electrically isolating the terminal in a lithium/metal sulfide cell from the structural cell housing. The seal has spaced upper and lower insulator rings fitted snuggly between the terminal and an annularly disposed upstanding wall, and outwardly of a powdered insulator also confined between the upstanding wall and terminal. The adjacent surfaces of the upper insulator ring and the respective upstanding wall and terminal are conically tapered, diverging in the axial direction away from the cell interior, and a sealing ring is located between each pair of the adjacent surfaces. The components are sized so that upon appropriate movement of the upper insulator ring toward the lower insulator ring the powdered insulator and sealing rings are each compressed to a high degree. This compacts the powdered insulator thereby rendering the same highly impervious and moreover fuses the sealing rings to and between the adjacent surfaces. The upper and lower insulator rings might be formed of beryllium oxide and/or alumina, the powdered insulator might be formed of boron nitride, and the sealing rings might be formed of aluminum.

Hermetically sealed electrical feedthrough for high temperature secondary cells

DOEpatents

Knoedler, Reinhard; Nelson, Paul A.; Shimotake, Hiroshi; Battles, James E.

1985-01-01

A passthrough seal is disclosed for electrically isolating the terminal in a lithium/metal sulfide cell from the structural cell housing. The seal has spaced upper and lower insulator rings fitted snuggly between the terminal and an annularly disposed upstanding wall, and outwardly of a powdered insulator also confined between the upstanding wall and terminal. The adjacent surfaces of the upper insulator ring and the respective upstanding wall and terminal are conically tapered, diverging in the axial direction away from the cell interior, and a sealing ring is located between each pair of the adjacent surfaces. The components are sized so that upon appropriate movement of the upper insulator ring toward the lower insulator ring the powdered insulator and sealing rings are each compressed to a high degree. This compacts the powdered insulator thereby rendering the same highly impervious and moreover fuses the sealing rings to and between the adjacent surfaces. The upper and lower insulator rings might be formed of beryllium oxide and/or alumina, the powdered insulator might be formed of boron nitride, and the sealing rings might be formed of aluminum.

Geometry dependence of electron donating or accepting abilities of amine groups in 4,4‧-disulfanediylbis(methylene)dithiazol-2-amine: Pyramidal versus planar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabıyık, Hasan; Kırılmış, Cumhur; Karabıyık, Hande

2017-08-01

The molecular and crystal structure of the title compound in which two thiazole-2-amine rings are linked to each other by disulfide bridge (sbnd Csbnd Ssbnd Ssbnd Csbnd) were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations and topological analyses on the electron density. A novel synthesis route for the compounds having symmetrical disulfide bridge is reported. The most important result regarding the compound is about electron donating or accepting properties of the terminal amine groups. Planar amine group acts as an electron-donating group, while pyramidal amine behaves as electron-accepting group. This inference was confirmed by scrutiny of crystallographic geometry and quantum chemical studies. To ascertain underlying reasons for this fact, intermolecular interactions (Nsbnd H⋯N type H-bonds and Csbnd H···π interactions) were studied. These interactions involving aromatic thiazole rings are verified by topological electron density and Hirshfeld surface analyses. Intermolecular interactions do not have an effect on the differentiation in electron donating or accepting ability of amine groups, because both amine groups are involved in Nsbnd H⋯N type H-bonds. In methodological sense, it has been understood that Ehrenfest forces acting on electron density are useful theoretical probe to analyze intra-molecular charge transfer processes.

Targeted flyby images of propellers in Saturn's A ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiscareno, Matthew S.; Baker, Emily J.; the Cassini ISS Team

2017-06-01

As part of its two-part end-of-mission maneuvers, the Cassini has targeted three "propeller moons" for close-range flybys, obtaining images that greatly improve on all previous images in terms of resolution and detailed structure. Propeller moons are ~1 km in size and are embedded in the disk of Saturn's A ring (Tiscareno et al. 2010, ApJL). Unlike the moons Pan and Daphnis, propeller moons have insufficient mass to carve out a fully circumferential gap; instead, we see a propeller-shaped disturbance around the moon (which itself is unseen) as the moon's attempted gap is filled back in, due to the dynamical viscosity of the ring particles.The Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) has obtained images of the propeller moon "Santos-Dumont" on both the lit and unlit sides of the rings, and of "Earhart" on the lit side. As of this writing, a final targeted flyby of "Bleriot" on the unlit side of the rings has yet to take place. The resolution of these images is at least 3x to 4x better than those of nearly all previous propeller images, and at least 2x better than those of a small handful of the best previous propeller images.We will present maps of of the propeller structures, with enhanced ability to convert brightness to optical depth and surface density due to information from both the lit and unlit sides of the rings. The images contain more complex structure than is predicted by simple models, which we will describe, and for which we will comment on likely explanations. The central moonlet of each propeller (which has never been seen) should be a couple of pixels across, but we cannot confirm whether they are seen in these images or whether they are obscured by stirred-up ring material.

Analyzing Bleriot's propeller gaps in Cassini NAC images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Holger; Chen, Cheng; Seiß, Martin; Albers, Nicole; Spahn, Frank; Nic

2016-10-01

Among the great discoveries of the Cassini mission are the propeller-shaped structures created by small moonlets embedded in Saturn's dense rings. These moonlets are not massive enough to counteract the viscous ring diffusion to open and maintain circumferential gaps, distinguishing them from ring-moons like Pan and Daphnis.Although one of the defining features of propeller structures, well-formed partial gaps have been resolved by the Imaging Science Subsystem Narrow Angle Camera onboard the Cassini spacecraft only for the largest known propeller named Bleriot. We analyze images of the sunlit side of Saturn's outer A ring showing the propeller Bleriot with clearly visible gaps. By fitting a Gaussian to radial brightness profiles at different azimuthal locations, we obtain the evolution of gap minimum and gap width downstream of the moonlet.We report two findings:1) Numerical simulations indicate that the radial separation of the partial propeller gaps is expected to be 4 Hill radii (Spahn and Sremcevic, 2000, A&A). We infer Bleriot's Hill radius to be a few hundred meters, consistent with values given by Sremcevic et al. (2014, DPS) and Hoffmann et al. (2015, Icarus).2) In order to estimate the ring viscosity in the region of Saturn's outer A ring, where Bleriot orbits, we fit several model functions (one example being the analytic solution derived by Sremcevic, Spahn and Duschl, 2002, MNRAS) describing the azimuthal evolution of the surface density in the propeller gap region to the data obtained from the image analysis. We find viscosity values consistent with the parameterization of ring viscosity by Daisaka et al. (2001, Icarus), but significantly lower than the upper limit given by Esposito et al. (1983, Icarus)

Surface charge features of kaolinite particles and their interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Vishal

Kaolinite is both a blessing and a curse. As an important industrial mineral commodity, kaolinite clays are extensively used in the paper, ceramic, paint, plastic and rubber industries. In all these applications the wettability, aggregation, dispersion, flotation and thickening of kaolinite particles are affected by its crystal structure and surface properties. It is therefore the objective of this research to investigate selected physical and surface chemical properties of kaolinite, specifically the surface charge of kaolinite particles. A pool of advanced analytical techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM, AFM, FTIR and ISS were utilized to investigate the morphological and surface chemistry features of kaolinite. Surface force measurements revealed that the silica tetrahedral face of kaolinite is negatively charged at pH>4, whereas the alumina octahedral face of kaolinite is positively charged at pH<6, and negatively charged at pH>8. Based on electrophoresis measurements, the apparent iso-electric point for kaolinite particles was determined to be less than pH 3. In contrast, the point of zero charge was determined to be pH 4.5 by titration techniques, which corresponds to the iso-electric point of between pH 4 and 5 as determined by surface force measurements. Results from kaolinite particle interactions indicate that the silica face--alumina face interaction is dominant for kaolinite particle aggregation at low and intermediate pH values, which explains the maximum shear yield stress at pH 5-5.5. Lattice resolution images reveal the hexagonal lattice structure of these two face surfaces of kaolinite. Analysis of the silica face of kaolinite showed that the center of the hexagonal ring of oxygen atoms is vacant, whereas the alumina face showed that the hexagonal surface lattice ring of hydroxyls surround another hydroxyl in the center of the ring. High resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation of kaolinite has indicated that kaolinite is indeed composed of silica/alumina bilayers with a c-spacing of 7.2 A. The surface charge densities of the silica face, the alumina face and the edge surface of kaolinite all influence particle interactions, and thereby affect the mechanical properties of kaolinite suspensions. The improved knowledge of kaolinite surface chemistry from this dissertation research provides a foundation for the development of improved process strategies for both the use and disposal of clay particles such as kaolinite.

Computer controlled performance mapping of thermionic converters: effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalances on the observed collector current-density, voltage characteristics and limited range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium planar converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manista, E. J.

1972-01-01

The effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalance on the observed collector-current-density J, collector-to-emitter voltage V characteristic was evaluated in a planar, fixed-space, guard-ringed thermionic converter. The J,V characteristic was swept in a period of 15 msec by a variable load. A computerized data acquisition system recorded test parameters. The results indicate minimal distortion of the J,V curve in the power output quadrant for the nominal guard-ring circuit configuration. Considerable distortion, along with a lowering of the ignited-mode striking voltage, was observed for the configuration with the emitter shorted to the guard ring. A limited-range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium, planar converter was obtained by using an improved computer program for the data acquisition system.

The Dynamics of a Viscous Gas Ring around a Kerr Black Hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riffert, H.

2000-01-01

The dynamics of a rotationally symmetric viscous gas ring around a Kerr black hole is calculated in the thin-disk approximation. An evolution equation for the surface density Σ(t,r) is derived, which is the relativistic extension of a classical equation obtained by R. Lüst. A singular point appears at the radius of the last stable circular orbit r=rc. The nature of this point is investigated, and it turns out that the solution is always bounded at rc, and no boundary condition can be obtained at this radius. A unique solution of an initial value problem requires a matching condition at rc which follows from the flow structure between rc and the horizon. In the model presented here, the density in this domain is zero, and the resulting boundary condition leads to a vanishing shear stress at r=rc, which is the condition used in the standard stationary thin-disk model of Novikov & Thorne. Numerical solutions of the evolution equation are presented for two different angular momenta of the black hole. The time evolution of the resulting accretion rate depends strongly on this angular momentum.

Local spin density in the Cr 7Ni antiferromagnetic molecular ring and 53Cr-NMR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Casadei, Cecilia M; Bordonali, L; Furukawa, Yuji

We present 53Cr-NMR spectra collected at low temperature in a single crystal of the heterometallic antiferromagnetic (AF) ring Cr 7Ni in the S = 1/2 ground state with the aim of establishing the distribution of the local electronic moment in the ring. Due to the poor S/N we observed only one signal which is ascribed to three almost equivalent 53Cr nuclei in the ring. The calculated spin density in Cr 7Ni in the ground state, with the applied magnetic field both parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the ring, turns out to be AF staggered with the greatest componentmore » of the local spin {s} for the Cr 3+ ions next to the Ni 2+ ion. The 53Cr-NMR frequency was found to be in good agreement with the local spin density calculated theoretically by assuming a core polarization field of H cp =₋ 11 T/μ B for both orientations, close to the value found previously in Cr 7Cd. Lastly, the observed orientation dependence of the local spin moments is well reproduced by the theoretical calculation and evidences the importance of single-ion and dipolar anisotropies.« less

Structure of the human DNA-repair protein RAD52 containing surface mutations.

PubMed

Saotome, Mika; Saito, Kengo; Onodera, Keiichi; Kurumizaka, Hitoshi; Kagawa, Wataru

2016-08-01

The Rad52 protein is a eukaryotic single-strand DNA-annealing protein that is involved in the homologous recombinational repair of DNA double-strand breaks. The isolated N-terminal half of the human RAD52 protein (RAD52(1-212)) forms an undecameric ring structure with a surface that is mostly positively charged. In the present study, it was found that RAD52(1-212) containing alanine mutations of the charged surface residues (Lys102, Lys133 and Glu202) is highly amenable to crystallization. The structure of the mutant RAD52(1-212) was solved at 2.4 Å resolution. The structure revealed an association between the symmetry-related RAD52(1-212) rings, in which a partially unfolded, C-terminal region of RAD52 extended into the DNA-binding groove of the neighbouring ring in the crystal. The alanine mutations probably reduced the surface entropy of the RAD52(1-212) ring and stabilized the ring-ring association observed in the crystal.

Proton deflectometry characterization of Biermann-Battery field advection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollock, Bradley; Moore, Alastair; Meezan, Nathan; Eder, Dave; Kane, Jave; Strozzi, David; Wilks, Scott; Rinderknecht, Hans; Zylstra, Alex; Fujioka, Shinsuke; Kemp, Gregory; Moody, John

2017-10-01

Laser-foil interactions are well known to produce azimuthal magnetic fields around the laser spot due to the orthogonal density and temperature gradients that develop near the foil surface (the Biermann-Battery effect). Simulations show that these fields produced inside hohlraums used for indirect drive experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF); however, modeling these fields and their advection is very computationally expensive on the temporal and spatial scales relevant for typical NIF hohlraum experiments ( 10 ns, few mm). The hohlraum geometry also makes directly probing the fields somewhat challenging, limiting the available experimental data on these fields under NIF conditions. In particular, the relative contributions of frozen-in and Nernst advection of the field away from the hohlraum wall is not currently well understood. We have developed a new target platform for direct measurements of the field topology in a NIF-relevant configuration. Using a single cone of NIF, a 2.5 mm long, 5.4 mm diameter Au ring is illuminated with a similar beam geometry to that of one ring of beams in a full-scale hohlraum experiment. The ring target has no end caps, providing a clear line of sight for probing through the ring. A D3He filled exploding pusher placed 5 cm below the ring is illuminated by an additional 60 beams of NIF to produce protons, some of which propagate through the ring. Work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and under LDRD support from LLNL.

Refractory lining system for high wear area of high temperature reaction vessel

DOEpatents

Hubble, David H.; Ulrich, Klaus H.

1998-01-01

A refractory-lined high temperature reaction vessel comprises a refractory ring lining constructed of refractory brick, a cooler, and a heat transfer medium disposed between the refractory ring lining and the cooler. The refractory brick comprises magnesia (MgO) and graphite. The heat transfer medium contacts the refractory brick and a cooling surface of the cooler, and is composed of a material that accommodates relative movement between the refractory brick and the cooler. The brick is manufactured such that the graphite has an orientation providing a high thermal conductivity in the lengthwise direction through the brick that is higher than the thermal conductivity in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The graphite preferably is flake graphite, in the range of about 10 to 20 wt %, and has a size distribution selected to provide maximum brick density. The reaction vessel may be used for performing a reaction process including the steps of forming a layer of slag on a melt in the vessel, the slag having a softening point temperature range, and forming a protective frozen layer of slag on the interior-facing surface of the refractory lining in at least a portion of a zone where the surface contacts the layer of slag, the protective frozen layer being maintained at or about the softening point of the slag.

Analysis of the magnetically induced current density of molecules consisting of annelated aromatic and antiaromatic hydrocarbon rings.

PubMed

Sundholm, Dage; Berger, Raphael J F; Fliegl, Heike

2016-06-21

Magnetically induced current susceptibilities and current pathways have been calculated for molecules consisting of two pentalene groups annelated with a benzene (1) or naphthalene (2) moiety. Current strength susceptibilities have been obtained by numerically integrating separately the diatropic and paratropic contributions to the current flow passing planes through chosen bonds of the molecules. The current density calculations provide novel and unambiguous current pathways for the unusual molecules with annelated aromatic and antiaromatic hydrocarbon moieties. The calculations show that the benzene and naphthalene moieties annelated with two pentalene units as in molecules 1 and 2, respectively, are unexpectedly antiaromatic sustaining only a local paratropic ring current around the ring, whereas a weak diatropic current flows around the C-H moiety of the benzene ring. For 1 and 2, the individual five-membered rings of the pentalenes are antiaromatic and a slightly weaker semilocal paratropic current flows around the two pentalene rings. Molecules 1 and 2 do not sustain any net global ring current. The naphthalene moiety of the molecule consisting of a naphthalene annelated with two pentalene units (3) does not sustain any strong ring current that is typical for naphthalene. Instead, half of the diatropic current passing the naphthalene moiety forms a zig-zag pattern along the C-C bonds of the naphthalene moiety that are not shared with the pentalene moieties and one third of the current continues around the whole molecule partially cancelling the very strong paratropic semilocal ring current of the pentalenes. For molecule 3, the pentalene moieties and the individual five-membered rings of the pentalenes are more antiaromatic than for 1 and 2. The calculated current patterns elucidate why the compounds with formally [4n + 2] π-electrons have unusual aromatic properties violating the Hückel π-electron count rule. The current density calculations also provide valuable information for interpreting the measured (1)H NMR spectra.

Production of atmospheric pressure microwave plasma with dielectric half-mirror resonator and its application to polymer surface treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasai, Kensuke; Keyamura, Kazuki; Suzuki, Haruka; Toyoda, Hirotaka

2018-06-01

For the surface treatment of a polymer tube, a ring-shaped atmospheric pressure microwave plasma (APMP) using a coaxial waveguide is studied. In this APMP, a dielectric plate is used not only as a partial mirror for cavity resonation but also for the precise alignment of the discharge gap for ring-shaped plasma production. The optimum position of the dielectric plate is investigated by electromagnetic wave simulation. On the basis of simulation results, a ring-shaped plasma with good uniformity along the ring is produced. The coaxial APMP is applied to the surface treatment of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. A very fast surface modification within 3 s is observed.

Packer arrangements for oil wells and the like

DOEpatents

Harvey, Andrew C.; McFadden, David H.

1981-11-24

The packer includes an elongated tubular casing, and a metal ring is disposed in its entirety within an annular recess in the casing. The recess has a circumferential opening extending entirely around the peripheral outer surface of the casing. Hydraulic fluid is flowed into the recess to apply pressure to the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring to expand the ring radially outwardly and force its outer peripheral surface through the circumferential opening and into annular sealing engagement with the opposed surface of the well casing.

Internal V-Band Clamp

DOEpatents

Vaughn, Mark R.; Hafenrichter, Everett S.; Chapa, Agapito C.; Harris, Steven M.; Martinez, Marcus J.; Baty, Roy S.

2006-02-28

A system for clamping two tubular members together in an end-to-end relationship uses a split ring with a V-shaped outer rim that can engage a clamping surface on each member. The split ring has a relaxed closed state where the ends of the ring are adjacent and the outside diameter of the split ring is less than the minimum inside diameter of the members at their ends. The members are clamped when the split ring is spread into an elastically stretched position where the ring rim is pressed tightly against the interior surfaces of the members. Mechanisms are provided for removing the spreader so the split ring will return to the relaxed state, releasing the clamped members.

Mapping the circumsolar dust ring near the orbit of Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, M. H.; Bewsher, D.; Brown, D. S.

2017-05-01

Synoptic images obtained from the HI-2 instrument on STEREO-A and -B between 2007 and 2014 have been used to further investigate the circumsolar dust ring at the orbit of Venus that was reported by Jones et al. (2013). The analysis is based on high signal-to-noise ratio photometry of the zodiacal light, using data acquired over 10-day intervals, followed by a process of extracting spatial variability on scales up to about 6.5°. The resulting images provide information about the structure of the ring at the location where it is viewed tangentially. We identify 65 usable data sets that comprise about 11% of the available HI-2 data. Analysis of these images show that the orientation of the ring appears to be different to that of the orbit of Venus, with an inclination of 2.1° and longitude of ascending node of 68.5°. We map the variation of ring density parameters in a frame of reference that is co-rotating with Venus and find a pattern suggestive of dust in a 3: 2 orbital resonance. However, the location of the maxima of dust densities is not as expected from theoretical models, and there is some evidence that the dust density distribution in the ring has a pattern speed that differs from the mean motion of Venus.

Phase locked multiple rings in the radiation pressure ion acceleration process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Y.; Hua, J. F.; Pai, C.-H.; Li, F.; Wu, Y. P.; Lu, W.; Zhang, C. J.; Xu, X. L.; Joshi, C.; Mori, W. B.

2018-04-01

Laser contrast plays a crucial role for obtaining high quality ion beams in the radiation pressure ion acceleration (RPA) process. Through one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we show that a plasma with a bi-peak density profile can be produced from a thin foil on the effects of a picosecond prepulse, and it can then lead to distinctive modulations in the ion phase space (phase locked double rings) when the main pulse interacts with the target. These fascinating ion dynamics are mainly due to the trapping effect from the ponderomotive potential well of a formed moving standing wave (i.e. the interference between the incoming pulse and the pulse reflected by a slowly moving surface) at nodes, quite different from the standard RPA process. A theoretical model is derived to explain the underlying mechanism, and good agreements have been achieved with PIC simulations.

The dynamical role of the central molecular ring within the framework of a seven-component Galaxy model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simin, A. A.; Fridman, A. M.; Haud, U. A.

1991-09-01

A Galaxy model in which the surface density of the gas component has a sharp (two orders of magnitude) jump in the region of the outer radius of the molecular ring is constructed on the basis of observational data. This model is used to calculate the contributions of each population to the model curve of Galactic rotation. The value of the dimensionless increment of hydrodynamical instability for the gas component, being much less than 1, coincides with a similar magnitude for the same gas in the gravity field of the entire Galaxy. It is concluded that the unstable gas component of the Galaxy lies near the limit of the hydrodynamical instability, which is in accordance with the Le Chatelier principle. The stellar populations of the Galaxy probably do not affect the generation of the spiral structure in the gaseous component.

Phase locked multiple rings in the radiation pressure ion acceleration process

DOE PAGES

Wan, Y.; Hua, J. F.; Pai, C. -H.; ...

2018-03-05

Laser contrast plays a crucial role for obtaining high quality ion beams in the radiation pressure ion acceleration (RPA) process. Through one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we show that a plasma with a bi-peak density profile can be produced from a thin foil on the effects of a picosecond prepulse, and it can then lead to distinctive modulations in the ion phase space (phase locked double rings) when the main pulse interacts with the target. These fascinating ion dynamics are mainly due to the trapping effect from the ponderomotive potential well of a formed moving standing wave (i.e. themore » interference between the incoming pulse and the pulse reflected by a slowly moving surface) at nodes, quite different from the standard RPA process. Here, a theoretical model is derived to explain the underlying mechanism, and good agreements have been achieved with PIC simulations.« less

Catalytic hydrogenation rate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in supercritical carbon dioxide containing polymer-stabilized palladium nanoparticles.

PubMed

Liao, Weisheng; Liu, Hsin-Wang; Chen, Hsing-Jung; Chang, Wen-Yen; Chiu, Kong-Hwa; Wai, Chien M

2011-01-01

Catalytic hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with up to four fused benzene rings over high-density-polyethylene-stabilized palladium nanoparticles in supercritical carbon dioxide via in situ UV/Vis spectroscopy is presented. PAHs can be efficiently converted to saturated polycyclic hydrocarbons using this green technique under mild conditions at 20 MPa of CO₂ containing 1 MPa of H₂ at 40-50°C. Kinetic studies based on in situ UV/Vis spectra of the CO₂ phase reveal that the initial hydrogenation of a given PAH and the subsequent hydrogenations of its intermediates are pseudo-first-order. The hydrogenation rate of the latter is always much smaller than that of the former probably due to increasing steric hindrance introduced by the hydrogenated benzene rings of PAHs which impedes the adsorption process and hydrogen access to PAHs on catalyst surfaces. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase locked multiple rings in the radiation pressure ion acceleration process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wan, Y.; Hua, J. F.; Pai, C. -H.

Laser contrast plays a crucial role for obtaining high quality ion beams in the radiation pressure ion acceleration (RPA) process. Through one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we show that a plasma with a bi-peak density profile can be produced from a thin foil on the effects of a picosecond prepulse, and it can then lead to distinctive modulations in the ion phase space (phase locked double rings) when the main pulse interacts with the target. These fascinating ion dynamics are mainly due to the trapping effect from the ponderomotive potential well of a formed moving standing wave (i.e. themore » interference between the incoming pulse and the pulse reflected by a slowly moving surface) at nodes, quite different from the standard RPA process. Here, a theoretical model is derived to explain the underlying mechanism, and good agreements have been achieved with PIC simulations.« less

Nodal-line pairing with 1D-3D coupled Fermi surfaces: A model motivated by Cr-based superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wachtel, Gideon; Kim, Yong Baek

2016-09-01

Motivated by the recent discovery of a new family of chromium-based superconductors, we consider a two-band model, where a band of electrons dispersing only in one direction interacts with a band of electrons dispersing in all three directions. Strong 2 kf density fluctuations in the one-dimensional band induces attractive interactions between the three-dimensional electrons, which, in turn, makes the system superconducting. Solving the associated Eliashberg equations, we obtain a gap function which is peaked at the "poles" of the three-dimensional Fermi sphere, and decreases towards the "equator." When strong enough local repulsion is included, the gap actually changes sign around the equator and nodal rings are formed. These nodal rings manifest themselves in several experimentally observable quantities, some of which resemble unconventional observations in the newly discovered superconductors which motivated this work.

The surface of 1-euro coins studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, F.; Gleeson, M. A.; Villette, J.; Kleyn, S. E. F.; Kleyn, A. W.

2004-03-01

The two alloy surfaces (pill and ring) that are present on 1-euro coins have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Comparison is made between coins from general circulation and coin surfaces that have been subjected to a variety of cleaning and oxidation treatments. The concentrations and possible oxidation states of the metals (nickel, copper and zinc) at the surface were derived from analysis of the 2p 3/2 core levels. The surface atomic ratios measured for the pill and the ring parts of the euro coins were compared to the official bulk ratios. This study shows a clear nickel enrichment of both pill and ring surfaces. Nickel at surface seems to be present mainly in hydroxide form although the chloride form cannot be excluded. A small concentration of zinc was present on the surface of the pill, even though it is not present in the bulk alloy. Evidence of both nickel and zinc surface enrichment is observed for the ring. No surface enrichment is observed for the atomically clean or oxidized alloy surfaces over a 60-h time scale.

Phase Diagram of the ABC Model on an Interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayyer, A.; Carlen, E. A.; Lebowitz, J. L.; Mohanty, P. K.; Mukamel, D.; Speer, E. R.

2009-12-01

The three species asymmetric ABC model was initially defined on a ring by Evans, Kafri, Koduvely, and Mukamel, and the weakly asymmetric version was later studied by Clincy, Derrida, and Evans. Here the latter model is studied on a one-dimensional lattice of N sites with closed (zero flux) boundaries. In this geometry the local particle conserving dynamics satisfies detailed balance with respect to a canonical Gibbs measure with long range asymmetric pair interactions. This generalizes results for the ring case, where detailed balance holds, and in fact the steady state measure is known, only for the case of equal densities of the different species: in the latter case the stationary states of the system on a ring and on an interval are the same. We prove that in the limit N→∞ the scaled density profiles are given by (pieces of) the periodic trajectory of a particle moving in a quartic confining potential. We further prove uniqueness of the profiles, i.e., the existence of a single phase, in all regions of the parameter space (of average densities and temperature) except at low temperature with all densities equal; in this case a continuum of phases, differing by translation, coexist. The results for the equal density case apply also to the system on the ring, and there extend results of Clincy et al.

Ring current electron dynamics during geomagnetic storms based on the Van Allen Probes measurements: Ring Current Electrons

DOE PAGES

Zhao, H.; Li, X.; Baker, D. N.; ...

2016-04-16

Based on comprehensive measurements from Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron Mass Spectrometer Ion Spectrometer, Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope, and Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment instruments on the Van Allen Probes, comparative studies of ring current electrons and ions are performed and the role of energetic electrons in the ring current dynamics is investigated. The deep injections of tens to hundreds of keV electrons and tens of keV protons into the inner magnetosphere occur frequently; after the injections the electrons decay slowly in the inner belt but protons in the low L region decay very fast. Intriguing similarities between lowermore » energy protons and higher-energy electrons are also found. The evolution of ring current electron and ion energy densities and energy content are examined in detail during two geomagnetic storms, one moderate and one intense. Here, the results show that the contribution of ring current electrons to the ring current energy content is much smaller than that of ring current ions (up to ~12% for the moderate storm and ~7% for the intense storm), and <35 keV electrons dominate the ring current electron energy content at the storm main phases. Though the electron energy content is usually much smaller than that of ions, the enhancement of ring current electron energy content during the moderate storm can get to ~30% of that of ring current ions, indicating a more dynamic feature of ring current electrons and important role of electrons in the ring current buildup. Lastly, the ring current electron energy density is also shown to be higher at midnight and dawn while lower at noon and dusk.« less

The CIRS Investigation on Cassini after Six Years at Saturn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jennings, Donald

2010-01-01

The CIRS investigation designed to provide: 1) infrared spectroscopy of thermal emission from atmospheres, rings, and surfaces in 10 +/- 1450 cm(exp -1) (1000 +/- 7 micron) region; 2) global mapping in atmospheres of three dimensional and temporal variation of gas composition, temperatures, dynamics, and aerosols and clouds; and 3) mapping of rings and icy satellite surfaces for composition and thermal properties. Topics include: optical and mechanical layouts, instrument description, preparation for launch, Saturn's rings in the light spectrum, Saturn brightness temperature spectrum, and views of Saturn's surface, rings, and Saturn's moons and their atmospheres.

Why does a cleavage plane develop parallel to the spindle axis in conical sand dollar eggs? A key question for clarifying the mechanism of contractile ring positioning.

PubMed

Yoshigaki, Tomoyoshi

2003-03-21

Three types of models have been proposed about how the mitotic apparatus determines the position of the cleavage furrow in animal cells. In the first and second types, the contractile ring appears in a cortical region that least and most astral microtubules reach, respectively. The third type is that the spindle midzone positions the contractile ring. In the previous study, a new model was proposed through analyses of cytokinesis in sand dollar and sea urchin eggs. Gradients of the surface density of microtubule plus ends are assumed to drive membrane proteins whose accumulation causes the formation of contractile-ring microfilaments. In the present study, the validity of each model is examined by simulating the furrow formation in conical sand dollar eggs with the mitotic apparatus oriented perpendicular to the cone axis. The new model predicts that unilateral furrows with cleavage planes roughly parallel to the spindle axis appear between the mitotic apparatus and the vertex besides the normally positioned furrow. The predictions are consistent with the observations by Rappaport & Rappaport (1994, Dev. Biol.164, 258-266). The other three types of models do not predict the formation of the ectopic furrows. Furthermore, it is pointed out that only the new model has the ability to explain the geometrical relationship between the mitotic apparatus and the contractile ring under various experimental conditions. These results strongly suggest the real existence of the membrane proteins postulated in the model.

A search for interstellar pyrrole - Evidence that rings are less abundant than chains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, P. C.; Thaddeus, P.; Linke, R. A.

1980-01-01

Searches for three transitions of pyrrole (C4H5N) give maximum column density = 3-10 x 10 to the 13th per sq cm in Sgr B2. This limit is more than 10 times lower than previous ring molecule limits, and is slightly lower than column densities of known interstellar molecules with from four to six heavy atoms.

Precision flux density measurements of the giant planets at 8420 MHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turegano, J. A.; Klein, M. J.

1981-01-01

Precision measurements of the 3.56 cm flux densities of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are reported. The results are compared with previously published measurements as a means of: remotely sensing long-term changes in the microwave emission from the atmospheres of these planets and measuring the effects of Saturn's rings on the disk temperature as observed from earth at different ring inclination angles.

Structure of Saturn's rings: Optical and dynamical considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, F. A.

1974-01-01

The photometric phase curves of Saturn's rings are considered, as well as a conflict between dynamical and photometric models of the rings. The dependence of ring brightness on angular separation of the earth and sun as viewed from Saturn is discussed. The nonlinear brightness surge is interpreted. Some quantitative calculations were carried out for bodies in and near the asteroidal belt. Predicted density profiles of the ring obtained with Mimas in an eccentric orbit and in a circular orbit are also included.

Methods and apparatus for radially compliant component mounting

DOEpatents

Bulman, David Edward [Cincinnati, OH; Darkins, Jr., Toby George; Stumpf, James Anthony [Columbus, IN; Schroder, Mark S [Greenville, SC; Lipinski, John Joseph [Simpsonville, SC

2012-03-27

Methods and apparatus for a mounting assembly for a liner of a gas turbine engine combustor are provided. The combustor includes a combustor liner and a radially outer annular flow sleeve. The mounting assembly includes an inner ring surrounding a radially outer surface of the liner and including a plurality of axially extending fingers. The mounting assembly also includes a radially outer ring coupled to the inner ring through a plurality of spacers that extend radially from a radially outer surface of the inner ring to the outer ring.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, H.; Li, X.; Baker, D. N.

Based on comprehensive measurements from Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron Mass Spectrometer Ion Spectrometer, Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope, and Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment instruments on the Van Allen Probes, comparative studies of ring current electrons and ions are performed and the role of energetic electrons in the ring current dynamics is investigated. The deep injections of tens to hundreds of keV electrons and tens of keV protons into the inner magnetosphere occur frequently; after the injections the electrons decay slowly in the inner belt but protons in the low L region decay very fast. Intriguing similarities between lowermore » energy protons and higher-energy electrons are also found. The evolution of ring current electron and ion energy densities and energy content are examined in detail during two geomagnetic storms, one moderate and one intense. Here, the results show that the contribution of ring current electrons to the ring current energy content is much smaller than that of ring current ions (up to ~12% for the moderate storm and ~7% for the intense storm), and <35 keV electrons dominate the ring current electron energy content at the storm main phases. Though the electron energy content is usually much smaller than that of ions, the enhancement of ring current electron energy content during the moderate storm can get to ~30% of that of ring current ions, indicating a more dynamic feature of ring current electrons and important role of electrons in the ring current buildup. Lastly, the ring current electron energy density is also shown to be higher at midnight and dawn while lower at noon and dusk.« less

Particle simulation of electromagnetic emissions from electrostatic instability driven by an electron ring beam on the density gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horký, Miroslav; Omura, Yoshiharu; Santolík, Ondřej

2018-04-01

This paper presents the wave mode conversion between electrostatic and electromagnetic waves on the plasma density gradient. We use 2-D electromagnetic code KEMPO2 implemented with the generation of density gradient to simulate such a conversion process. In the dense region, we use ring beam instability to generate electron Bernstein waves and we study the temporal evolution of wave spectra, velocity distributions, Poynting flux, and electric and magnetic energies to observe the wave mode conversion. Such a conversion process can be a source of electromagnetic emissions which are routinely measured by spacecraft on the plasmapause density gradient.

Molecular simulation insights on the in vacuo adsorption of amino acids on graphene oxide surfaces with varying surface oxygen densities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmani, Farzin; Nouranian, Sasan; Mahdavi, Mina; Al-Ostaz, Ahmed

2016-11-01

In this fundamental study, a series of molecular dynamics simulations were performed in vacuo to investigate the energetics and select geometries of 20 standard amino acids (AAs) on pristine graphene (PG) and graphene oxide (GO) surfaces as a function of graphene surface oxygen density. These interactions are of key interest to graphene/biomolecular systems. Our results indicate that aromatic AAs exhibit the strongest total interactions with the PG surfaces due to π-π stacking. Tryptophan (Trp) has the highest aromaticity due to its indole side chain and, hence, has the strongest interaction among all AAs (-16.66 kcal/mol). Aliphatic, polar, and charged AAs show various levels of affinity to the PG sheets depending on the strength of their side chain hydrophobic interactions. For example, arginine (Arg) with its guanidinium side chain exhibits the strongest interaction with the PG sheets (-13.81 kcal/mol) following aromatic AAs. Also, glycine (Gly; a polar AA) has the weakest interaction with the PG sheets (-7.29 kcal/mol). When oxygen-containing functional groups are added to the graphene sheets, the π-π stacking in aromatic AAs becomes disrupted and perfect parallelism of the aromatic rings is lost. Moreover, hydrogen bonding and/or electrostatic interactions become more pronounced. Charged AAs exhibit the strongest interactions with the GO surfaces. In general, the AA-GO interactions increase with increasing surface oxygen density, and the effect is more pronounced at higher O/C ratios. This study provides a quantitative measure of AA-graphene interactions for the design and tuning of biomolecular systems suitable for biosensing, drug delivery, and gene delivery applications.

The size, shape, density and ring of the dwarf planet Haumea from a stellar occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, J. L.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Sicardy, B.; Benedetti-Rossi, G.; Bérard, D.; Morales, N.; Duffard, R.; Braga-Ribas, F.; Hopp, U.; Ries, C.; Nascimbeni, V.; Marzari, F.; Granata, V.; Pál, A.; Kiss, C.; Pribulla, T.; Komžík, R.; Hornoch, K.; Pravec, P.; Bacci, P.; Maestripieri, M.; Nerli, L.; Mazzei, L.; Bachini, M.; Martinelli, F.; Succi, G.; Ciabattari, F.; Mikuz, H.; Carbognani, A.; Gaehrken, B.; Mottola, S.; Hellmich, S.; Rommel, F. L.; Fernández-Valenzuela, E.; Campo Bagatin, A.; Cikota, S.; Cikota, A.; Lecacheux, J.; Vieira-Martins, R.; Camargo, J. I. B.; Assafin, M.; Colas, F.; Behrend, R.; Desmars, J.; Meza, E.; Alvarez-Candal, A.; Beisker, W.; Gomes-Junior, A. R.; Morgado, B. E.; Roques, F.; Vachier, F.; Berthier, J.; Mueller, T. G.; Madiedo, J. M.; Unsalan, O.; Sonbas, E.; Karaman, N.; Erece, O.; Koseoglu, D. T.; Ozisik, T.; Kalkan, S.; Guney, Y.; Niaei, M. S.; Satir, O.; Yesilyaprak, C.; Puskullu, C.; Kabas, A.; Demircan, O.; Alikakos, J.; Charmandaris, V.; Leto, G.; Ohlert, J.; Christille, J. M.; Szakáts, R.; Takácsné Farkas, A.; Varga-Verebélyi, E.; Marton, G.; Marciniak, A.; Bartczak, P.; Santana-Ros, T.; Butkiewicz-Bąk, M.; Dudziński, G.; Alí-Lagoa, V.; Gazeas, K.; Tzouganatos, L.; Paschalis, N.; Tsamis, V.; Sánchez-Lavega, A.; Pérez-Hoyos, S.; Hueso, R.; Guirado, J. C.; Peris, V.; Iglesias-Marzoa, R.

2017-10-01

Haumea—one of the four known trans-Neptunian dwarf planets—is a very elongated and rapidly rotating body. In contrast to other dwarf planets, its size, shape, albedo and density are not well constrained. The Centaur Chariklo was the first body other than a giant planet known to have a ring system, and the Centaur Chiron was later found to possess something similar to Chariklo’s rings. Here we report observations from multiple Earth-based observatories of Haumea passing in front of a distant star (a multi-chord stellar occultation). Secondary events observed around the main body of Haumea are consistent with the presence of a ring with an opacity of 0.5, width of 70 kilometres and radius of about 2,287 kilometres. The ring is coplanar with both Haumea’s equator and the orbit of its satellite Hi’iaka. The radius of the ring places it close to the 3:1 mean-motion resonance with Haumea’s spin period—that is, Haumea rotates three times on its axis in the time that a ring particle completes one revolution. The occultation by the main body provides an instantaneous elliptical projected shape with axes of about 1,704 kilometres and 1,138 kilometres. Combined with rotational light curves, the occultation constrains the three-dimensional orientation of Haumea and its triaxial shape, which is inconsistent with a homogeneous body in hydrostatic equilibrium. Haumea’s largest axis is at least 2,322 kilometres, larger than previously thought, implying an upper limit for its density of 1,885 kilograms per cubic metre and a geometric albedo of 0.51, both smaller than previous estimates. In addition, this estimate of the density of Haumea is closer to that of Pluto than are previous estimates, in line with expectations. No global nitrogen- or methane-dominated atmosphere was detected.

The size, shape, density and ring of the dwarf planet Haumea from a stellar occultation.

PubMed

Ortiz, J L; Santos-Sanz, P; Sicardy, B; Benedetti-Rossi, G; Bérard, D; Morales, N; Duffard, R; Braga-Ribas, F; Hopp, U; Ries, C; Nascimbeni, V; Marzari, F; Granata, V; Pál, A; Kiss, C; Pribulla, T; Komžík, R; Hornoch, K; Pravec, P; Bacci, P; Maestripieri, M; Nerli, L; Mazzei, L; Bachini, M; Martinelli, F; Succi, G; Ciabattari, F; Mikuz, H; Carbognani, A; Gaehrken, B; Mottola, S; Hellmich, S; Rommel, F L; Fernández-Valenzuela, E; Bagatin, A Campo; Cikota, S; Cikota, A; Lecacheux, J; Vieira-Martins, R; Camargo, J I B; Assafin, M; Colas, F; Behrend, R; Desmars, J; Meza, E; Alvarez-Candal, A; Beisker, W; Gomes-Junior, A R; Morgado, B E; Roques, F; Vachier, F; Berthier, J; Mueller, T G; Madiedo, J M; Unsalan, O; Sonbas, E; Karaman, N; Erece, O; Koseoglu, D T; Ozisik, T; Kalkan, S; Guney, Y; Niaei, M S; Satir, O; Yesilyaprak, C; Puskullu, C; Kabas, A; Demircan, O; Alikakos, J; Charmandaris, V; Leto, G; Ohlert, J; Christille, J M; Szakáts, R; Farkas, A Takácsné; Varga-Verebélyi, E; Marton, G; Marciniak, A; Bartczak, P; Santana-Ros, T; Butkiewicz-Bąk, M; Dudziński, G; Alí-Lagoa, V; Gazeas, K; Tzouganatos, L; Paschalis, N; Tsamis, V; Sánchez-Lavega, A; Pérez-Hoyos, S; Hueso, R; Guirado, J C; Peris, V; Iglesias-Marzoa, R

2017-10-11

Haumea-one of the four known trans-Neptunian dwarf planets-is a very elongated and rapidly rotating body. In contrast to other dwarf planets, its size, shape, albedo and density are not well constrained. The Centaur Chariklo was the first body other than a giant planet known to have a ring system, and the Centaur Chiron was later found to possess something similar to Chariklo's rings. Here we report observations from multiple Earth-based observatories of Haumea passing in front of a distant star (a multi-chord stellar occultation). Secondary events observed around the main body of Haumea are consistent with the presence of a ring with an opacity of 0.5, width of 70 kilometres and radius of about 2,287 kilometres. The ring is coplanar with both Haumea's equator and the orbit of its satellite Hi'iaka. The radius of the ring places it close to the 3:1 mean-motion resonance with Haumea's spin period-that is, Haumea rotates three times on its axis in the time that a ring particle completes one revolution. The occultation by the main body provides an instantaneous elliptical projected shape with axes of about 1,704 kilometres and 1,138 kilometres. Combined with rotational light curves, the occultation constrains the three-dimensional orientation of Haumea and its triaxial shape, which is inconsistent with a homogeneous body in hydrostatic equilibrium. Haumea's largest axis is at least 2,322 kilometres, larger than previously thought, implying an upper limit for its density of 1,885 kilograms per cubic metre and a geometric albedo of 0.51, both smaller than previous estimates. In addition, this estimate of the density of Haumea is closer to that of Pluto than are previous estimates, in line with expectations. No global nitrogen- or methane-dominated atmosphere was detected.

A Decade of Cassini Radio Science Observations of the Saturn System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, R.; Armstrong, J.; Flasar, M.; Iess, L.; Kliore, A.; Marouf, E.; McGhee, C.; Nagy, A.; Rappaport, N.; Schinder, P.; Tortora, P.; Anabtawi, A.; Asmar, S.; Barbinis, E.; Fleischmann, D.; Kahan, D.

2014-04-01

The Cassini Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) on board the Cassini spacecraft has returned a wealth ofinformation about the Saturn system during its first decade of observations. The instrumentation is quite versatile, operating in up to three wavelengths simultaneously (S, X, and Ka bands), and tied to a very stable frequency standard either on board or uplinked to the spacecraft from a maser-controlled transmitter as part of the Deep Space Network. Over the course of the mission so far, dozens of occultations by Saturn's rings have been observed, revealing the detailed structure and scattering properties of the rings at sub-km resolution. A companion set of atmospheric occultations by Saturn and Titan have provided detailed vertical profiles of the temperature of the neutral atmosphere and the electron density of the ionosphere, spanning a range of latitudes and a significant fraction of a Saturn season. Operatin in a bistatic mode, the RSS instrument has transmitted signals to the surface of Titan at the specular point such that the reflected signal is received on the earth, revealing the dielectric properties of Titan's surface. Finally, exquisitely accurate measurements of the gravitationally induced Dopper shift of the RSS transmitted signal have provided measurements of the gravitations fields and probes of the internal structure of several of Saturn's major satellites, most notably indicating the presence of sub-surface oceans on both Titan and Enceladus. During the upcoming three-year finale of the Cassini mission, highlights of the remaining RSS science objectives include high- SNR measurements of the rings at their most favorable geometry of the entire Cassini orbital tour, and a set of close orbital fly-bys of Saturn itself, enabling the determination of the planet's gravitational field to an accuracy comparable to that expected for the Juno mission to Jupiter.

Surface climate responses to explosive volcanic eruptions seen in long European temperature records and mid-to-high latitude tree-ring density around the Northern Hemisphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, P. D.; Moberg, A.; Osborn, T. J.; Briffa, K. R.

Explosive volcanic eruptions are known to have an impact on surface temperatures in the two to three years after the eruption, but our ability to determine the impact is impeded by the paucity of eruptions (3-5 large events each century). We examine the response to large eruptions in instrumental temperature records for the whole Northern Hemisphere (NH) and longer European records using superposed epoch analysis. Despite the limited number of eruptions we separate the volcanoes into two groups: tropical and mid-to-high northern latitude (>40°N). The clearest response is after tropical eruptions, where the NH land temperature average cools significantly in the summer months up to three years after the eruptions, although the timing of the response differs markedly from eruption to eruption. Extending the analysis to three European regions (Fennoscandia, Central England and Central Europe) with longer temperature records shows weakly significant summer cooling after tropical eruptions over Fennoscandia, but no discernible impacts in the other two regions. The Fennoscandian series also indicates slight warming in the first, second and fourth winters (but not the third) following the eruptions, but the significance level is not reached. The lack of statistical significance (in the regional series for both summer and winter) is principally due to the greater variability of the regional series compared to the NH land temperature average, with the small number of eruptions being a contributory factor. After higher latitude eruptions significant cooling is restricted to the late summer in the NH during the eruption year, with little of significance in the longer European regional series. We also assess longer records of tree-ring density from the mid-to-high latitude regions of the NH. This analysis further highlights the dearth of major eruptions (about 20 in the last 600 years) and the differences in the spatial patterns of cooling after the eruptions. The response in the NH average of the exactlydated tree-ring density series, however, is of such a unique character, that extremely anomalous negative values can be used to determine when major eruptions occurred in the past, even though the location of the eruption remains unknown for some dates.

Periodic growth of bacterial colonies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Yoshihiro; Ikeda, Takemasa; Shimada, Hirotoshi; Hiramatsu, Fumiko; Kobayashi, Naoki; Wakita, Jun-ichi; Itoh, Hiroto; Kurosu, Sayuri; Nakatsuchi, Michio; Matsuyama, Tohey; Matsushita, Mitsugu

2005-06-01

The formation of concentric ring colonies by bacterial species Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis has been investigated experimentally, focusing our attention on the dependence of local cell density upon the bacterial motility. It has been confirmed that these concentric ring colonies reflect the periodic change of the bacterial motility between motile cell state and immotile cell state. We conclude that this periodic change is macroscopically determined neither by biological factors (i.e., biological clock) nor by chemical factors (chemotaxis as inhibitor). And our experimental results strongly suggest that the essential factor for the change of the bacterial motility during concentric ring formation is the local cell density.

Red Cedar Invasion Along the Missouri River, South Dakota: Cause and Consequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, S.; Knox, J. C.

2012-12-01

This research evaluates drivers of and ecosystem response to red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) invasion of riparian surfaces downstream of Gavin's Point Dam on the Missouri River. Gavin's Point Dam changed the downstream geomorphology and hydrology of the river and its floodplain by reducing scouring floods and flood-deposited sediment. The native cottonwood species (Populus deltoides) favors cleared surfaces with little to no competitors to establish. Now that there are infrequent erosive floods along the riparian surfaces to remove competitor seeds and seedlings, other vegetation is able to establish. Red cedar is invading the understory of established cottonwood stands and post-dam riparian surfaces. To assess reasons and spatial patterns for the recent invasion of red cedar, a stratified random sampling of soil, tree density and frequency by species, and tree age of 14 forest stands was undertaken along 59 river kilometers of riparian habitat. Soil particle size was determined using laser diffraction and tree ages were estimated from ring counts of tree cores. As an indicator of ecosystem response to invasion, we measured organic matter content in soil collected beneath red cedar and cottonwood trees at three different depths. Of 565 red cedars, only two trees were established before the dam was built. We applied a multiple regression model of red cedar density as a function of cottonwood density and percent sand (63-1000 microns in diameter) in StatPlus© statistical software. Cottonwood density and percent sand are strongly correlated with invasion of red cedar along various riparian surfaces (n = 59, R2 = 0.42, p-values < 0.05). No significant differences exist between organic matter content of soil beneath red cedar and cottonwood trees (p-value > 0.05 for all depths). These findings suggest that the dam's minimization of downstream high-stage flows opened up new habitat for red cedar to establish. Fluvial geomorphic surfaces reflect soil type and cottonwood density and, in turn, predict susceptibility of a surface to red cedar invasion. Nonetheless, soils underlying red cedar and cottonwood trees are functionally similar with regard to soil organic matter content.

Precision flux density measurements of the giant planets at 8420 MHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turegano, J. A.; Klein, M. J.

1981-01-01

Precision measurements of the 3.56 cm flux densities of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are reported. The results are compared with previously published measurements as a means of: (1) remotely sensing long-term changes in the microwave emission from the atmospheres of these planets; (2) measuring the effects of Saturn's rings on the disk temperature as observed from earth at different ring inclination angles.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

N, Rekha T.; Rajkumar, Beulah J. M., E-mail: beulah-rajkumar@yahoo.co.in

Charge transfer properties of pentacene adsorbed on silver is investigated using DFT methods. Optimized geometry of pentacene after adsorption on silver indicates distortion in hexagonal structure of the ring close to the silver cluster and deviations in co-planarity of carbon atoms due to the variations in bond angles and dihedral angles. Theoretically simulated absorption spectrum has a symmetric surface plasmon resonance peak around 486nm corresponding to the transfer of charge from HOMO-2 to LUMO. Theoretical SERS confirms the process of adsorption, tilted orientation of pentacene on silver surface and the charge transfers reported. Localization of electron density arising from redistributionmore » of electrostatic potential together with a reduced bandgap of pentacene after adsorption on silver suggests its utility in the design of electro active organic semiconducting devices.« less

Surface emitting ring quantum cascade lasers for chemical sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szedlak, Rolf; Hayden, Jakob; Martín-Mateos, Pedro; Holzbauer, Martin; Harrer, Andreas; Schwarz, Benedikt; Hinkov, Borislav; MacFarland, Donald; Zederbauer, Tobias; Detz, Hermann; Andrews, Aaron Maxwell; Schrenk, Werner; Acedo, Pablo; Lendl, Bernhard; Strasser, Gottfried

2018-01-01

We review recent advances in chemical sensing applications based on surface emitting ring quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Such lasers can be implemented in monolithically integrated on-chip laser/detector devices forming compact gas sensors, which are based on direct absorption spectroscopy according to the Beer-Lambert law. Furthermore, we present experimental results on radio frequency modulation up to 150 MHz of surface emitting ring QCLs. This technique provides detailed insight into the modulation characteristics of such lasers. The gained knowledge facilitates the utilization of ring QCLs in combination with spectroscopic techniques, such as heterodyne phase-sensitive dispersion spectroscopy for gas detection and analysis.

Analytic model for ring pattern formation by bacterial swarmers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arouh, Scott

2001-03-01

We analyze a model proposed by Medvedev, Kaper, and Kopell (the MKK model) for ring formation in two-dimensional bacterial colonies of Proteus mirabilis. We correct the model to formally include a feature crucial of the ring generation mechanism: a bacterial density threshold to the nonlinear diffusivity of the MKK model. We numerically integrate the model equations, and observe the logarithmic profiles of the bacterial densities near the front. These lead us to define a consolidation front distinct from the colony radius. We find that this consolidation front propagates outward toward the colony radius with a nearly constant velocity. We then implement the corrected MKK equations in two dimensions and compare our results with biological experiment. Our numerical results indicate that the two-dimensional corrected MKK model yields smooth (rather than branched) rings, and that colliding colonies merge if grown in phase but not if grown out of phase. We also introduce a model, based on coupling the MKK model to a nutrient field, for simulating experimentally observed branched rings.

Leak detection aid

DOEpatents

Steeper, Timothy J.

1989-01-01

A leak detection apparatus and method for detecting leaks across an O-ring sealing a flanged surface to a mating surface is an improvement in a flanged surface comprising a shallow groove following O-ring in communication with an entrance and exit port intersecting the shallow groove for injecting and withdrawing, respectively, a leak detection fluid, such as helium. A small quantity of helium injected into the entrance port will flow to the shallow groove, past the O-ring and to the exit port.

Supramolecular organization of pi-conjugated molecules monitored by single-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, Laurent; Almadori, Yann; Belhboub, Anouar; Le Parc, Rozenn; Aznar, Raymond; Dieudonné-George, Philippe; Rahmani, Abdelali; Hermet, Patrick; Fossard, Frédéric; Loiseau, Annick; Jousselme, Bruno; Campidelli, Stéphane; Saito, Takeshi; Wang, Guillaume; Bantignies, Jean-Louis

2016-03-01

Photoactive pi-conjugated molecules (quaterthiophene and phthalocyanine) are either encapsulated into the hollow core of single-walled carbon nanotubes or noncovalently stacked at their outer surface in order to elaborate hybrid nanosystems with new physical properties, providing practical routes to fit different requirements for potential applications. We are interested in the relationship between the structure and the optoelectronic properties. The structural properties are investigated mainly by x-ray diffraction and/or transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We show that the supramolecular organizations of confined quaterthiophenes depend on the nanocontainer size, whereas phthalocyanine encapsulation leads to the formation of a one-dimensional phase for which the angle between the molecule ring and the nanotube axis is close to 32 deg. Confined phthalocyanine molecules display Raman spectra hardly altered with respect to the bulk phase, suggesting a rather weak interaction with the tubes. In contrast, the vibrational properties of the molecules stacked at the outer surface of tubes display important modifications. We assume a significant curvature of the phthalocyanine induced by the interaction with the tube walls and a change of the central atom position within the molecular ring, in good agreement with our density functional theory calculations.

Instability of a rotating liquid ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Sicheng; Tao, Jianjun

2013-09-01

It is shown numerically that a rotating inviscid liquid ring has a temporally oscillating state, where the radius of the ring varies periodically because of the competition between the centrifugal force and the centripetal force caused by the surface tension. Stability analysis reveals that an enlarging or shrinking ring is unstable to a varicose-type mode, which is affected by both the radial velocity and the radius ratio between the cross section and the ring. Furthermore, uniform rotation of a ring leads to a traveling unstable mode, whose frequency is determined by a simple sinuous mode, while the surface shape is modulated by the varicose mode and twisted by the rotation-induced Coriolis force.

Instability of a rotating liquid ring.

PubMed

Zhao, Sicheng; Tao, Jianjun

2013-09-01

It is shown numerically that a rotating inviscid liquid ring has a temporally oscillating state, where the radius of the ring varies periodically because of the competition between the centrifugal force and the centripetal force caused by the surface tension. Stability analysis reveals that an enlarging or shrinking ring is unstable to a varicose-type mode, which is affected by both the radial velocity and the radius ratio between the cross section and the ring. Furthermore, uniform rotation of a ring leads to a traveling unstable mode, whose frequency is determined by a simple sinuous mode, while the surface shape is modulated by the varicose mode and twisted by the rotation-induced Coriolis force.

3D tomographic reconstruction of the terrestrial exosphere and its time-dependent coupling to the magnetospheric ring current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldrop, L.; Cucho-Padin, G.; Ilie, R.

2017-12-01

Charge exchange collisions between ring current ions and hydrogen (H) atoms in the outer exosphere serve to dissipate magnetospheric energy, particularly during the slow recovery phase of geomagnetic storms, through the generation of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) which escape the system. As a result, knowledge of the spatial distribution and temporal variability of exospheric H density is critical for reliable interpretation of ENA flux measurements as well as for accurate modeling of the ring current. Although numerous theoretical, numerical, and empirical H distributions have been used for such analyses, their reliance on ad hoc or unphysical assumptions, together with their inherently static formulations, is a source of significant uncertainty. Our recent development of a robust tomographic technique for the model-independent estimation of global exospheric H density from optical remote sensing data overcomes the limitations of past analysis and enables an unprecedented investigation of global exospheric and ring current dynamics. Here, we present sample results of our 3D, time-dependent reconstructions of exospheric structure, derived from measurements of resonantly scattered solar Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm) photons acquired by the Lyman-alpha detectors (LADs) onboard NASA's Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS) mission. We use the Hot Electron and Ion Drift Integrator (HEIDI) kinetic model of the ring current to investigate the charge exchange interactions between the resulting H density distribution and ring current ions and generate synthetic images of ENA flux for comparison with those measured by TWINS.

Volumes and surface areas of pendular rings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, W.

1958-01-01

A packing of spheres is taken as a suitable model of porous media. The packing may be regular and the sphere size may be uniform, but in general, both should be random. Approximations are developed to give the volumes and surface areas of pendular rings that exist at points of sphere contact. From these, the total free volume and interfacial specific surface area are derived as expressive of the textural character of the packing. It was found that the log-log plot of volumes and surface areas of pendular rings vary linearly with the angle made by the line joining the sphere centers and the line from the center of the largest sphere to the closest edge of the pendular ring. The relationship, moreover, was found not to be very sensitive to variation in the size ratio of the spheres in contact. It also was found that the addition of pendular ring material to various sphere packings results in an unexpected decrease in the surface area of the boundaries that confine the resulting pore space. ?? 1958 The American Institute of Physics.

Surface compositional profiles of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum rings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Magri, Rita; Heun, Stefan; Biasiol, Giorgio

2010-01-04

The surface composition profiles of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum rings (QR) are studied both experimentally and theoretically. By using X-ray Photoemission Electron Microscopy (XPEEM) we obtain a 2D composition mapping of unburied rings, which can be directly related to the QR topography measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Top-surface composition mapping allows us to obtain information on structures which cannot be directly accessed with cross-sectional studies since overgrowing the QRs with a thick GaAs film alters both their morphology and composition. The 2D surface maps reveal a non-uniform distribution across the rings with an In richer InGaAs alloy in the centralmore » hole regions. Elastic energy calculations via a Valence Force Field (VFF) approach show that, for a given shape of the rings and a fixed total number of Ga and In atoms, an In enrichment of the alloy in the central hole region, together with an In enrichment of the surface layers, leads to a lowering of the total strain energy.« less

ETR, TRA642. ON GROUND FLOOR. WITH OUTER THERMAL RING IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ETR, TRA-642. ON GROUND FLOOR. WITH OUTER THERMAL RING IN PLACE AND CONDUIT PRESERVED, HIGH-DENSITY CONCRETE IS PLACED BETWEEN THE THERMAL RING AND THE OUTER REACTOR FORM. INL NEGATIVE NO. 56-2400. Jack L. Anderson, Photographer, 6/10/1956 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

Turbocharger with variable nozzle having vane sealing surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnold, Philippe; Petitjean, Dominique; Ruquart, Anthony

2011-11-15

A variable nozzle for a turbocharger includes a plurality of vanes rotatably mounted on a nozzle ring and disposed in a nozzle flow path defined between the nozzle ring and an opposite nozzle wall. Either or both of the faces of the nozzle ring and nozzle wall include(s) at least one step that defines sealing surfaces positioned to be substantially abutted by airfoil surfaces of the vanes in the closed position of the vanes and to be spaced from the airfoil surfaces in positions other than the closed position. This substantial abutment between the airfoil surfaces and the sealing surfacesmore » serves to substantially prevent exhaust gas from leaking past the ends of the airfoil portions. At the same time, clearances between the nozzle ring face and the end faces of the airfoil portions can be sufficiently large to prevent binding of the vanes under all operating conditions.« less

Wood properties of Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) grown at elevated temperature and carbon dioxide concentration.

PubMed

Kilpeläinen, Antti; Peltola, Heli; Ryyppö, Aija; Sauvala, Kari; Laitinen, Kaisa; Kellomäki, Seppo

2003-09-01

Impacts of elevated temperature and carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) on wood properties of 15-year-old Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) grown under conditions of low nitrogen supply were investigated in open-top chambers. The treatments consisted of (i) ambient temperature and ambient [CO2] (AT+AC), (ii) ambient temperature and elevated [CO2] (AT+EC), (iii) elevated temperature and ambient [CO2] (ET+AC) and (iv) elevated temperature and elevated [CO2] (ET+EC). Wood properties analyzed for the years 1992-1994 included ring width, early- and latewood width and their proportions, intra-ring wood density (minimum, maximum and mean, as well as early- and latewood densities), mean fiber length and chemical composition of the wood (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and acetone extractive concentration). Absolute radial growth over the 3-year period was 54% greater in AT+EC trees and 30 and 25% greater in ET+AC and ET+EC trees, respectively, than in AT+AC trees. Neither elevated temperature nor elevated [CO2] had a statistically significant effect on ring width, early- and latewood widths or their proportions. Both latewood density and maximum intra-ring density were increased by elevated [CO2], whereas fiber length was increased by elevated temperature. Hemicellulose concentration decreased and lignin concentration increased significantly in response to elevated temperature. There were no statistically significant interaction effects of elevated temperature and elevated [CO2] on the wood properties, except on earlywood density.

The Silent Canyon caldera complex: a three-dimensional model based on drill-hole stratigraphy and gravity inversion

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKee, Edwin H.; Hildenbrand, Thomas G.; Anderson, Megan L.; Rowley, Peter D.; Sawyer, David A.

1999-01-01

The structural framework of Pahute Mesa, Nevada, is dominated by the Silent Canyon caldera complex, a buried, multiple collapse caldera complex. Using the boundary surface between low density Tertiary volcanogenic rocks and denser granitic and weakly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks (basement) as the outer fault surfaces for the modeled collapse caldera complex, it is postulated that the caldera complex collapsed on steeply- dipping arcuate faults two, possibly three, times following eruption of at least two major ash-flow tuffs. The caldera and most of its eruptive products are now deeply buried below the surface of Pahute Mesa. Relatively low-density rocks in the caldera complex produce one of the largest gravity lows in the western conterminous United States. Gravity modeling defines a steep sided, cup-shaped depression as much as 6,000 meters (19,800 feet) deep that is surrounded and floored by denser rocks. The steeply dipping surface located between the low-density basin fill and the higher density external rocks is considered to be the surface of the ring faults of the multiple calderas. Extrapolation of this surface upward to the outer, or topographic rim, of the Silent Canyon caldera complex defines the upper part of the caldera collapse structure. Rock units within and outside the Silent Canyon caldera complex are combined into seven hydrostratigraphic units based on their predominant hydrologic characteristics. The caldera structures and other faults on Pahute Mesa are used with the seven hydrostratigraphic units to make a three-dimensional geologic model of Pahute Mesa using the "EarthVision" (Dynamic Graphics, Inc.) modeling computer program. This method allows graphic representation of the geometry of the rocks and produces computer generated cross sections, isopach maps, and three-dimensional oriented diagrams. These products have been created to aid in visualizing and modeling the ground-water flow system beneath Pahute Mesa.

Inspection of wood density by spectrophotometry and a diffractive optical element based sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palviainen, Jari; Silvennoinen, Raimo

2001-03-01

Correlation among gravimetric, spectrophotometric and radiographic data from dried wood samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) was observed. A diffractive optical element (DOE) based sensor was applied to investigate density variations as well as optical anisotropy inside year rings of the wood samples. The correlation between bulk density of wood and spectrophotometric data (reflectance and transmittance) was investigated for the wavelength range 200-850 nm and the highest correlation was found at wavelengths from 800 to 850 nm. The correlation at this wavelength was smaller than the correlation between bulk density and radiography data. The DOE sensor was found to be capable of sensing anisotropy of the wood samples inside the year ring.

Inner hydrogen atom transfer in benzo-fused low symmetrical metal-free tetraazaporphyrin and phthalocyanine analogues: density functional theory studies.

PubMed

Qi, Dongdong; Zhang, Yuexing; Cai, Xue; Jiang, Jianzhuang; Bai, Ming

2009-02-01

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to study the inner hydrogen atom transfer in low symmetrical metal-free tetrapyrrole analogues ranging from tetraazaporphyrin H(2)TAP (A(0)B(0)C(0)D(0)) to naphthalocyanine H(2)Nc (A(2)B(2)C(2)D(2)) via phthalocyanine H(2)Pc (A(1)B(1)C(1)D(1)). All the transition paths of sixteen different compounds (A(0)B(0)C(0)D(0)-A(2)B(2)C(2)D(2) and A(0)B(0)C(m)D(n), m

Mechanical seal having a double-tier mating ring

DOEpatents

Khonsari, Michael M.; Somanchi, Anoop K.

2005-09-13

An apparatus and method to enhance the overall performance of mechanical seals in one of the following ways: by reducing seal face wear, by reducing the contact surface temperature, or by increasing the life span of mechanical seals. The apparatus is a mechanical seal (e.g., single mechanical seals, double mechanical seals, tandem mechanical seals, bellows, pusher mechanical seals, and all types of rotating and reciprocating machines) comprising a rotating ring and a double-tier mating ring. In a preferred embodiment, the double-tier mating ring comprises a first and a second stationary ring that together form an agitation-inducing, guided flow channel to allow for the removal of heat generated at the seal face of the mating ring by channeling a coolant entering the mating ring to a position adjacent to and in close proximity with the interior surface area of the seal face of the mating ring.

Rings and Waves

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-30

Saturn A ring is decorated with several kinds of waves. NASA Cassini spacecraft has captured a host of density waves, a bending wave, and the edge waves on the edge of the Keeler gap caused by the small moon Daphnis.

Potential drug - nanosensor conjugates: Raman, infrared absorption, surface - enhanced Raman, and density functional theory investigations of indolic molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pięta, Ewa; Paluszkiewicz, Czesława; Oćwieja, Magdalena; Kwiatek, Wojciech M.

2017-05-01

An extremely important aspect of planning cancer treatment is not only the drug efficiency but also a number of challenges associated with the side effects and control of this process. That is why it is worth paying attention to the promising potential of the gold nanoparticles combined with a compound treated as a potential drug. This work presents Raman (RS), infrared absorption (IR) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopic investigations of N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin) and α-methyl-DL-tryptophan, regarding as anti breast cancer agents. The experimental spectroscopic analysis was supported by the quantum-chemical calculations based on the B3LYP hybrid density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP 6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The studied compounds were adsorbed onto two colloidal gold nanosensors synthesized by a chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride (SB) and trisodium citrate (TC), respectively. Its morphology characteristics were obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has been suggested that the NH moiety from the aromatic ring, a well-known proton donor, causes the formation of hydrogen bonds with the negatively charged gold surface.

Thin film strain transducer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rand, J. L. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A strain transducer system and process for making the same is disclosed. A beryllium copper ring having four strain gages is electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to the output instrumentation. Tabs are bonded to a balloon or like surface with strain on the surface causing bending of a ring which provides an electrical signal through the gages proportional to the surface strain. A photographic pattern of a one half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium copper for chem-mill etch formation is illustrated.

Leak detection aid

DOEpatents

Steeper, T.J.

1989-12-26

A leak detection apparatus and method for detecting leaks across an O-ring sealing a flanged surface to a mating surface is an improvement in a flanged surface comprising a shallow groove following O-ring in communication with an entrance and exit port intersecting the shallow groove for injecting and withdrawing, respectively, a leak detection fluid, such as helium. A small quantity of helium injected into the entrance port will flow to the shallow groove, past the O-ring and to the exit port. 2 figs.

The Storm Time Ring Current Dynamics and Response to CMEs and CIRs Using Van Allen Probes Observations and CIMI Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bingham, S.; Mouikis, C.; Kistler, L. M.; Fok, M. C. H.; Glocer, A.; Farrugia, C. J.; Gkioulidou, M.; Spence, H. E.

2016-12-01

The ring current responds differently to the different solar and interplanetary storm drivers such as coronal mass injections, (CMEs), and co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs). Delineating the differences in the ring current development between these two drivers will aid our understanding of the ring current dynamics. Using Van Allen Probes observations, we develop an empirical ring current model of the ring current pressure, the pressure anisotropy and the current density development during the storm phases for both types of storm drivers and for all MLTs inside L 6. In addition, we identify the populations (energy and species) responsible. We find that during the storm main phase and the early recovery phase the plasma sheet particles (10-80 keV) convecting from the nightside contribute the most on the ring current pressure and current density. However, during these phases, the main difference between CMEs and CIRs is in the O+ contribution. This empirical model is compared to the results of CIMI simulations of CMEs and CIRs where the model input is comprised of the superposed epoch solar wind conditions of the storms that comprise the empirical model, while different inner magnetosphere boundary conditions will be tested in order to match the empirical model results. Comparing the model and simulation results will fill our understanding of the ring current dynamics as part of the highly coupled inner magnetosphere system.

Heating and cooling of the neutral ISM in the NGC 4736 circumnuclear ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Laan, T. P. R.; Armus, L.; Beirao, P.; Sandstrom, K.; Groves, B.; Schinnerer, E.; Draine, B. T.; Smith, J. D.; Galametz, M.; Wolfire, M.; Croxall, K.; Dale, D.; Herrera Camus, R.; Calzetti, D.; Kennicutt, R. C.

2015-03-01

The manner in which gas accretes and orbits within circumnuclear rings has direct implications for the star formation process. In particular, gas may be compressed and shocked at the inflow points, resulting in bursts of star formation at these locations. Afterwards the gas and young stars move together through the ring. In addition, star formation may occur throughout the ring, if and when the gas reaches sufficient density to collapse under gravity. These two scenarios for star formation in rings are often referred to as the "pearls-on-a-string" and "popcorn" paradigms. In this paper, we use new Herschel/PACS observations, obtained as part of the KINGFISH open time key program, along with archival Spitzer and ground-based observations from the SINGS Legacy project, to investigate the heating and cooling of the interstellar medium in the nearby star-forming ring galaxy, NGC 4736. By comparing spatially resolved estimates of the stellar far-ultraviolet flux available for heating, with the gas and dust cooling derived from the far-infrared continuum and line emission, we show that while star formation is indeed dominant at the inflow points in NGC 4736, additional star formation is needed to balance the gas heating and cooling throughout the ring. This additional component most likely arises from the general increase in gas density in the ring over its lifetime. Our data provide strong evidence, therefore, for a combination of the two paradigms for star formation in the ring in NGC 4736.

Development of large volume double ring penning plasma discharge source for efficient light emissions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prakash, Ram; Vyas, Gheesa Lal; Jain, Jalaj

In this paper, the development of large volume double ring Penning plasma discharge source for efficient light emissions is reported. The developed Penning discharge source consists of two cylindrical end cathodes of stainless steel having radius 6 cm and a gap 5.5 cm between them, which are fitted in the top and bottom flanges of the vacuum chamber. Two stainless steel anode rings with thickness 0.4 cm and inner diameters 6.45 cm having separation 2 cm are kept at the discharge centre. Neodymium (Nd{sub 2}Fe{sub 14}B) permanent magnets are physically inserted behind the cathodes for producing nearly uniform magnetic fieldmore » of {approx}0.1 T at the center. Experiments and simulations have been performed for single and double anode ring configurations using helium gas discharge, which infer that double ring configuration gives better light emissions in the large volume Penning plasma discharge arrangement. The optical emission spectroscopy measurements are used to complement the observations. The spectral line-ratio technique is utilized to determine the electron plasma density. The estimated electron plasma density in double ring plasma configuration is {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 11} cm{sup -3}, which is around one order of magnitude larger than that of single ring arrangement.« less

Development of large volume double ring penning plasma discharge source for efficient light emissions.

PubMed

Prakash, Ram; Vyas, Gheesa Lal; Jain, Jalaj; Prajapati, Jitendra; Pal, Udit Narayan; Chowdhuri, Malay Bikas; Manchanda, Ranjana

2012-12-01

In this paper, the development of large volume double ring Penning plasma discharge source for efficient light emissions is reported. The developed Penning discharge source consists of two cylindrical end cathodes of stainless steel having radius 6 cm and a gap 5.5 cm between them, which are fitted in the top and bottom flanges of the vacuum chamber. Two stainless steel anode rings with thickness 0.4 cm and inner diameters 6.45 cm having separation 2 cm are kept at the discharge centre. Neodymium (Nd(2)Fe(14)B) permanent magnets are physically inserted behind the cathodes for producing nearly uniform magnetic field of ~0.1 T at the center. Experiments and simulations have been performed for single and double anode ring configurations using helium gas discharge, which infer that double ring configuration gives better light emissions in the large volume Penning plasma discharge arrangement. The optical emission spectroscopy measurements are used to complement the observations. The spectral line-ratio technique is utilized to determine the electron plasma density. The estimated electron plasma density in double ring plasma configuration is ~2 × 10(11) cm(-3), which is around one order of magnitude larger than that of single ring arrangement.

In situ Observations of Magnetosonic Waves Modulated by Background Plasma Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, X.; Yuan, Z.; Huang, S.; Wang, D.; Funsten, H. O.

2017-12-01

We report in situ observations by the Van Allen Probe mission that magnetosonic (MS) waves are clearly relevant to appear relevant to the background plasma number density. As the satellite moved across dense and tenuous plasma alternatively, MS waves occurred only in lower density region. As the observed protons with 'ring' distributions provide free energy, local linear growth rates are calculated and show that magnetosonic waves can be locally excited in tenuous plasma. With variations of the background plasma density, the temporal variations of local wave growth rates calculated with the observed proton ring distributions, show a remarkable agreement with those of the observed wave amplitude. Therefore, the paper provides a direct proof that background plasma densities can modulate the amplitudes of magnetosonic waves through controlling the wave growth rates.

Olive tree-ring problematic dating: a comparative analysis on Santorini (Greece).

PubMed

Cherubini, Paolo; Humbel, Turi; Beeckman, Hans; Gärtner, Holger; Mannes, David; Pearson, Charlotte; Schoch, Werner; Tognetti, Roberto; Lev-Yadun, Simcha

2013-01-01

Olive trees are a classic component of Mediterranean environments and some of them are known historically to be very old. In order to evaluate the possibility to use olive tree-rings for dendrochronology, we examined by various methods the reliability of olive tree-rings identification. Dendrochronological analyses of olive trees growing on the Aegean island Santorini (Greece) show that the determination of the number of tree-rings is impossible because of intra-annual wood density fluctuations, variability in tree-ring boundary structure, and restriction of its cambial activity to shifting sectors of the circumference, causing the tree-ring sequences along radii of the same cross section to differ.

Thin film strain transducer. [suitable for in-flight measurement of scientific balloon strain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rand, J. L. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A strain transducer system and process for making same is disclosed wherein a beryllium-copper ring having four strain gages disposed thereon is electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to output instrumentation. Tabs are bonded to a balloon or like surface with strain on the surface causing bending of the ring and providing an electrical signal through the gages proportional to the surface strain. A figure is provided which illustrates a pattern of a one-half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium-copper for chem-mill etch formation, prior to bending and welding of a pair of the segments to form a ring structure.

Voyager to the giant planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, B. A.

The exploration of Jupiter and Saturn by the Pioneer and Voyager probes is reviewed chronologically. Consideration is given to the launching techniques and probe designs; the complex convection patterns in the Jovian atmosphere; the lightning and auroras seen on Jupiter's dark side; the faint Jovian ring; the surfaces of Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa; and the discovery of volcanic activity on Io. The features of Saturn discussed include the earth-like atmospheric jets, the surface and atmosphere of Titan, the orbits of the other satellites, the surface characteristics of Iapetus and Enceladus, the 10,000 ringlets comprising the ring system, the apparent 'spokes' in the rings, and the narrow, knotted F ring. Voyager images of the most significant features are provided.

Refractory lining system for high wear area of high temperature reaction vessel

DOEpatents

Hubble, D.H.; Ulrich, K.H.

1998-04-21

A refractory-lined high temperature reaction vessel comprises a refractory ring lining constructed of refractory brick, a cooler, and a heat transfer medium disposed between the refractory ring lining and the cooler. The refractory brick comprises magnesia (MgO) and graphite. The heat transfer medium contacts the refractory brick and a cooling surface of the cooler, and is composed of a material that accommodates relative movement between the refractory brick and the cooler. The brick is manufactured such that the graphite has an orientation providing a high thermal conductivity in the lengthwise direction through the brick that is higher than the thermal conductivity in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The graphite preferably is flake graphite, in the range of about 10 to 20 wt %, and has a size distribution selected to provide maximum brick density. The reaction vessel may be used for performing a reaction process including the steps of forming a layer of slag on a melt in the vessel, the slag having a softening point temperature range, and forming a protective frozen layer of slag on the interior-facing surface of the refractory lining in at least a portion of a zone where the surface contacts the layer of slag, the protective frozen layer being maintained at or about the softening point of the slag. 10 figs.

Refractory lining system for high wear area of high temperature reaction vessel

DOEpatents

Hubble, D.H.; Ulrich, K.H.

1998-09-22

A refractory-lined high temperature reaction vessel comprises a refractory ring lining constructed of refractory brick, a cooler, and a heat transfer medium disposed between the refractory ring lining and the cooler. The refractory brick comprises magnesia (MgO) and graphite. The heat transfer medium contacts the refractory brick and a cooling surface of the cooler, and is composed of a material that accommodates relative movement between the refractory brick and the cooler. The brick is manufactured such that the graphite has an orientation providing a high thermal conductivity in the lengthwise direction through the brick that is higher than the thermal conductivity in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The graphite preferably is flake graphite, in the range of about 10 to 20 wt %, and has a size distribution selected to provide maximum brick density. The reaction vessel may be used for performing a reaction process including the steps of forming a layer of slag on a melt in the vessel, the slag having a softening point temperature range, and forming a protective frozen layer of slag on the interior-facing surface of the refractory lining in at least a portion of a zone where the surface contacts the layer of slag, the protective frozen layer being maintained at or about the softening point of the slag. 10 figs.

Rings and gaps in the disc around Elias 24 revealed by ALMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dipierro, G.; Ricci, L.; Pérez, L.; Lodato, G.; Alexander, R. D.; Laibe, G.; Andrews, S.; Carpenter, J. M.; Chandler, C. J.; Greaves, J. A.; Hall, C.; Henning, T.; Kwon, W.; Linz, H.; Mundy, L.; Sargent, A.; Tazzari, M.; Testi, L.; Wilner, D.

2018-04-01

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) Cycle 2 observations of the 1.3-mm dust continuum emission of the protoplanetary disc surrounding the T Tauri star Elias 24 with an angular resolution of ˜0.2 arcsec (˜28 au). The dust continuum emission map reveals a dark ring at a radial distance of 0.47 arcsec (˜65 au) from the central star, surrounded by a bright ring at 0.58 arcsec (˜81 au). In the outer disc, the radial intensity profile shows two inflection points at 0.71 and 0.87 arcsec (˜99 and 121 au, respectively). We perform global three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamic gas/dust simulations of discs hosting a migrating and accreting planet. Combining the dust density maps of small and large grains with three-dimensional radiative transfer calculations, we produce synthetic ALMA observations of a variety of disc models in order to reproduce the gap- and ring-like features observed in Elias 24. We find that the dust emission across the disc is consistent with the presence of an embedded planet with a mass of ˜0.7 MJ at an orbital radius of ˜ 60 au. Our model suggests that the two inflection points in the radial intensity profile are due to the inward radial motion of large dust grains from the outer disc. The surface brightness map of our disc model provides a reasonable match to the gap- and ring-like structures observed in Elias 24, with an average discrepancy of ˜5 per cent of the observed fluxes around the gap region.

Modeling regional and climatic variation of wood density and ring width in intensively managed Douglas-fir

Treesearch

Cosmin N. Filipescue; Eini C. Lowell; Ross Koppenaal; Al K. Mitchell

2014-01-01

Characteristics of annual rings are reliable indicators of growth and wood quality in trees. The main objective of our study was to model the variation in annual ring attributes due to intensive silviculture and inherent regional differences in climate and site across a wide geographic range of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco)....

Moon Waves and Moon Wakes

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-01-30

This Cassini image features a density wave in Saturn's A ring (at left) that lies around 134,500 km from Saturn. Density waves are accumulations of particles at certain distances from the planet. This feature is filled with clumpy perturbations, which researchers informally refer to as "straw." The wave itself is created by the gravity of the moons Janus and Epimetheus, which share the same orbit around Saturn. Elsewhere, the scene is dominated by "wakes" from a recent pass of the ring moon Pan. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft wide-angle camera on Dec. 18, 2016. The view was obtained at a distance of approximately 34,000 miles (56,000 kilometers) from the rings and looks toward the unilluminated side of the rings. Image scale is about a quarter-mile (340 meters) per pixel. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21060

Effect of anode ring arrangement on the spectroscopic characteristics of the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, R. W.

1974-01-01

The modified Penning discharge in the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus is normally produced by an anode ring at high voltage in each of the 12 magnetic mirror midplanes. For this investigation, the plasma was run with 12, 6, 3, and 1 anode rings. When 3 anode rings were used, the spectroscopically determined relative electron density and mean ion residence time increased by factors of 10 and 5, respectively, in one mode of operation. The discharge is observed to uniformly fill all bumps around the torus regardless of the anode arrangement and number. A plasma density on axis of 100 billion per cu cm is estimated for the 3-anode case in one mode of operation based on an observed discharge current to ion loss rate correlation and a measured mean ion residence time of .5 msec.

Effect of anode ring arrangement on the spectroscopic characteristics of the NASA Lewis bumpy torus plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, R. W.

1974-01-01

The modified Penning discharge in the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus is normally produced by an anode ring at high voltage in each of the 12 magnetic mirror midplanes. For this investigation, the plasma was run with 12, 6, 3, and 1 anode rings. When 3 anode rings were used, the spectroscopically determined relative electron density and mean ion residence time increase by factors of 10 and 5, respectively, in one mode of operation. The discharge is observed to uniformly fill all bumps around the torus regardless of the anode arrangement and number. A plasma density on axis of 10 to the 11th power cm/3 is estimated for the 3 anode case in one mode of operation based on an observed discharge current to ion loss rate correlation and a measured mean ion residence time of .5 msec.

Density engineering of an oscillating soliton/vortex ring in a Bose-Einstein condensate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Shahar; Shomroni, Itay; Lahoud, Elias; Steinhauer, Jeff

2008-05-01

We study solitons in a Bose-Einstein condensate by engineering a density minimum on the healing length scale, using a far off-resonant laser beam. This results in a pair of counterpropagating solitons, which is the low collisional energy version of the celebrated matter wave interference pattern [M. R. Andrews et al., Science 275, 637 (1997)]. The solitons subsequently evolve into a pair of periodic soliton/vortex rings. We image the vortex rings and solitons in-situ on the healing length scale. This stable periodic evolution is in sharp contrast to the behavior of previous experiments in which the solitons decay irreversibly into vortex rings via the snake instability. The periodic oscillation between two qualitatively different forms seems to be a rare phenomenon in nature. We explain this phenomenon in terms of conservation of mass and energy in a narrow condensate.

Down to the roughness scale assessment of piston-ring/liner contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Checo, H. M.; Jaramillo, A.; Ausas, R. F.; Jai, M.; Buscaglia, G. C.

2017-02-01

The effects of surface roughness in hydrodynamic bearings been accounted for through several approaches, the most widely used being averaging or stochastic techniques. With these the surface is not treated “as it is”, but by means of an assumed probability distribution for the roughness. The so called direct, deterministic or measured-surface simulation) solve the lubrication problem with realistic surfaces down to the roughness scale. This leads to expensive computational problems. Most researchers have tackled this problem considering non-moving surfaces and neglecting the ring dynamics to reduce the computational burden. What is proposed here is to solve the fully-deterministic simulation both in space and in time, so that the actual movement of the surfaces and the rings dynamics are taken into account. This simulation is much more complex than previous ones, as it is intrinsically transient. The feasibility of these fully-deterministic simulations is illustrated two cases: fully deterministic simulation of liner surfaces with diverse finishings (honed and coated bores) with constant piston velocity and load on the ring and also in real engine conditions.

Magnetic record associated with tree ring density: Possible climate proxy

PubMed Central

Kletetschka, Gunther; Pruner, Petr; Venhodova, Daniela; Kadlec, Jaroslav

2007-01-01

A magnetic signature of tree rings was tested as a potential paleo-climatic indicator. We examined wood from sequoia tree, located in Mountain Home State Forest, California, whose tree ring record spans over the period 600 – 1700 A.D. We measured low and high-field magnetic susceptibility, the natural remanent magnetization (NRM), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), and stability against thermal and alternating field (AF) demagnetization. Magnetic investigation of the 200 mm long sequoia material suggests that magnetic efficiency of natural remanence may be a sensitive paleoclimate indicator because it is substantially higher (in average >1%) during the Medieval Warm Epoch (700–1300 A.D.) than during the Little Ice Age (1300–1850 A.D.) where it is <1%. Diamagnetic behavior has been noted to be prevalent in regions with higher tree ring density. The mineralogical nature of the remanence carrier was not directly detected but maghemite is suggested due to low coercivity and absence of Verwey transition. Tree ring density, along with the wood's magnetic remanence efficiency, records the Little Ice Age (LIA) well documented in Europe. Such a record suggests that the European LIA was a global phenomenon. Magnetic analysis of the thermal stability reveals the blocking temperatures near 200 degree C. This phenomenon suggests that the remanent component in this tree may be thermal in origin and was controlled by local thermal condition. PMID:17381844

CO2 adsorption-assisted CH4 desorption on carbon models of coal surface: A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, He; Chu, Wei; Huang, Xia; Sun, Wenjing; Jiang, Chengfa; Liu, Zhongqing

2016-07-01

Injection of CO2 into coal is known to improve the yields of coal-bed methane gas. However, the technology of CO2 injection-enhanced coal-bed methane (CO2-ECBM) recovery is still in its infancy with an unclear mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of CO2 adsorption-assisted CH4 desorption (AAD). To simulate coal surfaces, different six-ring aromatic clusters (2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, and 7 × 7) were used as simplified graphene (Gr) carbon models. The adsorption and desorption of CH4 and/or CO2 on these carbon models were assessed. The results showed that a six-ring aromatic cluster model (4 × 4) can simulate the coal surface with limited approximation. The adsorption of CO2 onto these carbon models was more stable than that in the case of CH4. Further, the adsorption energies of single CH4 and CO2 in the more stable site were -15.58 and -18.16 kJ/mol, respectively. When two molecules (CO2 and CH4) interact with the surface, CO2 compels CH4 to adsorb onto the less stable site, with a resulting significant decrease in the adsorption energy of CH4 onto the surface of the carbon model with pre-adsorbed CO2. The Mulliken charges and electrostatic potentials of CH4 and CO2 adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon model were compared to determine their respective adsorption activities and changes. At the molecular level, our results showed that the adsorption of the injected CO2 promoted the desorption of CH4, the underlying mechanism of CO2-ECBM.

Generation of multiple toroidal dust vortices by a non-monotonic density gradient in a direct current glow discharge plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaur, Manjit, E-mail: manjit@ipr.res.in; Bose, Sayak; Chattopadhyay, P. K.

2015-09-15

Observation of two well-separated dust vortices in an unmagnetized parallel plate DC glow discharge plasma is reported in this paper. A non-monotonic radial density profile, achieved by an especially designed cathode structure using a concentric metallic disk and ring of different radii, is observed to produce double dust tori between cathode and anode. PIV analysis of the still images of the double tori shows oppositely rotating dust structures between the central disk and the ring. Langmuir probe measurements of background plasma shows a non-uniform plasma density profile between the disk and the ring. Location and sense of rotation of themore » dust vortices coincides with the location and direction of the radial gradient in the ion drag force caused by the radial density gradient. The experimentally observed dust vorticity matches well with the calculated one using hydrodynamic formulations with shear in ion drag dominating over the dust charge gradient. These results corroborate that a radial gradient in the ion drag force directed towards cathode is the principal cause of dust rotation.« less

Axisymmetric contour dynamics for buoyant vortex rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Ching; Llewellyn Smith, Stefan

2017-11-01

Vortex rings are important in many fluid flows in engineering and environmental applications. A family of steady propagating vortex rings including thin-core rings and Hill's spherical vortex was obtained by Norbury (1973). However, the dynamics of vortex rings in the presence of buoyancy has not been investigated yet in detail. When the core of a ring is thin, we may formulate reduced equations using momentum balance for vortex filaments, but that is not the case for ``fat'' rings. In our study, we use contour dynamics to study the time evolution of axisymmetric vortex rings when the density of the fluid inside the ring differs from that of the ambient. Axisymmetry leads to an almost-conserved material variable when the Boussinesq approximation is made. A set of integro-differential equations is solved numerically for these buoyant vortex rings. The same physical settings are also used to run a DNS code and compare to the results from contour dynamics.

Plasma deposited rider rings for hot displacer

DOEpatents

Kroebig, Helmut L.

1976-01-01

A hot cylinder for a cryogenic refrigerator having two plasma spray deposited rider rings of a corrosion and abrasion resistant material provided in the rider ring grooves, wherein the rider rings are machined to the desired diameter and width after deposition. The rider rings have gas flow flats machined on their outer surface.

Stirling engine piston ring

DOEpatents

Howarth, Roy B.

1983-01-01

A piston ring design for a Stirling engine wherein the contact pressure between the piston and the cylinder is maintained at a uniform level, independent of engine conditions through a balancing of the pressure exerted upon the ring's surface and thereby allowing the contact pressure on the ring to be predetermined through the use of a preloaded expander ring.

Analysis of the morphology, stability, and folding pathways of ring polymers with supramolecular topological constraints using molecular simulation and nonlinear manifold learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiang; Ferguson, Andrew

Ring polymers offer a wide range of natural and engineered functions and applications, including as circular bacterial DNA, crown ethers for cation chelation, and ``molecular machines'' such as mechanical nanoswitches. The morphology and dynamics of ring polymers are governed by the chemistry and degree of polymerization of the ring, and intramolecular and supramolecular topological constraints such as knots or mechanically-interlocked rings. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of polyethylene ring polymers as a function of degree of polymerization and in different topological states, including a knotted state, catenane state (two interlocked rings), and borromean state (three interlocked rings). Applying nonlinear manifold learning to our all-atom simulation trajectories, we extract low-dimensional free energy surfaces governing the accessible conformational states and their relative thermodynamic stability. The free energy surfaces reveal how degree of polymerization and topological constraints affect the thermally accessible conformations, chiral symmetry breaking, and folding and collapse pathways of the rings, and present a means to rationally engineer ring size and topology to preferentially stabilize particular conformational states.

ARC-1979-A79-7101

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-07-10

Range : 1,550,000 km ( 961,000 miles ) These high resolution pictures of Jupiter's ring were obtained by Voyager 2 some 26 hrs. past the planet, 2 degrees below the ring plane. The forward scattering of sunlight reveals a radial distribution and density gradient of very small particles extending inward from the ring toward Jupiter. There is an indication of structure within the ring, but unfortunatly the spacecrafts motion during these long exposures blurred out the highest resolution detail, particularly in the frame at right.

Using intra annual density fluctuations and d13C to assess the impact of summer drought on Mediterranean ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battipaglia, G.; Brand, W. A.; Linke, P.; Schaefer, I.; Noetzli, M.; Cherubini, P.

2009-04-01

Tree- ring growth and wood density have been used extensively as indicators of climate change, and tree-ring has been commonly applied as a proxy estimate for seasonal integration of temperatures and precipitation with annual resolution (Hughes 2002). While these relationships have been well established in temperate ecosystems (Fritts, 1976; Schweingruber, 1988, Briffa et al., 1998, 2004), in Mediterranean region dendrochronological studies are still scarce (Cherubini et al, 2003). In Mediterranean environment, trees may form intra-annual density fluctuations, also called "false rings" or "double rings" (Tingley 1937; Schulman 1938). They are usually induced by sudden drought events, occurring during the vegetative period, and, allowing intra-annual resolution, they may provide detailed information at a seasonal level, as well as species-specific sensitivity to drought. We investigated the variability of tree- ring width and carbon stable isotopes of a Mediterranean species, Arbutus unedo L., sampled on Elba island, (Tuscany, Italy). The samples were taken at two different sites, one characterized by wet and one by dry conditions. d13C was measured using Laser- Ablation- Combustion -GC-IRMS. Here, we present first results showing the impact of drought on tree growth and on false ring formation at the different sites and we underline the importance of using Laser Ablation to infer drought impact at the intra -annual level. Briffa KR, Schweingruber FH, Jones PD, Osborn TJ, Harris IC, Shiyatov SG, Vaganov EA, Grudd H (1998) Trees tell of past climates: but are they speaking less clearly today? Phil Transact Royal Soc London 353:65-73 Briffa KR, Osborn TJ, Schweingruber FH (2004) Large-scale temperature inferences from tree rings: a review. Glob Panet Change 40:11-26 Cherubini, P., B.L. Gartner, R. Tognetti, O.U. Bräker, W. Schoch & J.L. Innes. 2003. Identification, measurement and interpretation of tree rings in woody species from Mediterranean climates. Biol. Rev. 78: 119-14 Fritts, H.C. 1976. Tree rings and climate. Academic Press, London, UK. Hughes, M.K. 2002. Dendrochronology in climatology - the state of the art. Dendrochronologia 20: 95-116. Schulman, E. 1938. Classification of false annual rings in Monterey pine. Tree-Ring Bull. 4:4-7 Schweingruber FH (1988) Tree-ring: Basics and applications of dendrochronology. Reidel. Publ., Dordrecht, 276 p Tingley, M.A. 1937. Double growth rings in Red Astrachan. Proc. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 34: 61.

Exocometary gas in the HD 181327 debris ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marino, S.; Matrà, L.; Stark, C.; Wyatt, M. C.; Casassus, S.; Kennedy, G.; Rodriguez, D.; Zuckerman, B.; Perez, S.; Dent, W. R. F.; Kuchner, M.; Hughes, A. M.; Schneider, G.; Steele, A.; Roberge, A.; Donaldson, J.; Nesvold, E.

2016-08-01

An increasing number of observations have shown that gaseous debris discs are not an exception. However, until now, we only knew of cases around A stars. Here we present the first detection of 12CO (2-1) disc emission around an F star, HD 181327, obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations at 1.3 mm. The continuum and CO emission are resolved into an axisymmetric disc with ring-like morphology. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method coupled with radiative transfer calculations, we study the dust and CO mass distribution. We find the dust is distributed in a ring with a radius of 86.0 ± 0.4 au and a radial width of 23.2 ± 1.0 au. At this frequency, the ring radius is smaller than in the optical, revealing grain size segregation expected due to radiation pressure. We also report on the detection of low-level continuum emission beyond the main ring out to ˜200 au. We model the CO emission in the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium regime and we find that the CO is co-located with the dust, with a total CO gas mass ranging between 1.2 × 10-6 M⊕ and 2.9 × 10-6 M⊕, depending on the gas kinetic temperature and collisional partners densities. The CO densities and location suggest a secondary origin, I.e. released from icy planetesimals in the ring. We derive a CO+CO2 cometary composition that is consistent with Solar system comets. Due to the low gas densities, it is unlikely that the gas is shaping the dust distribution.

Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Observations at Saturn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, D. A.; Kurth, W. S.; Hospodarsky, G. B.; Persoon, A. M.; Averkamp, T. F.; Ceccni, B.; Lecacheux, A.; Zarka, P.; Canu, P.; Cornilleau-Wehrlin, N.

2005-01-01

Results are presented from the Cassini radio and plasma wave instrument during the approach and first few orbits around Saturn. During the approach the intensity modulation of Saturn Kilometric Radiation (SKR) showed that the radio rotation period of Saturn has increased to 10 hr 45 min plus or minus 36 sec, about 6 min longer than measured by Voyager in 1980-81. Also, many intense impulsive radio signals called Saturn Electrostatic Discharges (SEDs) were detected from saturnian lightning, starting as far as 1.08 AU from Saturn, much farther than terrestrial lightning can be detected from Earth. Some of the SED episodes have been linked to cloud systems observed in Saturn s atmosphere by the Cassini imaging system. Within the magnetosphere plasma wave emissions have been used to construct an electron density profile through the inner region of the magnetosphere. With decreasing radial distance the electron density increases gradually to a peak of about 100 per cubic centimeter near the outer edge of the A ring, and then drops precipitously to values as low as .03 per cubic centimeter over the rings. Numerous nearly monochromatic whistler-mode emissions were observed as the spacecraft passed over the rings that are believed to be produced by meteoroid impacts on the rings. Whistlermode emissions, similar to terrestrial auroral hiss were also observed over the rings, indicating that an electrodynamic interaction, similar to auroral particle acceleration, may be occurring in or near the rings. During the Titan flybys Langmuir probe and plasma wave measurements provided observations of the density and temperature in Titan's ionosphere.

MeV proton flux predictions near Saturn's D ring.

PubMed

Kollmann, P; Roussos, E; Kotova, A; Cooper, J F; Mitchell, D G; Krupp, N; Paranicas, C

2015-10-01

Radiation belts of MeV protons have been observed just outward of Saturn's main rings. During the final stages of the mission, the Cassini spacecraft will pass through the gap between the main rings and the planet. Based on how the known radiation belts of Saturn are formed, it is expected that MeV protons will be present in this gap and also bounce through the tenuous D ring right outside the gap. At least one model has suggested that the intensity of MeV protons near the planet could be much larger than in the known belts. We model this inner radiation belt using a technique developed earlier to understand Saturn's known radiation belts. We find that the inner belt is very different from the outer belts in the sense that its intensity is limited by the densities of the D ring and Saturn's upper atmosphere, not by radial diffusion and satellite absorption. The atmospheric density is relatively well constrained by EUV occultations. Based on that we predict an intensity in the gap region that is well below that of the known belts. It is more difficult to do the same for the region magnetically connected to the D ring since its density is poorly constrained. We find that the intensity in this region can be comparable to the known belts. Such intensities pose no hazard to the mission since Cassini would only experience these fluxes on timescales of minutes but might affect scientific measurements by decreasing the signal-to-contamination ratio of instruments.

Evaluation of ion collection area in Faraday probes.

PubMed

Brown, Daniel L; Gallimore, Alec D

2010-06-01

A Faraday probe with three concentric rings was designed and fabricated to assess the effect of gap width and collector diameter in a systematic study of the diagnostic ion collection area. The nested Faraday probe consisted of two concentric collector rings and an outer guard ring, which enabled simultaneous current density measurements on the inner and outer collectors. Two versions of the outer collector were fabricated to create gaps of 0.5 and 1.5 mm between the rings. Distribution of current density in the plume of a low-power Hall thruster ion source was measured in azimuthal sweeps at constant radius from 8 to 20 thruster diameters downstream of the exit plane with variation in facility background pressure. A new analytical technique is proposed to account for ions collected in the gap between the Faraday probe collector and guard ring. This method is shown to exhibit excellent agreement between all nested Faraday probe configurations, and to reduce the magnitude of integrated ion beam current to levels consistent with Hall thruster performance analyses. The technique is further studied by varying the guard ring bias potential with a fixed collector bias potential, thereby controlling ion collection in the gap. Results are in agreement with predictions based on the proposed analytical technique. The method is applied to a past study comparing the measured ion current density profiles of two Faraday probe designs. These findings provide new insight into the nature of ion collection in Faraday probe diagnostics, and lead to improved accuracy with a significant reduction in measurement uncertainty.

Intra-annual variability of anatomical structure and δ13C values within tree rings of spruce and pine in alpine, temperate and boreal Europe

PubMed Central

Vaganov, Eugene A.; Skomarkova, Marina V.; Knohl, Alexander; Brand, Willi A.; Roscher, Christiane

2009-01-01

Tree-ring width, wood density, anatomical structure and 13C/12C ratios expressed as δ13C-values of whole wood of Picea abies were investigated for trees growing in closed canopy forest stands. Samples were collected from the alpine Renon site in North Italy, the lowland Hainich site in Central Germany and the boreal Flakaliden site in North Sweden. In addition, Pinus cembra was studied at the alpine site and Pinus sylvestris at the boreal site. The density profiles of tree rings were measured using the DENDRO-2003 densitometer, δ13C was measured using high-resolution laser-ablation-combustion-gas chromatography-infra-red mass spectrometry and anatomical characteristics of tree rings (tracheid diameter, cell-wall thickness, cell-wall area and cell-lumen area) were measured using an image analyzer. Based on long-term statistics, climatic variables, such as temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and vapor pressure deficit, explained <20% of the variation in tree-ring width and wood density over consecutive years, while 29–58% of the variation in tree-ring width were explained by autocorrelation between tree rings. An intensive study of tree rings between 1999 and 2003 revealed that tree ring width and δ13C-values of whole wood were significantly correlated with length of the growing season, net radiation and vapor pressure deficit. The δ13C-values were not correlated with precipitation or temperature. A highly significant correlation was also found between δ13C of the early wood of one year and the late wood of the previous year, indicating a carry-over effect of the growing conditions of the previous season on current wood production. This latter effect may explain the high autocorrelation of long-term tree-ring statistics. The pattern, however, was complex, showing stepwise decreases as well as stepwise increases in the δ13C between late wood and early wood. The results are interpreted in the context of the biochemistry of wood formation and its linkage to storage products. It is clear that the relations between δ13C and tree-ring width and climate are multi-factorial in seasonal climates. PMID:19653008

Neutral and Plasma Sources in the Saturn's Magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurac, S.; Johnson, R. E.

1999-05-01

The heavy ion plasma in Saturnian inner magnetosphere is derived from the icy satellites and ring particles imbedded in the plasma. Recent Hubble Space Telescope measurements of the densities of neutral OH molecules which co-exist with and are precursors of the plasma ions have constrained models for the plasma sources. Richardson et al (1998) considered all existing HST observations and derived water-like neutral densities and estimated required sources to maintain equilibrium. Their neutral densities show maximum close to Enceladus (where the E-ring density peaks) and their total neutral source rate needed to maintain neutrals in steady state is for an order of magnitude larger than source rate given by Shi et al (1995). We model the sputtering of water-ice using the recently developed Monte-Carlo collisional transport code, and calculate neutral supply rates from sputtering of Enceladus and the E-ring. This collisional code, used previously to evaluate sputtering from the interstellar grains (Jurac et al, 1998) is modified to include electronic processes relevant to water-ice sputtering, and then applied to the E-ring grains. It is shown that the grain erosion rate increases substantially when the ion penetration depth becomes comparable to the grain radius. The sputtering and collection rates for plasma ions and neutrals are evaluated and it is shown that the E-ring might be the dominant source of water-like neutrals in the Saturnian magnetosphere. We also describe competition between grain growth and erosion and discuss implications to the existing E-ring evolutionary models. References: Jurac S., R. E. Johnson, B. Donn; Astroph. J. 503, 247, 1998 Richardson, J. D., A. Eviatar, M. A. McGrath, V. M. Vasyliunas; J. Geophys. Res., 103, 20245, 1998 Shi, M., R.A. Baragiola, D.E. Grosjean, R.E. Johnson, S. Jurac and J. Schou; J. Geophys. Res., 100, 26387, 1995.

Effect of temperature and O-ring gland finish on sealing ability of Viton V747-75

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lach, Cynthia L.

1993-01-01

As a part of the redesign project of the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor (SRM) following the Challenger accident, the field joint was redesigned to minimize the relative joint motion caused by internal motor pressurization during ignition. The O-ring seals and glands for the field joint were designed both to accommodate structural deflections and to promote pressure-assisted sealing. Tests were conducted in various face seal fixtures to evaluate the ability of Viton V747-75 O-rings to seal for a range of temperatures and surface finishes of the redesigned O-ring gland. The effect of surface finish on the sealing performance and wear characteristics of the O-rings was evaluated during simulated launch conditions that included low-frequency vibrations, gap openings, and rapid pressurizations. The effect of contamination on the sealing performance was also investigated. The O-rings sealed throughout the 75 deg F leak check test and for the seal tests from 50 deg F to 120 deg F for the range of surface finishes investigated. Although abrasions were found in the O-rings from pressurization against the rougher finishes, these abrasions were not detrimental to sealing. Below 50 deg F, Viton V747-75 O-rings were insufficiently resilient to track the test gap opening.

Tailoring of quantum dot emission efficiency by localized surface plasmon polaritons in self-organized mesoscopic rings.

PubMed

Margapoti, Emanuela; Gentili, Denis; Amelia, Matteo; Credi, Alberto; Morandi, Vittorio; Cavallini, Massimiliano

2014-01-21

We report on the tailoring of quantum dot (QD) emission efficiency by localized surface plasmon polaritons in self-organized mesoscopic rings. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with CdSe QDs embedded in a polymeric matrix are spatially organised in mesoscopic rings and coupled in a tuneable fashion by breath figure formation. The mean distance between NPs and QDs and consequently the intensity of QD photoluminescence, which is enhanced by the coupling of surface plasmons and excitons, are tuned by acting on the NP concentration.

TMV Disk Scaffolds for Making sub-30 nm Silver Nanorings.

PubMed

Bayram, Serene; Zahr, Omar; Del Re, Julia; Blum, Amy Szuchmacher

2018-01-01

Nanosized bioscaffolds can be utilized to tackle the challenge of size reduction of metallic rings owing to their miniature features as well as their well-known biomineralization capacity. The tobacco mosaic virus coat protein is used as a command surface to grow and assemble silver nanoparticles into sub-30 nm rings. The versatility of TMV allows the formation of both solid silver rings and rings consisting of discrete silver nanoparticles. The pH-dependent coulombic surface map along with the annular geometry of the protein aggregate allow the generation of rings with or without a central nanoparticle. Our silver rings are believed to be the smallest to date, and they can offer a test material for existing theories on metallic nanorings of this heretofore unreached size scale.

Mechanical seal having a single-piece, perforated mating ring

DOEpatents

Khonsari, Michael M [Baton Rouge, LA; Somanchi, Anoop K [Fremont, CA

2007-08-07

A mechanical seal (e.g., single mechanical seals, double mechanical seals, tandem mechanical seals, bellows, pusher mechanical seals, and all types of rotating and reciprocating machines) with reduced contact surface temperature, reduced contact surface wear, or increased life span. The mechanical seal comprises a rotating ring and a single-piece, perforated mating ring, which improves heat transfer by controllably channeling coolant flow through the single-piece mating ring such that the coolant is in substantially uniform thermal contact with a substantial portion of the interior surface area of the seal face, while maintaining the structural integrity of the mechanical seal and minimizing the potential for coolant flow interruptions to the seal face caused by debris or contaminants (e.g., small solids and trash) in the coolant.

Analyses of layer-thickness effects in bilayered dental ceramics subjected to thermal stresses and ring-on-ring tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsueh, Chun-Hway; Thompson, G. A.; Jadaan, Osama M.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stress distribution through the thickness of bilayered dental ceramics subjected to both thermal stresses and ring-on-ring tests and to systematically examine how the individual layer thickness influences this stress distribution and the failure origin. Methods. Ring-on-ring tests were performed on In-Ceram Alumina/Vitadur Alpha porcelain bilayered disks with porcelain in the tensile side, and In-Ceram Alumina to porcelain layer thickness ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 were used to characterize the failure origins as either surface or interface. Based on the thermomechanical properties and thickness of each layer, the cooling temperaturemore » from glass transition temperature, and the ring-on-ring loading configuration, the stress distribution through the thickness of the bilayer was calculated using closed-form solutions. Finite element analyses were also performed to verify the analytical results. Results. The calculated stress distributions showed that the location of maximum tension during testing shifted from the porcelain surface to the In-Ceram Alumina/porcelain interface when the relative layer thickness ratio changed from 1:2 to 1:1 and to 2:1. This trend is in agreement with the experimental observations of the failure origins. Significance. For bilayered dental ceramics subjected to ring-on-ring tests, the location of maximum tension can shift from the surface to the interface depending upon the layer thickness ratio. The closed-form solutions for bilayers subjected to both thermal stresses and ring-on-ring tests are explicitly formulated which allow the biaxial strength of the bilayer to be evaluated.« less

Redefining Molecular Amphipathicity in Reversing the "Coffee-Ring Effect": Implications for Single Base Mutation Detection.

PubMed

Huang, Chi; Wang, Jie; Lv, Xiaobo; Liu, Liu; Liang, Ling; Hu, Wei; Luo, Changliang; Wang, Fubing; Yuan, Quan

2018-05-21

The "coffee ring effect" is a natural phenomenon where sessile drops leave ring-shaped structures on solid surfaces upon drying. It drives non-uniform deposition of suspended compounds on substrates, which adversely affects many processes, including surface-assisted biosensing and molecular self-assembly. In this study, we describe how the coffee ring effect can be eliminated by controlling the amphipathicity of the suspended compounds, for example DNA modified with hydrophobic dye. Specifically, nuclease digestion of the hydrophilic DNA end converts the dye-labeled molecule into an amphipathic molecule (one with comparably weighted hydrophobic and hydrophilic ends) and reverses the coffee ring effect and results in uniform disc-shaped feature deposition of the dye. The amphipathic product decreases the surface tension of the sessile drops and induces Marangoni flow, which drives the uniform distribution of the amphipathic dye-labeled product in the drops. As proof-of-concept, this strategy was used in a novel enzymatic amplification method for biosensing to eliminate the coffee ring effect on a nitrocellulose membrane and increase assay reliability and sensitivity. Importantly, the reported strategy for eliminating the coffee ring effect can be extended to other sessile drop systems for potentially improving assay reliability, and sensitivity.

Structural analysis and the effect of cyclo(His-Pro) dipeptide on neurotoxins--a dynamics and density functional theory study.

PubMed

Abiram, Angamuthu; Kolandaivel, Ponmalai

2010-02-01

The switching propensity and maximum probability of occurrence of the side chain imidazole group in the dipeptide cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) were studied by applying molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory. The atomistic behaviour of CHP with the neurotoxins glutamate (E) and paraquat (Pq) were also explored; E and Pq engage in hydrogen bond formation with the diketopiperazine (DKP) ring of the dipeptide, with which E shows a profound interaction, as confirmed further by NH and CO stretching vibrational frequencies. The effect of CHP was found to be greater on E than on Pq neurotoxin. A ring puckering study indicated a twist boat conformation for the six-membered DKP ring. Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) mapping was also used to explore the hydrogen bond interactions prevailing between the neurotoxins and the DKP ring. The results of this study reveal that the DKP ring of the dipeptide CHP can be expected to play a significant role in reducing effects such as oxidative stress and cell death caused by neurotoxins.

Stochastic events lead to accretion in Saturn’s rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, L. W.

2009-12-01

UVIS occultations indicate accretion is triggered at the B ring edge, in strong density waves in ring A and in the F ring. Moons may trigger accretion by streamline crowding (Lewis & Stewart); which enhances collisions, leading to accretion; increasing random velocities; leading to more collisions and more accretion. Cassini occultations of these strongly perturbed locations show not only accretion but also disaggregation, with time scales of hours to weeks. The collisions may lead to temporary aggregations via stochastic events: they can compress unconsolidated objects, trigger adhesion or bring small pieces into contact with larger or higher-density seeds. Disaggregation then can follow from disruptive collisions or tidal shedding. In the accretion/disruption balance, increased random motions could eventually give the upper hand to disruption… just as ‘irrational exuberance’ can lead to financial panic in the economy; or the overpopulation of hares can lead to boom-and-bust in the population of foxes. This unstable equilibrium can similarly give rise to episodic cycles in accretion: explaining why the observable ring features that indicate embedded objects have been increasing since the beginning of Cassini’s observations of Saturn in 2004.

Stochastic events lead to accretion in Saturn's rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Larry W.

2010-05-01

UVIS occultations indicate accretion is triggered at the B ring edge, in strong density waves in ring A and in the F ring. Moons may trigger accretion by streamline crowding (Lewis & Stewart); which enhances collisions, leading to accretion; increasing random velocities; leading to more collisions and more accretion. Cassini occultations of these strongly perturbed locations show not only accretion but also disaggregation, with time scales of hours to weeks. The collisions may lead to temporary aggregations via stochastic events: collisions can compress unconsolidated objects, trigger adhesion or bring small pieces into contact with larger or higher-density seeds. Disaggregation then can follow from disruptive collisions or tidal shedding. In the accretion/disruption balance, increased random motions could eventually give the upper hand to disruption… just as ‘irrational exuberance' can lead to financial panic in the economy; or the overpopulation of hares can lead to boom-and-bust in the population of foxes. This unstable equilibrium can similarly give rise to episodic cycles in accretion: explaining why the observable ring features that indicate embedded objects have been increasing since the beginning of Cassini's observations of Saturn in 2004.

Charge transfer properties of pentacene adsorbed on silver: DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

N, Rekha T.; Rajkumar, Beulah J. M.

2015-06-01

Charge transfer properties of pentacene adsorbed on silver is investigated using DFT methods. Optimized geometry of pentacene after adsorption on silver indicates distortion in hexagonal structure of the ring close to the silver cluster and deviations in co-planarity of carbon atoms due to the variations in bond angles and dihedral angles. Theoretically simulated absorption spectrum has a symmetric surface plasmon resonance peak around 486nm corresponding to the transfer of charge from HOMO-2 to LUMO. Theoretical SERS confirms the process of adsorption, tilted orientation of pentacene on silver surface and the charge transfers reported. Localization of electron density arising from redistribution of electrostatic potential together with a reduced bandgap of pentacene after adsorption on silver suggests its utility in the design of electro active organic semiconducting devices.

X-ray Reflected Spectra from Accretion Disk Models. I. Constant Density Atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia, Javier; Kallman, Timothy R.

2009-01-01

We present new models for illuminated accretion disks, their structure and reprocessed emission. We consider the effects of incident X-rays on the surface of an accretion disk by solving simultaneously the equations of radiative transfer, energy balance and ionization equilibrium over a large range of column densities. We assume plane-parallel geometry and azimuthal symmetry, such that each calculation corresponds to a ring at a given distance from the central object. Our models include recent and complete atomic data for K-shell of the iron and oxygen isonuclear sequences. We examine the effect on the spectrum of fluorescent Ka line emission and absorption in the emitted spectrum. We also explore the dependence of the spectrum on the strength of the incident X-rays and other input parameters, and discuss the importance of Comptonization on the emitted spectrum.

Study of Osteoclast Adhesion to Cortical Bone Surfaces: A Correlative Microscopy Approach for Concomitant Imaging of Cellular Dynamics and Surface Modifications

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Bone remodeling relies on the coordinated functioning of osteoblasts, bone-forming cells, and osteoclasts, bone-resorbing cells. The effects of specific chemical and physical bone features on the osteoclast adhesive apparatus, the sealing zone ring, and their relation to resorption functionality are still not well-understood. We designed and implemented a correlative imaging method that enables monitoring of the same area of bone surface by time-lapse light microscopy, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy before, during, and after exposure to osteoclasts. We show that sealing zone rings preferentially develop around surface protrusions, with lateral dimensions of several micrometers, and ∼1 μm height. Direct overlay of sealing zone rings onto resorption pits on the bone surface shows that the rings adapt to pit morphology. The correlative procedure presented here is noninvasive and performed under ambient conditions, without the need for sample labeling. It can potentially be applied to study various aspects of cell-matrix interactions. PMID:26682493

Preliminary scaling laws for plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density in the NASA Lewis bumpy torus plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, J. R.

1976-01-01

Parametric variation of independent variables which may affect the characteristics of bumpy torus plasma have identified those which have a significant effect on the plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density, and those which do not. Empirical power law correlations of the plasma current, and the ion kinetic temperature and number density were obtained as functions of potential applied to the midplane electrode rings, the background neutral gas pressure, and the magnetic field strength. Additional parameters studied included the type of gas, the polarity of the midplane electrode rings, the mode of plasma operation, and the method of measuring the plasma number density. No significant departures from the scaling laws appear to occur at the highest ion kinetic temperatures or number densities obtained to date.

The Case for Enceladus Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurford, T. A.; Helfenstein, P.; Nimmo, F.; Vance, S.; Buratti, B.

2009-01-01

Enceladus has taken its place as one of the most remarkable moons in the solar system. When Voyager encountered Enceladus it was noted that its surface showed signs of recent activity with the observations of a large province, which was characterized by smooth sparsely cratered terrain. Even the heavily cratered areas of Enceladus showed a lower crater density than other Saturnian satellites. Moreover, its extraordinarily high albedo hinted at past cryovolcanic resurfacing events. Ground-based observations further demonstrated that Saturn's diffuse E-ring is concentrated at the orbit of EnceladLis, making the moon, the likely source of E-ring particles. However the short estimated lifetime of E-ring particles requires that new particles must constantly be fed to the Ering, implying more recent activity on Enceladus. Recently, in 2005 the Cassini spacecraft provided definitive proof that Enceladus is currently geologically active when multiple Cassini instruments detected plumes of gas and ice particles emanating from a series of warm fractures centered on the south pole, dubbed the "tiger stripes." Enceladus is the second cryovolcanically active icy satellite that has been identified (Triton is the only other known active icy satellite) and can be used to study active processes that are thought to have once played a role in shaping the surfaces of other icy satellites. These processes include tidal heating, cryovolcanism, and ice tectonism, which all can be studied as they currently happen on Enceladus, Moreover, the plume source region on Enceladus samples a warm, chemically rich, environment that may facilitate complex organic chemistry and biological processes. For these reasons, Enceladus science is highly relevant to NASA's goals.

Olive Tree-Ring Problematic Dating: A Comparative Analysis on Santorini (Greece)

PubMed Central

Cherubini, Paolo; Humbel, Turi; Beeckman, Hans; Gärtner, Holger; Mannes, David; Pearson, Charlotte; Schoch, Werner; Tognetti, Roberto; Lev-Yadun, Simcha

2013-01-01

Olive trees are a classic component of Mediterranean environments and some of them are known historically to be very old. In order to evaluate the possibility to use olive tree-rings for dendrochronology, we examined by various methods the reliability of olive tree-rings identification. Dendrochronological analyses of olive trees growing on the Aegean island Santorini (Greece) show that the determination of the number of tree-rings is impossible because of intra-annual wood density fluctuations, variability in tree-ring boundary structure, and restriction of its cambial activity to shifting sectors of the circumference, causing the tree-ring sequences along radii of the same cross section to differ. PMID:23382949

Studies of carbon incorporation on the diamond [100] surface during chemical vapor deposition using density functional theory.

PubMed

Cheesman, Andrew; Harvey, Jeremy N; Ashfold, Michael N R

2008-11-13

Accurate potential energy surface calculations are presented for many of the key steps involved in diamond chemical vapor deposition on the [100] surface (in its 2 x 1 reconstructed and hydrogenated form). The growing diamond surface was described by using a large (approximately 1500 atoms) cluster model, with the key atoms involved in chemical steps being described by using a quantum mechanical (QM, density functional theory, DFT) method and the bulk of the atoms being described by molecular mechanics (MM). The resulting hybrid QM/MM calculations are more systematic and/or at a higher level of theory than previous work on this growth process. The dominant process for carbon addition, in the form of methyl radicals, is predicted to be addition to a surface radical site, opening of the adjacent C-C dimer bond, insertion, and ultimate ring closure. Other steps such as insertion across the trough between rows of dimer bonds or addition to a neighboring dimer leading to formation of a reconstruction on the next layer may also contribute. Etching of carbon can also occur; the most likely mechanism involves loss of a two-carbon moiety in the form of ethene. The present higher-level calculations confirm that migration of inserted carbon along both dimer rows and chains should be relatively facile, with barriers of approximately 150 kJ mol (-1) when starting from suitable diradical species, and that this step should play an important role in establishing growth of smooth surfaces.

Double acting stirling engine piston ring

DOEpatents

Howarth, Roy B.

1986-01-01

A piston ring design for a Stirling engine wherein the contact pressure between the piston and the cylinder is maintained at a uniform level, independent of engine conditions through a balancing of the pressure exerted upon the ring's surface and thereby allowing the contact pressure on the ring to be predetermined through the use of a preloaded expander ring.

The AU Mic debris ring: density profile and dynamics of the dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augereau, Jean-Charles; Beust, Herve

2005-10-01

AU Mic is an M-type star surrounded by a debris disk that is viewed almost perfectly edge-on. This disk shares many common observational properties with the well-known disk orbiting Beta Pictoris but the properties of the AU Mic disk as well as the dynamics of the dust grains have not been studied in detail yet. Using a standard deprojection technique, we derive the surface density profile of the AU Mic disk from near-IR scattered light observations. We show that irrespective of the asymmetry parameter of the phase function, most of the dust emission arises from a ring-like region that extends from 30 to 45 AU. We estimate that the mean collision time-scale at these distances is of the order of a few 10000 years. Therefore, collisional evolution can happen. A striking common feature between AU Mic and Beta Pic is the surface brightness profile. In both cases, the surface brightness falls off as r^{-5} further away than 120 AU in the case of Beta Pic and 35 AU in the case of AU Mic. In the case of Beta Pic, this profile is well explained by the combined effect of collisions and radiation pressure on the smallest dust particules (e.g. Augereau et al. 2001). But this model does not apply to AU Mic because of its low luminosity (thus generating a too low radiation pressure). Conversely, we show that a standard, solar-like stellar wind generates a drag force onto dust particles that behaves much like a radiation pressure. This wind pressure appears stronger than the radiation pressure itself and this effect is considerably enhanced by the recurrent stellar flares of AU Mic. This greatly contributes to populating the extended debris disk of AU Mic and explains the similarity between the Beta Pic and AU Mic brightness profiles.

Dynamics of Centaur Chariklo and evolution of its rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondratyev, B. P.

2016-12-01

It follows from observations that the asteroid Chariklo has two outer rings. The purpose of this paper is constructing the equilibrium model of asteroid and developing the kinetic mechanism of evolution of its rings. We have specified for Chariklo the density ρ0 ≈ 2.71 g/cm3, the mass M0 ≈ 8.817 × 10^{21} g, and the average radius R0 ≈ 128.16 km. Its rings are modeled by circular gravitating tori consisting of the small rock-ice particles that orbit the asteroid. The method does not imply the presence of hidden satellites close to the asteroid, and the equilibrium of the rings is determined by the small velocity dispersion and gravity of particles. The problem of expansion of the internal torus gravitational potential in series in powers of its geometrical parameter is solved. This enables the gravitational energy of Chariklo's rings to be found and to express their masses in terms of the mass of the asteroid M0. We calculated the mass of the inner ring to be M_{r1} ≈ 9.8 × 10^{18} g, and its relation to the mass of the asteroid is M_{r1}/M0 ≈ 0.001; similarly, for the outer ring M_{r2} ≈ 10^{18} g, and M_{r2}/M0 ≈ 0.0001. The mass ratio M_{r1}/M_{r2} ≈ 10 is typical for satellites of other asteroids and dwarf planets. The velocity dispersion of particles in rings υ1 ≈ 1 m/s and υ2 ≈ 45 cm/s is no greater than 1 div 2 % of its rotational velocity υ_{rot} ≈ 40 m/s. The particle of medium radius rp = 25 cm has the mean free path λ ≈ 7 m, and its diffusion time from center line on the surface of the torus is T'1/T_{rot1} ≈ 13 and T'2/T_{rot2} ≈ 5. The dissipation rate equation for Chariklo's rings is derived. From this equation a surprising result follows: the time of energy dissipation (the time of evolution of rings) is only T_{d1} ≈ 103 div 104 years, which by astronomical measures is a very short time scale. We adduce the arguments supporting the idea that these rings in near future can become Chariklo's satellites, and that the transformation of the rings into satellites energetically is favored.

Models of the Cartwheel ring galaxy: Spokes and starbursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Struck-Marcell, Curtis

1993-01-01

Recent observations of this famous ring galaxy, including optical and near-infrared CCD surface photometry, and VLA radio continuum and 21 cm line mapping (Higdon 1992b, in prep.), have inspired a renewed modeling effort. Toomre's (1978, in The Large-scale Structure of the Universe, eds. Longair and Einasto) series of restricted three-body simulations demonstrated how the multiple rings could be produced in a nearly head-on galaxy collision. New models with a halo-dominated potential based on the 21 cm rotation curve are able to reproduce such details as the spacing between rings, ring widths, offset of the nucleus, and several kinematical features, thus providing strong support for the collisional theory. The new observations have shown there are little or no old stars in Cartwheel; it may consist almost entirely of gas and stars produced as a result of compression in the ring wave. To model this process Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of the Cartwheel disk have been performed. Fixed gravitational potentials were used to represent the Cartwheel and a roughly 30 percent mass collision partner. The interaction dynamics was treated as in the usual restricted three-body approximation, and the effects of local self-gravity between disk particles were calculated. We are particularly interested in testing the theory that enhanced star formation in waves is the result of gravitational instability in the compressed region (see e.g. Kennicutt 1989, ApJ 344, 685). The gas surface density in a number of simulations was initialized to a value slightly below the threshold for local gravitational instability throughout most of the disk. The first ring wave produces relatively modest compressions (a factor of order a few), triggering instability in a narrow range of wavelengths. Self-gravity in the disk is calculated over a comparable range of scales. Simulations were run with isothermal, adiabatic, and adiabatic with radiative cooling characterized by a relatively short timescale. The isothermal approximation is good except in the vicinity of the strong second (inner) ring, and several snapshots from one case are shown in the figure below. Flocculent spiral segments are present before the collision, and these are compressed into dense knots in the ring wave. These knots are likely to be sites of vigorous star formation. In the strong rarefaction behind the outer ring most of the knots are radially stretched and sheared, giving rise to spoke-like features. A few dense knots are evidently very tightly bound, because they retain their coherence and are stretched relatively little through the rarefaction. This is in accord with evidence for continuing star formation in some spokes (Marcum, Appleton and Higdon 1992). The number and spacing of spokes is a direct function of the scale of the gravitational instability in the disk. Thus, the gravitational instability theory, together with the hypothesis that massive stars are only formed in dense knots of gas, can account for most of the distinct morphology of the Cartwheel.

Investigation of decadal-scale divergence in tree-ring density chronologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaccaro, A.; Emile-Geay, J.; Anchukaitis, K. J.; Wang, J.

2013-12-01

Tree-ring data from certain forest sites at northern circumpolar latitudes and from some at higher elevation show an anomalous decrease in temperature-sensitivity of tree growth starting in the mid-20th century. This phenomenon, known as the ';divergence problem' (DP), leads to tree-ring reconstructions that underestimate the warming trend exhibited by instrumental measurements over recent decades (e.g. D'Arrigo et al. 2008). In a study conducted in 1998, Briffa et al. discovered a type of divergence wherein latewood density (MXD) chronologies from an early manifestation of the Schweingruber tree-ring dataset showed strong interannual correlation to summer temperature measurements, but increasing divergence between the decadal-scale trends of the tree-rings and temperature records during the second half of the 20th century. This low-frequency divergence suggests that although tree-rings may accurately trace year-to-year changes in temperature, they might not capture longer-term warming trends, making them unsuitable for reconstructions of long-term climate variations. There is reason to believe, however, that the divergence found by Briffa (1998) is at least partly due to detrending or related statistical issues (Esper et al. 2009). Herein, we will investigate the distribution of this decadal-scale ';Briffa-style' divergence to see if it is confined to the earlier chronologies in the Schweingruber dataset or if it is persistent throughout more recent tree-ring data as well. Following the methodology of previous DP investigations (e.g. Briffa et al. 1998), we will draw comparisons between a network of MXD data and instrumental temperature records over an early period (1850-1960) and a recent period (1961-2000) to detect decadal-scale divergence in recent decades. We will apply the Mann et al. 2009 (M09) style of RegEM reconstruction to the M09 dataset, with and without controlling for divergence, and also to a new tree-ring database assembled using strict, objective criteria, including most of the updated Schweingruber network. Other climate field reconstruction (CFR) methods as described by Wang et al. (2013) will be used on our new tree-ring network to check for robustness. The tree-ring data will be independently compared to instrumental temperature series derived from the GHCN-monthly, HadCRUT4, and the M09 infilled HadCRUT3v temperature datasets for cross-validation. Implications for large-scale temperature reconstructions of the Common Era will be discussed. Briffa, K.R., F. H. Schweingruber, P.D. Jones, T.J. Osborn, S.G. Shiyatov, and E.A. Vaganov (1998),Reduced sensitivity of recent tree-growth to temperature at high northern latitudes, Nature, 391, 678-682. D'Arrigo, R., R. Wilson, B. Liepert, and P. Cherubini (2008), On the ';Divergence Problem' in Northern Forests: A review of the tree-ring evidence and possible causes, GAPC, 60, 289-305. Esper, J. and D. Frank (2009), Divergence pitfalls in tree-ring research, Climate Change, 94, 261-266. Mann, M.E., Z. Zhang, M.K. Hughes, R.S. Bradley, S.K. Miller, S. Rutherford, and F. Ni (2009), Proxy-based reconstructions of hemispheric and global surface temperature variations over the past two millennia, PNAS, 105 (36) 13252-13257. Wang, J., J. Emile-Geay, D. Guillot, and J. E. Smerdon (2013), Evaluating climate field reconstruction techniques using improved emulations of real-world conditions. CPD, 9, 3015-3060.

The orbit's evolution of particles ejected from the surface of Phobos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mineeva, Svetlana; Lupovka, Valery

2016-04-01

1. Introduction It is known that all giant planets have ring systems. Generally there are faint rings, such as "gossamer rings" of Jupiter. One of the basic theories of faint's origin of rings is their formation from the dust ejected in collisions of meteorite material with the natural satellites. Thus, a question of possible existence of Mars's dust rings arises. Mars has two natural satellites, which are subjected to bombardment. Evidences of this are impact craters of different sizes that cover the surface of both satellites. 2. Methods To test the theory, a calculation of the movement of simulated particles, which could be ejected from the surface of Phobos by meteorite impact, was made. The initial coordinates of 650 particles on Phobos surface were simulated using regular grid 10° × 10°. Uniform distribution of the velocity was set to the absolute value in the range of 0.5 km/s to 3 km/sec; direction of the velocity vector was assigned randomly. In this study effect of the gravitational attraction of the Sun, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Phobos and Deimos was taken into account as an attraction of the central mass. Using software package for orbital dynamic MERCURY6 [1] - an integration of the equations of motion of particles was performed using Everhart method with a Radau spacing of the 15th order [2]. 3. Results Motion of 650 particles was considered at the time interval of 10 000 years. As a result of calculation: 202 of the particles (31.1%) returned to Phobos; 132 of the particles (20.3%) fell to Mars; 173 particles (26.6%) had a hyperbolic orbit; 143 particles rotated on their orbits around Mars, and they represent 22.0% of the total number of simulated particles. The orbits of the particles are elongated: eccentricity is within the range from 0.1 to 0.95; pericentric distance varies from 3 500 km to 48 100 km; respectively apocenteric distance is from 9000 to 421 400 km. In the space, orbits are inclined to the ecliptic from 1 to 73 degrees, so trajectories of the particles can form a kind of toroidal structure around Mars. 4. Conclusions As conditions which previously discussed, a cluster of ejected particles creates a dust torus around Mars, resistant to disturbances for 10 thousand years. According to statistics, nearly a quarter of the ejected particles stay on orbit around Mars. However, the formation of a dense ring, visible using by any optics, raises doubts. Orbits of particles take a variety of configurations. So, we cannot yet specify the location of area with increased density of particles. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation under project 14-22-00197. References: 1. http://www.arm.ac.uk/~jec/home.html 2. Chambers J. E. «Manual for the MERCURY integrator», 2001.

Investigation on thermal oxidative aging of nitrile rubber (NBR) O-rings under compression stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X. R.; Zhang, W. F.; Lou, W. T.; Huang, Y. X.; Dai, W.

2017-11-01

The degradation behaviors of nitrile rubber O-rings exposure to air under compression were investigated at three elevated temperatures. The physical and mechanical properties of the aging samples before and after exposure at selected time were studied by measuring weight loss, tensile strength and elongation at break. The Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and fracture morphology were used to reveal the microstructural changes of the aging samples. The results indicate that the weight decreased with exposure time and temperature. Based on the results of the crosslinking density, the crosslinking predominates during the most of aging process. The significant changes in tensile strength and elongation at break also indicate the severe degradation in air. The fracture morphology results show that the fracture surface after 64 days of exposure to air turns rough and present defects. The ATR-FTIR results demonstrate that the hydroxyl groups were formed for the samples aged in air.

Saturn's E, G, and F rings - Modulated by the plasma sheet?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morfill, G. E.; Gruen, E.; Johnson, T. V.

1983-01-01

Saturn's broad E ring, the narrow G ring, and the structured and apparently time-variable F ring(s) contain many micron and submicron-sized particles, which make up the 'visible' component. These rings (or ring systems) are in direct contact with magnetospheric plasma. Fluctuations in the plasma density and/or mean energy, due to magnetospheric and solar wind processes, may induce stochastic charge variations on the dust particles, which in turn lead to an orbit perturbation and spatial diffusion. In addition, Coulomb drag forces may be important, in particular for the E ring. The possibility that electromagnetic effects may play a role in determining the F ring structure and its possible time variations is critically examined. Sputtering of micron-sized dust particles in the E ring by magnetospheric ions yields lifetimes of 100 to 10,000 years. This effect as well as the plasma induced transport processes require an active source for the E ring, probably Enceladus.

Kinetic modeling of the Saturn ring-ionosphere plasma environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, G. R.; Waite, J. H., Jr.

1989-01-01

A time-independent kinetic plasma model was developed on the basis of the Li et al. (1988) semikinetic plasma model and was used to study the interaction of the Saturnian ionosphere and ring plasma. The model includes the gravitational magnetic mirror and centripetal and ambipolar electric forces, and the effect of the mixing of two plasma populations. The results obtained indicate that the density, temperature, and composition of plasma near the rings changing in the direction from the inner C ring to the outer A ring, due to the fact that the predominant source of plasma changes from the ionosphere to the rings. The model results also suggest that the outflow of hydrogen from the ionosphere to the rings may be shut off for field lines passing through the outer B and A ring, due to the ambipolar electric field set up by the warm ring plasma trapped near the ring plane by the centipetal force. In these regions, there will be a net flux of O(+) ions from the rings to the ionosphere.

Theoretical Study on Sers of Wagging Vibrations of Benzyl Radical Adsorbed on Silver Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, De-Yin; Chen, Yan-Li; Tian, Zhong-Qun

2016-06-01

Electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) has been used to characterize adsorbed species widely but reaction intermediates rarely on electrodes. In previous studies, the observed SERS signals were proposed from surface benzyl species due to the electrochemical reduction of benzyl chloride on silver electrode surfaces. In this work, we reinvestigated the vibrational assignments of benzyl chloride and benzyl radical as the reaction intermediate. On the basis of density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations and normal mode analysis, our systematical results provide more reasonable new assignments for both surface species. Further, we investigated adsorption configurations, binding energies, and vibrational frequency shifts of benzyl radical interacting with silver. Our calculated results show that the wagging vibration displays significant vibrational frequency shift, strong coupling with some intramolecular modes in the phenyl ring, and significant changes in intensity of Raman signals. The study also provides absolute Raman intensity in benzyl halides and discuss the enhancement effect mainly due to the binding interaction with respect to free benzyl radical.

Persistent Hall voltages across thin planar charged quantum rings on the surface of a topological insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durganandini, P.

2015-03-01

We consider thin planar charged quantum rings on the surface of a three dimensional topological insulator coated with a thin ferromagnetic layer. We show theoretically, that when the ring is threaded by a magnetic field, then, due to the Aharanov-Bohm effect, there are not only the well known circulating persistent currents in the ring but also oscillating persistent Hall voltages across the thin ring. Such oscillating persistent Hall voltages arise due to the topological magneto-electric effect associated with the axion electrodynamics exhibited by the surface electronic states of the three dimensional topological insulator when time reversal symmetry is broken. We further generalize to the case of dipole currents and show that analogous Hall dipole voltages arise. We also discuss the robustness of the effect and suggest possible experimental realizations in quantum rings made of semiconductor heterostructures. Such experiments could also provide new ways of observing the predicted topological magneto-electric effect in three dimensional topological insulators with time reversal symmetry breaking. I thank BCUD, Pune University, Pune for financial support through research grant.

Webs on surfaces, rings of invariants, and clusters.

PubMed

Fomin, Sergey; Pylyavskyy, Pavlo

2014-07-08

We construct and study cluster algebra structures in rings of invariants of the special linear group action on collections of 3D vectors, covectors, and matrices. The construction uses Kuperberg's calculus of webs on marked surfaces with boundary.

A close look at Saturn's rings with Cassini VIMS

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nicholson, P.D.; Hedman, M.M.; Clark, R.N.; Showalter, M.R.; Cruikshank, D.P.; Cuzzi, J.N.; Filacchione, G.; Capaccioni, F.; Cerroni, P.; Hansen, G.B.; Sicardy, B.; Drossart, P.; Brown, R.H.; Buratti, B.J.; Baines, K.H.; Coradini, A.

2008-01-01

Soon after the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft entered orbit about Saturn on 1 July 2004, its Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer obtained two continuous spectral scans across the rings, covering the wavelength range 0.35-5.1 ??m, at a spatial resolution of 15-25 km. The first scan covers the outer C and inner B rings, while the second covers the Cassini Division and the entire A ring. Comparisons of the VIMS radial reflectance profile at 1.08 ??m with similar profiles at a wavelength of 0.45 ??m assembled from Voyager images show very little change in ring structure over the intervening 24 years, with the exception of a few features already known to be noncircular. A model for single-scattering by a classical, many-particle-thick slab of material with normal optical depths derived from the Voyager photopolarimeter stellar occultation is found to provide an excellent fit to the observed VIMS reflectance profiles for the C ring and Cassini Division, and an acceptable fit for the inner B ring. The A ring deviates significantly from such a model, consistent with previous suggestions that this region may be closer to a monolayer. An additional complication here is the azimuthally-variable average optical depth associated with "self-gravity wakes" in this region and the fact that much of the A ring may be a mixture of almost opaque wakes and relatively transparent interwake zones. Consistently with previous studies, we find that the near-infrared spectra of all main ring regions are dominated by water ice, with a typical regolith grain radius of 5-20 ??m, while the steep decrease in visual reflectance shortward of 0.6 ??m is suggestive of an organic contaminant, perhaps tholin-like. Although no materials other than H2O ice have been identified with any certainty in the VIMS spectra of the rings, significant radial variations are seen in the strength of the water-ice absorption bands. Across the boundary between the C and B rings, over a radial range of ???7000 km, the near-IR band depths strengthen considerably. A very similar pattern is seen across the outer half of the Cassini Division and into the inner A ring, accompanied by a steepening of the red slope in the visible spectrum shortward of 0.55 ??m. We attribute these trends-as well as smaller-scale variations associated with strong density waves in the A ring-to differing grain sizes in the tholin-contaminated icy regolith that covers the surfaces of the decimeter-to-meter sized ring particles. On the largest scale, the spectral variations seen by VIMS suggest that the rings may be divided into two larger 'ring complexes,' with similar internal variations in structure, optical depth, particle size, regolith texture and composition. The inner complex comprises the C and B rings, while the outer comprises the Cassini Division and A ring. ?? 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Plasma temperature of white-eye hexagonal pattern in dielectric barrier discharge].

PubMed

Zhao, Yang; Dong, Li-fang; Fu, Hong-yan

2015-01-01

By using the water-electrode discharge experimental setup, the white-eye hexagonal pattern is firstly observed and investigated in the dielectric barrier discharge with the mixture of argon and air whose content can be varied whenever necessary, and the study shows that the white-eye cell is an interleaving of three different hexagonal sub-structures: the spot, the ring, and the halo. The white-eye hexagonal pattern has the excellent discharge stability and sustainability during the experiment. Pictures recorded by ordinary camera with long exposure time in the same argon content condition show that the spot, the ring, and the halo of the white-eye hexagonal pattern have different brightness, which may prove that their plasma states are different. And, it is worth noting that there are obvious differences not only on the brightness but also on the color of the white-eye cell in conditions of different argon content, which shows that its plasma state also changed with the variation of the argon content. The white-eye hexagonal pattern is observed at a lower applied voltage so that the temperature of the water electrodes almost keeps unchanged during the whole experiment, which is advantageous for the long term stable measurement. The plasma state will not be affected by the temperature of the electrodes during the continuous discharge. Based on the above phenomena, plasma temperatures of the spot, the ring, and the halo in white-eye hexagonal pattern including molecule vibrational temperature and variations of electron density at different argon content are investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The emission spectra of the N2 second positive band(C3Πu-->B3Πg)are measured, and the molecule vibrational temperature of the spot, the ring, and the halo of the white-eye hexagonal pattern are calculated by the emission intensities. Furthermore, emission spectra of Ar I (2P2-->1S5)is collected and the changes of its width with different argon content are used to estimate the variations of electron density of the spot, the ring, and the halo of the white-eye hexagonal pattern. In the same argon content condition, the molecule vibrational temperatures of halo, ring, and spot in the white-eye hexagonal pattern are in descending order, while the electron densities of halo, ring, and spot are in ascending order. With argon content increasing from 70% to 90%, both the molecule vibrational temperature and the electron density of the spot increase, while both of them of the halo decrease. And the molecule vibrational temperature of the ring keeps constant, while its electron density decreases. The experimental results indicate that the plasma state of the spot, the halo and the ring in a white-eye cell of the white-eye hexagonal pattern is different. These results are of great importance to the investigation of the multilayer structure of the patterns in dielectric barrier discharge and applications in industry.

Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Colloidal Silicon Quantum Dots with Octyl and Phenylpropyl Ligands.

PubMed

Liu, Xiangkai; Zhao, Shuangyi; Gu, Wei; Zhang, Yuting; Qiao, Xvsheng; Ni, Zhenyi; Pi, Xiaodong; Yang, Deren

2018-02-14

Colloidal silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) hold ever-growing promise for the development of novel optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although it has been proposed that ligands at the surface of colloidal Si QDs may significantly impact the performance of LEDs based on colloidal Si QDs, little systematic work has been carried out to compare the performance of LEDs that are fabricated using colloidal Si QDs with different ligands. Here, colloidal Si QDs with rather short octyl ligands (Octyl-Si QDs) and phenylpropyl ligands (PhPr-Si QDs) are employed for the fabrication of LEDs. It is found that the optical power density of PhPr-Si QD LEDs is larger than that of Octyl-Si QD LEDs. This is due to the fact that the surface of PhPr-Si QDs is more oxidized and less defective than that of Octyl-Si QDs. Moreover, the benzene rings of phenylpropyl ligands significantly enhance the electron transport of QD LEDs. It is interesting that the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of PhPr-Si QD LEDs is lower than that of Octyl-Si QD LEDs because the benzene rings of phenylpropyl ligands suppress the hole transport of QD LEDs. The unbalance between the electron and hole injection in PhPr-Si QD LEDs is more serious than that in Octyl-Si QD LEDs. The currently obtained highest optical power density of ∼0.64 mW/cm 2 from PhPr-Si QD LEDs and highest EQE of ∼6.2% from Octyl-Si QD LEDs should encourage efforts to further advance the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices based on colloidal Si QDs.

Dynamic Kerr effect study on six-membered-ring molecular liquids: benzene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene, cyclohexene, and cyclohexane.

PubMed

Kakinuma, Shohei; Shirota, Hideaki

2015-04-02

The intermolecular dynamics of five six-membered-ring molecular liquids having different aromaticities-benzene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene, cyclohexene, and cyclohexane-measured by femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy have been compared in this study. The line shapes of the Fourier transform low-frequency spectra, which arise from the intermolecular vibrational dynamics, are trapezoidal for benzene and 1,3-cyclohexadiene, triangular for 1,4-cyclohexadiene and cyclohexene, and monomodal for cyclohexane. The trapezoidal shapes of the low-frequency spectra of benzene and 1,3-cyclohexadiene are due to the librational motions of their aromatic planar structures, which cause damped nuclear response features. The time integrals of the nuclear responses of the five liquids correlate to the squares of the polarizability anisotropies of the molecules calculated on the basis of density functional theory. The first moments of the low-frequency spectra roughly linearly correlate to the bulk parameters of the square roots of the surface tensions divided by the densities and the square roots of the surface tensions divided by the molecular weights, but the plots for cyclohexene deviate slightly from the correlations. The picosecond overdamped transients of the liquids are well fitted by a biexponential function. The fast time constants of all of the liquids are approximately 1.1-1.4 ps, and they do not obey the Stokes-Einstein-Debye hydrodynamic model. On the other hand, the slow time constants are roughly linearly proportional to the products of the shear viscosities and the molar volumes. The observed intramolecular vibrational modes at less than 700 cm(-1) for all of the liquids are also assigned on the basis of quantum chemistry calculations.

Infrared matrix-isolation and theoretical studies of the reactions of ferrocene with ozone.

PubMed

Kugel, Roger W; Pinelo, Laura F; Ault, Bruce S

2015-03-19

The reactions between ferrocene (Cp2Fe) (2a) and ozone (O3) were studied using low-temperature matrix-isolation techniques coupled with theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Co-deposition of Ar/Cp2Fe and Ar/O3 gas mixtures onto a cryogenically cooled CsI window produced a dark-green charge-transfer complex, Cp2Fe-O3, that photodecomposed upon red (λ ≥ 600 nm) and infrared (λ ≥ 1000 nm) irradiation but was stable to green or blue irradiation. Products of photodecomposition were characterized by FT-IR, oxygen-18 labeling, and DFT calculations using the B3LYP functionals and the 6-311G++(d,2p) basis set. Likely, photochemical products included four structures having the molecular formula C10H10FeO, identified by DFT calculations based on their calculated infrared spectra and (18)O isotope shifts. Each of these calculated molecules had one intact and fully coordinated η(5)-C5H5 cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ring and (1) an η(5)-C5H5O cyclic ether (pyran ring) (2b), (2) an η(4)-C5H5O linear aldehyde (2c), (3) a bidentate cyclic aldehyde with a seven-membered ring including the iron atom (2d), or (4) an Fe-O bond and an η(2)-C5H5 (Cp) ring (2e). No conclusive evidence for a gas-phase thermal reaction between ferrocene and ozone was observed under the conditions of these experiments. However, strong evidence for a surface-catalyzed thermal reaction was observed in merged-jet experiments wherein the gases were premixed before deposition. Surface-catalyzed ferrocene-ozone reaction products included a thin film of Fe2O3 observed on the walls of the merged tube as well as cyclopentadiene (C5H6), cyclopentadienone (C5H4O), and further oxidation products observed in the matrix. Possible mechanisms for both the photochemical and the thermal reactions are discussed.

Self-assembled formation and transformation of In/CdZnTe(110) nano-rings into camel-humps

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cohen-Taguri, G.; Ruzin, A.; Goldfarb, I.

2012-05-21

We used in situ scanning tunneling microscopy to monitor in real time the formation of nano-rings at the molecular beam epitaxially grown In/CdZnTe(110) surface, and Auger electron spectroscopy to explore the corresponding compositional changes. In-diffusion of In and segregation of Cd to the surface in course of annealing lead to a formation of elliptically distorted nano-rings, elongated along the fast [110] diffusion direction. Exacerbated diffusion anisotropy in the liquid state, at temperatures above the melting point of In, further distorts the nano-rings into a camel-hump shape.

Ring current impoundment of the Io plasma torus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siscoe, G. L.; Thorne, R. M.; Richardson, J. D.; Bagenal, F.; Sullivan, J. D.; Eviatar, A.

1981-01-01

A newly discovered feature in the Io plasma formation that may be described as a ramp separating a high-density plasma ledge on its Jupiterward side from the lower-density radially distended Io plasma disc on its anti-Jupiterward side is observed to coincide with a marked inward decrease in the ring current population. The spatial congruency of the counter-directed maximal gradients in both plasma bodies reveals a profound coupling between them. The existence of the ramp requires a local order-of-magnitude reduction in the diffusion coefficient that governs radial mass transport. It is demonstrated that the diminished diffusive efficiency there is caused by strong pressure gradient inhibition of the interchange instability that underlies mass transport. The Io plasma torus, which is defined as the region of strong ultraviolet emissions, is identified as the plasma ledge. The plasma density in the ledge is high and, incidentally therefore, able to emit strongly because it is impounded against rapid, centrifugal expulsion by the inwardly directed pressure of the ring current at its inner edge.

Adaptive frozen orbital treatment for the fragment molecular orbital method combined with density-functional tight-binding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimoto, Yoshio; Fedorov, Dmitri G.

2018-02-01

The exactly analytic gradient is derived and implemented for the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method combined with density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) using adaptive frozen orbitals. The response contributions which arise from freezing detached molecular orbitals on the border between fragments are computed by solving Z-vector equations. The accuracy of the energy, its gradient, and optimized structures is verified on a set of representative inorganic materials and polypeptides. FMO-DFTB is applied to optimize the structure of a silicon nano-wire, and the results are compared to those of density functional theory and experiment. FMO accelerates the DFTB calculation of a boron nitride nano-ring with 7872 atoms by a factor of 406. Molecular dynamics simulations using FMO-DFTB applied to a 10.7 μm chain of boron nitride nano-rings, consisting of about 1.2 × 106 atoms, reveal the rippling and twisting of nano-rings at room temperature.

Dust ring formation due to sublimation of dust grains drifting radially inward by the Poynting-Robertson drag: An analytical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Sei-ichiro; Kimura, Hiroshi; Yamamoto, Tetsuo

2009-05-01

Dust particles exposed to the stellar radiation and wind drift radially inward by the Poynting-Robertson (P-R) drag and pile up at the zone where they begin to sublime substantially. The reason they pile up or form a ring is that their inward drifts due to the P-R drag are suppressed by stellar radiation pressure when the ratio of radiation pressure to stellar gravity on them increases during their sublimation phases. We present analytic solutions to the orbital and mass evolution of such subliming dust particles, and find their drift velocities at the pileup zone are almost independent of their initial semimajor axes and masses. We derive analytically an enhancement factor of the number density of the particles at the outer edge of the sublimation zone from the solutions. We show that the formula of the enhancement factor reproduces well numerical simulations in the previous studies. The enhancement factor for spherical dust particles of silicate and carbon extends from 3 to more than 20 at stellar luminosities L=0.8-500L, where L is solar luminosity. Although the enhancement factor for fluffy dust particles is smaller than that for spherical particles, sublimating particles inevitably form a dust ring as long as their masses decrease faster than their surface areas during sublimation. The formulation is applicable to dust ring formation for arbitrary shape and material of dust in dust-debris disks as well as in the Solar System.

Accelerated sampling by infinite swapping of path integral molecular dynamics with surface hopping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jianfeng; Zhou, Zhennan

2018-02-01

To accelerate the thermal equilibrium sampling of multi-level quantum systems, the infinite swapping limit of a recently proposed multi-level ring polymer representation is investigated. In the infinite swapping limit, the ring polymer evolves according to an averaged Hamiltonian with respect to all possible surface index configurations of the ring polymer and thus connects the surface hopping approach to the mean-field path-integral molecular dynamics. A multiscale integrator for the infinite swapping limit is also proposed to enable efficient sampling based on the limiting dynamics. Numerical results demonstrate the huge improvement of sampling efficiency of the infinite swapping compared with the direct simulation of path-integral molecular dynamics with surface hopping.

Aromaticity of strongly bent benzene rings: persistence of a diatropic ring current and its shielding cone in [5]paracyclophane.

PubMed

Jenneskens, Leonardus W; Havenith, Remco W A; Soncini, Alessandro; Fowler, Patrick W

2011-10-06

Direct evaluation of the induced π current density in [5]paracyclophane (1) shows that, despite the significant non-planarity (α = 23.2°) enforced by the pentamethylene bridge, there is only a modest (ca. 17%) reduction in the π ring current, justifying the use of shielding-cone arguments for the assignment of (1)H NMR chemical shifts of 1 and the claim that the non-planar benzene ring in 1 retains its aromaticity (on the magnetic criterion).

A View into Saturn through its Natural Seismograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mankovich, Christopher

2018-04-01

Saturn's nonradial oscillations perturb the orbits of ring particles. The C ring is fortuitous in that it spans several resonances with Saturn's fundamental acoustic (f-) modes, and its moderate optical depth allows the characterization of wave features using stellar occultations. The growing set of C-ring waves with precise pattern frequencies and azimuthal order m measured from Cassini stellar occultations (Hedman & Nicholson 2013, 2014; French et al. 2016) provides new constraints on Saturn's internal structure, with the potential to aid in resolving long-standing questions about the planet's distribution of helium and heavier elements, its means of internal energy transport, and its rotation state.We construct Saturn interior models and calculate mode eigenfrequencies, mapping the planet mode frequencies to resonant locations in the rings to compare with the locations of observed spiral density and vertical bending waves in the C ring. While spiral density waves at low azimuthal order (m=2-3) appear strongly affected by resonant coupling between f-modes and deep g-modes (Fuller 2014), the locations of waves with higher azimuthal order can be fit with a spectrum of pure f-modes for Saturn models with adiabatic envelopes and realistic equations of state. Notably, several newly observed density waves and bending waves (Nicholson et al., in preparation) align with outer Lindblad and outer vertical resonances for non-sectoral (m!=l) Saturn f-modes of relatively high angular degree, and we present normal mode identifications for these waves. We assess the range of resonance locations in the C and D rings allowed for the spectrum of f-modes given gravity field constraints, point to other resonance locations that should experience strong forcing, and use the full set of observed waves to estimate Saturn's bulk rotation rate.

Climatic Signals from Intra-annual Density Fluctuation Frequency in Mediterranean Pines at a Regional Scale

PubMed Central

Zalloni, Enrica; de Luis, Martin; Campelo, Filipe; Novak, Klemen; De Micco, Veronica; Di Filippo, Alfredo; Vieira, Joana; Nabais, Cristina; Rozas, Vicente; Battipaglia, Giovanna

2016-01-01

Tree rings provide information about the climatic conditions during the growing season by recording them in different anatomical features, such as intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs). IADFs are intra-annual changes of wood density appearing as latewood-like cells within earlywood, or earlywood-like cells within latewood. The occurrence of IADFs is dependent on the age and size of the tree, and it is triggered by climatic drivers. The variations of IADF frequency of different species and their dependence on climate across a wide geographical range have still to be explored. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of age, tree-ring width and climate on IADF formation and frequency at a regional scale across the Mediterranean Basin in Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus pinaster Ait., and Pinus pinea L. The analyzed tree-ring network was composed of P. pinea trees growing at 10 sites (2 in Italy, 4 in Spain, and 4 in Portugal), P. pinaster from 19 sites (2 in Italy, 13 in Spain, and 4 in Portugal), and P. halepensis from 38 sites in Spain. The correlations between IADF frequency and monthly minimum, mean and maximum temperatures, as well as between IADF frequency and total precipitation, were analyzed. A significant negative relationship between IADF frequency and tree-ring age was found for the three Mediterranean pines. Moreover, IADFs were more frequent in wider rings than in narrower ones, although the widest rings showed a reduced IADF frequency. Wet conditions during late summer/early autumn triggered the formation of IADFs in the three species. Our results suggest the existence of a common climatic driver for the formation of IADFs in Mediterranean pines, highlighting the potential use of IADF frequency as a proxy for climate reconstructions with geographical resolution. PMID:27200052

Compact friction and wear machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannigan, James W.; Schwarz, Ricardo B.

1988-08-01

We have developed a compact ring-on-ring wear machine that measures the friction coefficient between large area surfaces as a function of time, normal stress, and sliding velocity. The machine measures the temperature of the sliding surfaces and collects the wear debris.

Ring Resonator for Detection of Melting Brine Under Shallow Subsurface of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Jordan, Jennifer L.; Scardelletti, Maximillian C.

2016-01-01

Laboratory experimental evidence using Raman spectroscopy has shown that liquid brine may form below the shallow subsurface of Mars. A simpler experimental method to verify the presence of liquid brine or liquid water below Mars surface is needed. In this paper, a ring resonator is used to detect the phase change between frozen water and liquid water below a sandy soil that simulates the Mars surface. Experimental data shows that the ring resonator can detect the melting of thin layers of frozen brine or water up to 15 mm below the surface.

Adsorption of Antibiotics on Graphene and Biochar in Aqueous Solutions Induced by π-π Interactions

PubMed Central

Peng, Bingquan; Chen, Liang; Que, Chenjing; Yang, Ke; Deng, Fei; Deng, Xiaoyong; Shi, Guosheng; Xu, Gang; Wu, Minghong

2016-01-01

The use of carbon based materials on the removal of antibiotics with high concentrations has been well studied, however the effect of this removal method is not clear on the actual concentration of environments, such as the hospital wastewater, sewage treatment plants and aquaculture wastewater. In this study, experimental studies on the adsorption of 7 antibiotics in environmental concentration of aqueous solutions by carbon based materials have been observed. Three kinds of carbon materials have shown very fast adsorption to antibiotics by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) detection, and the highest removal efficiency of antibiotics could reach to 100% within the range of detection limit. Surprisedly, the adsorption rate of graphene with small specific surface area was stronger than other two biochar, and adsorption rate of the two biochar which have approximate specific surface and different carbonization degree, was significantly different. The key point to the present observation were the π-π interactions between aromatic rings on adsorbed substance and carbon based materials by confocal laser scanning microscope observation. Moreover, adsorption energy markedly increased with increasing number of the π rings by using the density functional theory (DFT), showing the particular importance of π-π interactions in the adsorption process. PMID:27534975

Adsorption of Antibiotics on Graphene and Biochar in Aqueous Solutions Induced by π-π Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Bingquan; Chen, Liang; Que, Chenjing; Yang, Ke; Deng, Fei; Deng, Xiaoyong; Shi, Guosheng; Xu, Gang; Wu, Minghong

2016-08-01

The use of carbon based materials on the removal of antibiotics with high concentrations has been well studied, however the effect of this removal method is not clear on the actual concentration of environments, such as the hospital wastewater, sewage treatment plants and aquaculture wastewater. In this study, experimental studies on the adsorption of 7 antibiotics in environmental concentration of aqueous solutions by carbon based materials have been observed. Three kinds of carbon materials have shown very fast adsorption to antibiotics by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) detection, and the highest removal efficiency of antibiotics could reach to 100% within the range of detection limit. Surprisedly, the adsorption rate of graphene with small specific surface area was stronger than other two biochar, and adsorption rate of the two biochar which have approximate specific surface and different carbonization degree, was significantly different. The key point to the present observation were the π-π interactions between aromatic rings on adsorbed substance and carbon based materials by confocal laser scanning microscope observation. Moreover, adsorption energy markedly increased with increasing number of the π rings by using the density functional theory (DFT), showing the particular importance of π-π interactions in the adsorption process.

Synthesis and characterization of triangulene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavliček, Niko; Mistry, Anish; Majzik, Zsolt; Moll, Nikolaj; Meyer, Gerhard; Fox, David J.; Gross, Leo

2017-05-01

Triangulene, the smallest triplet-ground-state polybenzenoid (also known as Clar's hydrocarbon), has been an enigmatic molecule ever since its existence was first hypothesized. Despite containing an even number of carbons (22, in six fused benzene rings), it is not possible to draw Kekulé-style resonant structures for the whole molecule: any attempt results in two unpaired valence electrons. Synthesis and characterization of unsubstituted triangulene has not been achieved because of its extreme reactivity, although the addition of substituents has allowed the stabilization and synthesis of the triangulene core and verification of the triplet ground state via electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. Here we show the on-surface generation of unsubstituted triangulene that consists of six fused benzene rings. The tip of a combined scanning tunnelling and atomic force microscope (STM/AFM) was used to dehydrogenate precursor molecules. STM measurements in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that triangulene keeps its free-molecule properties on the surface, whereas AFM measurements resolved its planar, threefold symmetric molecular structure. The unique topology of such non-Kekulé hydrocarbons results in open-shell π-conjugated graphene fragments that give rise to high-spin ground states, potentially useful in organic spintronic devices. Our generation method renders manifold experiments possible to investigate triangulene and related open-shell fragments at the single-molecule level.

Molecular Static Third-Order Polarizabilities of Carbon-Cage Fullerene and Their Correlation with Three Geometric Properties: Symmetry, Aromaticity, and Size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, C. E.; Cardelino, B. H.; Frazier, D. O.; Niles, J.; Wang, X.-Q.

1998-01-01

The static third-order polarizabilities (gamma) of C60, C70, five isomers of C78 and two isomers of C84 were analyzed in terms of three properties, from a geometric point of view: symmetry, aromaticity and size. The polarizability values were based on the finite field approximation using a semiempirical Hamiltonian (AM1) and applied to molecular structures obtained from density functional theory calculations. Symmetry was characterized by the molecular group order. The selection of 6-member rings as aromatic was determined from an analysis of bond lengths. Maximum interatomic distance and surface area were the parameters considered with respect to size. Based on triple linear regression analysis, it was found that the static linear polarizability (alpha) and gamma in these molecules respond differently to geometrical properties: alpha depends almost exclusively on surface area while gamma is affected by a combination of number of aromatic rings, length and group order, in decreasing importance. In the case of alpha, valence electron contributions provide the same information as all-electron estimates. For gamma, the best correlation coefficients are obtained when all-electron estimates are used and when the dependent parameter is ln(gamma) instead of gamma.

Distribution, Statistics, and Resurfacing of Large Impact Basins on Mercury

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fassett, Caleb I.; Head, James W.; Baker, David M. H.; Chapman, Clark R.; Murchie, Scott L.; Neumann, Gregory A.; Oberst, Juergen; Prockter, Louise M.; Smith, David E.; Solomon, Sean C.;

Preliminary scaling laws for plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density in the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, J. R.

1976-01-01

Parametric variation of independent variables which may affect the characteristics of the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus plasma have identified those which have a significant effect on the plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density, and those which do not. Empirical power-law correlations of the plasma current, and the ion kinetic temperature and number density were obtained as functions of the potential applied to the midplane electrode rings, the background neutral gas pressure, and the magnetic field strength. Additional parameters studied include the type of gas, the polarity of the midplane electrode rings (and hence the direction of the radial electric field), the mode of plasma operation, and the method of measuring the plasma number density. No significant departures from the scaling laws appear to occur at the highest ion kinetic temperatures or number densities obtained to date.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alfonso Hernandez, Laura; Nelson, Tammie Renee; Gelin, Maxim F.

The interchromophoric energy-transfer pathways between weakly coupled units in a π-conjugated phenylene–ethynylene macrocycle and its half-ring analogue have been investigated using the nonadiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics approach. To track the flow of electronic transition density between macrocycle units, we formulate a transition density flux analysis adapted from the statistical minimum flow method previously developed to investigate vibrational energy flow. Following photoexcitation, transition density is primarily delocalized on two chromophore units and the system undergoes ultrafast energy transfer, creating a localized excited state on a single unit. In the macrocycle, distinct chromophore units donate transition density to a single acceptor unitmore » but do not interchange transition density among each other. We find that energy transfer in the macrocycle is slower than in the corresponding half ring because of the presence of multiple interfering energy-transfer pathways. Finally, simulation results are validated by modeling the fluorescence anisotropy decay.« less

Interference of interchromophoric energy-transfer pathways in π-conjugated macrocycles

DOE PAGES

Alfonso Hernandez, Laura; Nelson, Tammie Renee; Gelin, Maxim F.; ...

2016-11-10

The interchromophoric energy-transfer pathways between weakly coupled units in a π-conjugated phenylene–ethynylene macrocycle and its half-ring analogue have been investigated using the nonadiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics approach. To track the flow of electronic transition density between macrocycle units, we formulate a transition density flux analysis adapted from the statistical minimum flow method previously developed to investigate vibrational energy flow. Following photoexcitation, transition density is primarily delocalized on two chromophore units and the system undergoes ultrafast energy transfer, creating a localized excited state on a single unit. In the macrocycle, distinct chromophore units donate transition density to a single acceptor unitmore » but do not interchange transition density among each other. We find that energy transfer in the macrocycle is slower than in the corresponding half ring because of the presence of multiple interfering energy-transfer pathways. Finally, simulation results are validated by modeling the fluorescence anisotropy decay.« less

Fabrication and Characterization of Ultrathin-ring Electrodes for Pseudo-steady-state Amperometric Detection.

PubMed

Kitazumi, Yuki; Hamamoto, Katsumi; Noda, Tatsuo; Shirai, Osamu; Kano, Kenji

2015-01-01

The fabrication of ultrathin-ring electrodes with a diameter of 2 mm and a thickness of 100 nm is established. The ultrathin-ring electrodes provide a large density of pseudo-steady-state currents, and realize pseudo-steady-state amperometry under quiescent conditions without a Faraday cage. Under the limiting current conditions, the current response at the ultrathin-ring electrode can be well explained by the theory of the microband electrode response. Cyclic voltammograms at the ultrathin-ring electrode show sigmoidal characteristics with some hysteresis. Numerical simulation reveals that the hysteresis can be ascribed to the time-dependence of pseudo-steady-state current. The performance of amperometry with the ultrathin-ring electrode has been verified in its application to redox enzyme kinetic measurements.

Quick actuating closure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, III, Dorsey E. (Inventor); Updike, deceased, Benjamin T. (Inventor); Allred, Johnny W. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A quick actuating closure for a pressure vessel 80 in which a wedge ring 30 with a conical outer surface 31 is moved forward to force shear blocks 40, with conical inner surfaces 41, radially outward to lock an end closure plug 70 within an opening 81 in the pressure vessel 80. A seal ring 60 and a preload ramp 50 sit between the shear blocks 40 and the end closure plug 70 to provide a backup sealing capability. Conical surfaces 44 and 55 of the preload ramp 50 and the shear blocks 40 interact to force the seal ring 60 into shoulders 73 and 85 in the end closure plug 70 and opening 81 to form a tight seal. The end closure plug 70 is unlocked by moving the wedge ring 30 rearward, which causes T-bars 32 of the wedge ring 30 riding within T -slots 42 of the shear blocks 40 to force them radially inward. The end closure plug 70 is then removed, allowing access to the interior of the pressure vessel 80.

A DFT investigation of a bulky biomimetic model catalyzing the 5'-outer ring deiodination of thyroxine.

PubMed

Fortino, Mariagrazia; Marino, Tiziana; Russo, Nino; Sicilia, Emilia

2016-12-01

This paper illustrates the outcomes of a density functional theory investigation aimed at unraveling mechanistic aspects of the 5'-outer ring deiodination process of thyroxine (T4) assisted by the sterically protected organoselenol compound BpqSeH. BpqSeH, which was previously synthesized and tested for its deiodinase activity, is able to afford the active hormone 3,5,3'-tetraiodothyronine (T3) by selective outer-ring deiodination of T4, and to protect the SeH moiety inside the nano-sized molecular cavity from further reactivity, allowing its isolation and characterization. Calculations were also performed including an imidazole ring that, mimicking a His residue in the active site of the original enzyme, plays an crucial role in deprotonating the selenol moiety. Both the suggested enol/keto tautomerization and the previously proven formation of an intermediate whose main characteristic is the presence of a Se⋯I⋯C halogen bond, were examined along the pathway leading to 5'-outer ring deiodination. The calculated potential energy surface showed that neither the pathway encompassing enol/keto tautomerism nor the formation of a halogen bond paving the way to C-I bond breaking and chalcogen-I bond forming is viable. The exergonic formation of the final selenenyl iodide product confirms the stabilization effect of the molecular cavity. Graphical Abstract Computed free energy profile describing the 5'-outer deiodination of thyroxine assisted by the steric hindered organoselenol BpqSH compound. The molecular electrostatic potential map reoported for the INT1 intermediate shows the non-covalent Se-I interaction, due to the attraction between charges of opposite sign, that weakens the C-I bond and prepares the formation of the new Se-I bond.

Surface and interior views on origins of two types of banded spherulites in poly(nonamethylene terephthalate).

PubMed

Woo, Eamor M; Nurkhamidah, Siti; Chen, Yu-Fan

2011-10-21

Top-surface and three-dimensional views of Type-1 and Type-2 of ring-banded spherulites in poly(nonamethylene terephthalate) (PNT) in thicker bulk crystallized on a nucleating potassium bromide (KBr) substrate were examined using various microscopy techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized-optical microscopy (POM), and atomic-force microscopy (AFM). In PNT crystallized at higher crystallization temperature (T(c)) with heterogeneous nucleating substrate, typically two types of ring-banded spherulites are present that differ significantly in patterns and ring spacings: Type-1 Type-2 (single- and double-ring-banded spherulites). Three-dimensional view on fractured spherulites in bulk PNT samples reveals that the single-ring-banded spherulite (Type-1) tends to be well-rounded spheres as they are nucleated homogeneously from bulk; the double-ring-banded spherulite (Type-2) is concentric hemisphere or truncated sphere shells owing to be nucleated from bottom. With confined thickness of films, the 3-D hemispheres in PNT may become truncated into multi-shell annular cones or arcs when thickness or growth is restricted. Based on the top-surface vs. interior views of banded lamellar assembly, origins and inner structures of dual types of ring bands in PNT were examined in greater details. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2011

Origin and maintenance of the oxygen torus in Saturn's magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morfill, G. E.; Havnes, O.; Goertz, C. K.

1993-01-01

Observations of thermal ions in Saturn's inner magnetosphere suggest distributed local sources rather than diffusive mass loading from a source located further out. We suggest that the plasma is produced and maintained mainly by 'self-sputtering' of E ring dust. Sputtered particles are 'picked up' by the planetary magnetospheric field and accelerated to corotation energies (of the order of 8 eV/amu). The sputter yield for oxygen on ice at, for example, 120 eV is about 5, which implies that an avalanche of self-sputtering occurs. The plasma density is built up until it is balanced by local losses, presumably pitch angle scattering into the loss cone and absorption in the planet's ionosphere. The plasma density determines the distribution of dust in the E ring through plasma drag. Thus a feedback mechanism between the plasma and the E ring dust is established. The model accounts for the principal plasma observations and simultaneously the radial optical depth profile of the E ring.

Formation of Ultrarelativistic Electron Rings from a Laser-Wakefield Accelerator.

PubMed

Pollock, B B; Tsung, F S; Albert, F; Shaw, J L; Clayton, C E; Davidson, A; Lemos, N; Marsh, K A; Pak, A; Ralph, J E; Mori, W B; Joshi, C

2015-07-31

Ultrarelativistic-energy electron ring structures have been observed from laser-wakefield acceleration experiments in the blowout regime. These electron rings had 170-280 MeV energies with 5%-25% energy spread and ∼10  pC of charge and were observed over a range of plasma densities and compositions. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that laser intensity enhancement in the wake leads to sheath splitting and the formation of a hollow toroidal pocket in the electron density around the wake behind the first wake period. If the laser propagates over a distance greater than the ideal dephasing length, some of the dephasing electrons in the second period can become trapped within the pocket and form an ultrarelativistic electron ring that propagates in free space over a meter-scale distance upon exiting the plasma. Such a structure acts as a relativistic potential well, which has applications for accelerating positively charged particles such as positrons.

Ion transport and loss in the earth's quiet ring current. I - Data and standard model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheldon, R. B.; Hamilton, D. C.

1993-01-01

A study of the transport and loss of ions in the earth's quiet time ring current, in which the standard radial diffusion model developed for the high-energy radiation belt particles is compared with the measurements of the lower-energy ring current ions, is presented. The data set provides ionic composition information in an energy range that includes the bulk of the ring current energy density, 1-300 keV/e. Protons are found to dominate the quiet time energy density at all altitudes, peaking near L of about 4 at 60 keV/cu cm, with much smaller contributions from O(+) (1-10 percent), He(+) (1-5 percent), and He(2+) (less than 1 percent). A minimization procedure is used to fit the amplitudes of the standard electric radial diffusion coefficient, yielding 5.8 x 10 exp -11 R(E-squared)/s. Fluctuation ionospheric electric fields are suggested as the source of the additional diffusion detected.

Wet model of Saturn's ionosphere: Water from the rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connerney, J. E. P.; Waite, J. H.

1984-01-01

Current theoretical models of Saturn's ionosphere are difficult to reconcile with the ionospheric electron density profiles obtained from the Pioneer and Voyager radio occultation observations and the large diurnal variation of maximum ionospheric electron density deduced from studies of Saturn lightning discharges. A model of Saturn's ionosphere is proposed in which water plays a major role as a minor constituent present by virtue of downward diffusion from an external source. This model of the Saturn ionosphere is a classical 'F2' type layer resulting from the photodissociative production of H(+) from H2 and rapid chemical loss due to a series of charge exchange reactions with water. A planet-wide influx of about 4x10 to the 7th power molecules/sec/sq cm of water from the rings is consistent with the observed ionospheric electron densities and estimates of influx due to micrometeoride bombardment of the rings. An enhanced influx of water occurs at latitudes (-38 deg, +44 deg) magnetically connected to the inner edge of Saturn's B ring which results from an electromagnetic erosion process contributing substantially to the (local) upper atmosphere water content. Present day influx at these latitudes is possibly as large as 2x10 to the 9th power molecules/sec/sq cm.

Exact-exchange spin-density functional theory of Wigner localization and phase transitions in quantum rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, Thorsten; Siegmund, Marc; Pankratov, Oleg

2011-08-01

We apply exact-exchange spin-density functional theory in the Krieger-Li-Iafrate approximation to interacting electrons in quantum rings of different widths. The rings are threaded by a magnetic flux that induces a persistent current. A weak space and spin symmetry breaking potential is introduced to allow for localized solutions. As the electron-electron interaction strength described by the dimensionless parameter rS is increased, we observe—at a fixed spin magnetic moment—the subsequent transition of both spin sub-systems from the Fermi liquid to the Wigner crystal state. A dramatic signature of Wigner crystallization is that the persistent current drops sharply with increasing rS. We observe simultaneously the emergence of pronounced oscillations in the spin-resolved densities and in the electron localization functions indicating a spatial electron localization showing ferrimagnetic order after both spin sub-systems have undergone the Wigner crystallization. The critical rSc at the transition point is substantially smaller than in a fully spin-polarized system and decreases further with decreasing ring width. Relaxing the constraint of a fixed spin magnetic moment, we find that on increasing rS the stable phase changes from an unpolarized Fermi liquid to an antiferromagnetic Wigner crystal and finally to a fully polarized Fermi liquid.

Exact-exchange spin-density functional theory of Wigner localization and phase transitions in quantum rings.

PubMed

Arnold, Thorsten; Siegmund, Marc; Pankratov, Oleg

2011-08-24

We apply exact-exchange spin-density functional theory in the Krieger-Li-Iafrate approximation to interacting electrons in quantum rings of different widths. The rings are threaded by a magnetic flux that induces a persistent current. A weak space and spin symmetry breaking potential is introduced to allow for localized solutions. As the electron-electron interaction strength described by the dimensionless parameter r(S) is increased, we observe-at a fixed spin magnetic moment-the subsequent transition of both spin sub-systems from the Fermi liquid to the Wigner crystal state. A dramatic signature of Wigner crystallization is that the persistent current drops sharply with increasing r(S). We observe simultaneously the emergence of pronounced oscillations in the spin-resolved densities and in the electron localization functions indicating a spatial electron localization showing ferrimagnetic order after both spin sub-systems have undergone the Wigner crystallization. The critical r(S)(c) at the transition point is substantially smaller than in a fully spin-polarized system and decreases further with decreasing ring width. Relaxing the constraint of a fixed spin magnetic moment, we find that on increasing r(S) the stable phase changes from an unpolarized Fermi liquid to an antiferromagnetic Wigner crystal and finally to a fully polarized Fermi liquid. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd

THE EFFECTS OF CRACKING ON THE SURFACE POTENTIAL OF ICY GRAINS IN SATURN’S E-RING: LABORATORY STUDIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bu, Caixia; Bahr, David A.; Dukes, Catherine A.

2016-07-10

Within Saturn's E-ring, dust grains are coated by water vapor co-released with ice grains from the geyser-like eruptions of Enceladus. These ice-coated grains have intrinsic surface potential and interact synergistically with the ions and electrons of Saturn's magnetospheric plasmas. We perform laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of water-ice growth on the surface potential, using amorphous solid water (ASW) films. We estimate the growth of the surface potential to be ∼ 2.5 mV (Earth) yr{sup 1} and 112 mV yr{sup 1} for E-ring grains at ∼4.5 R {sub s} and 3.95 R {sub s} outside Enceladus’s plume, respectively. In addition,more » our measurements show that the linear relationship between the surface potential and the film thickness, as described in previous studies, has an upper limit, where the film spontaneously cracks above a porosity-dependent critical thickness. Heating of the cracked films with (and without) deposited charge shows that significant positive (and negative) surface potentials are retained at temperatures above 110 K, contrary to the minimal values (roughly zero) for thin, transparent ASW films. The significant surface potentials observed on micron-scale cracked ice films after thermal cycling, (5–20) V, are consistent with Cassini measurements, which indicate a negative charge of up to 5 V for E-ring dust particles at ∼5 R {sub s}. Therefore, the native grain surface potential resulting from water-vapor coating must be included in modeling studies of interactions between E-ring icy surfaces and Saturn's magnetospheric plasma.« less

Plasma properties in electron-bombardment ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matossian, J. N.; Beattie, J. R.

1987-01-01

The paper describes a technique for computing volume-averaged plasma properties within electron-bombardment ion thrusters, using spatially varying Langmuir-probe measurements. Average values of the electron densities are defined by integrating the spatially varying Maxwellian and primary electron densities over the ionization volume, and then dividing by the volume. Plasma properties obtained in the 30-cm-diameter J-series and ring-cusp thrusters are analyzed by the volume-averaging technique. The superior performance exhibited by the ring-cusp thruster is correlated with a higher average Maxwellian electron temperature. The ring-cusp thruster maintains the same fraction of primary electrons as does the J-series thruster, but at a much lower ion production cost. The volume-averaged predictions for both thrusters are compared with those of a detailed thruster performance model.

Particle simulation of ion heating in the ring current

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qian, S.; Hudson, M. K.; Roth, I.

1990-01-01

Heating of heavy ions has been observed in the equatorial magnetosphere in GEOS 1 and 2 and ATS 6 data due to ion cyclotron waves generated by anisotropic hot ring current ions. A one-dimensional hybrid-Darwin code has been developed to study ion heating in the ring current. Here, a strong instability and heating of thermal ions is investigated in a plasma with a los cone distribution of hot ions. The linear growth rate calculation and particle simulations are conducted for cases with different loss cones and relative ion densities. The linear instability of the waves, the quasi-linear heating of cold ions and dependence on the thermal H(+)/He(+) density ratio are analyzed, as well as nonlinear parallel heating of thermal ions. Effects of thermal oxygen and hot oxygen are also studied.

Cylindrical cellular geometry ensures fidelity of division site placement in fission yeast.

PubMed

Mishra, Mithilesh; Huang, Yinyi; Srivastava, Pragya; Srinivasan, Ramanujam; Sevugan, Mayalagu; Shlomovitz, Roie; Gov, Nir; Rao, Madan; Balasubramanian, Mohan

2012-08-15

Successful cytokinesis requires proper assembly of the contractile actomyosin ring, its stable positioning on the cell surface and proper constriction. Over the years, many of the key molecular components and regulators of the assembly and positioning of the actomyosin ring have been elucidated. Here we show that cell geometry and mechanics play a crucial role in the stable positioning and uniform constriction of the contractile ring. Contractile rings that assemble in locally spherical regions of cells are unstable and slip towards the poles. By contrast, actomyosin rings that assemble on locally cylindrical portions of the cell under the same conditions do not slip, but uniformly constrict the cell surface. The stability of the rings and the dynamics of ring slippage can be described by a simple mechanical model. Using fluorescence imaging, we verify some of the quantitative predictions of the model. Our study reveals an intimate interplay between geometry and actomyosin dynamics, which are likely to apply in a variety of cellular contexts.

Adsorption of 1- and 2-butylimidazoles at the copper/air and steel/air interfaces studied by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

PubMed

Casford, Michael T L; Davies, Paul B

2012-07-24

The structure of thin films of 1- and 2-butylimidazoles adsorbed on copper and steel surfaces under air was examined using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy in the ppp and ssp polarizations. Additionally, the SFG spectra of both isomers were recorded at 55 °C at the liquid imidazole/air interface for reference. Complementary bulk infrared, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), and Raman spectra of both imidazoles were recorded for assignment purposes. The SFG spectra in the C-H stretching region at the liquid/air interface are dominated by resonances from the methyl end group of the butyl side chain of the imidazoles, indicating that they are aligned parallel or closely parallel to the surface normal. These are also the most prominent features in the SFG spectra on copper and steel. In addition, both the ppp and ssp spectra on copper show resonances from the C-H stretching modes of the imidazole ring for both isomers. The ring C-H resonances are completely absent from the spectra on steel and at the liquid/air interface. The relative intensities of the SFG spectra can be interpreted as showing that, on copper, under air, both butylimidazoles are adsorbed with their butyl side chains perpendicular to the interface and with the ring significantly inclined away from the surface plane and toward the surface normal. The SFG spectra of both imidazoles on steel indicate an orientation where the imidazole rings are parallel or nearly parallel to the surface. The weak C-H resonances from the ring at the liquid/air interface suggest that the tilt angle of the ring from the surface normal at this interface is significantly greater than it is on copper.

Comparison of fundus autofluorescence with photopic and scotopic fine matrix mapping in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: 4- to 8-year follow-up.

PubMed

Robson, Anthony G; Lenassi, Eva; Saihan, Zubin; Luong, Vy A; Fitzke, Fred W; Holder, Graham E; Webster, Andrew R

2012-09-14

To assess the significance and evolution of parafoveal rings of high-density fundus autofluorescence (AF) in 12 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Twelve patients with autosomal recessive RP or Usher syndrome type 2 were ascertained who had a parafoveal ring of high-density AF and a visual acuity of 20/30 or better at baseline. Photopic and scotopic fine matrix mapping (FMM) were performed to test sensitivity across the macula. AF imaging and FMM were repeated after 4 to 8 years and optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed. The size of the AF ring reduced over time and disappeared in one subject. Photopic thresholds were normal over the fovea; thresholds were elevated by 0.6 log units over the ring and by 1.2 log units external to the ring at baseline and differed by less than 0.1 log unit at follow-up. Mild photopic losses close to the internal edge of the ring were detected at baseline or follow-up in all. Mean scotopic thresholds over parafoveal areas within the ring were markedly elevated in 8 of 10 at baseline and were severely elevated in 9 of 11 at follow-up. The eccentricity of the inner edge of the AF ring corresponded closely with the lateral extent of the inner segment ellipsoid band in the OCT image. Ring constriction was largely coincident with progressive centripetal photopic threshold elevation led by worsening of rod photoreceptor function. The rate of constriction differed across patients, and a ring may reach a critical minimum before disappearing, at which stage central visual loss occurs. The structural and functional changes associated with rings of increased autofluorescence confirm that they provide an objective index of macular involvement and may aid the management of RP patients and the monitoring of future treatment efficacy.

Dimension of ring polymers in bulk studied by Monte-Carlo simulation and self-consistent theory.

PubMed

Suzuki, Jiro; Takano, Atsushi; Deguchi, Tetsuo; Matsushita, Yushu

2009-10-14

We studied equilibrium conformations of ring polymers in melt over the wide range of segment number N of up to 4096 with Monte-Carlo simulation and obtained N dependence of radius of gyration of chains R(g). The simulation model used is bond fluctuation model (BFM), where polymer segments bear excluded volume; however, the excluded volume effect vanishes at N-->infinity, and linear polymer can be regarded as an ideal chain. Simulation for ring polymers in melt was performed, and the nu value in the relationship R(g) proportional to N(nu) is decreased gradually with increasing N, and finally it reaches the limiting value, 1/3, in the range of N>or=1536, i.e., R(g) proportional to N(1/3). We confirmed that the simulation result is consistent with that of the self-consistent theory including the topological effect and the osmotic pressure of ring polymers. Moreover, the averaged chain conformation of ring polymers in equilibrium state was given in the BFM. In small N region, the segment density of each molecule near the center of mass of the molecule is decreased with increasing N. In large N region the decrease is suppressed, and the density is found to be kept constant without showing N dependence. This means that ring polymer molecules do not segregate from the other molecules even if ring polymers in melt have the relationship nu=1/3. Considerably smaller dimensions of ring polymers at high molecular weight are due to their inherent nature of having no chain ends, and hence they have less-entangled conformations.

Mathematical simulation of bearing ring grinding process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koltunov, I. I.; Gorbunova, T. N.; Tumanova, M. B.

2018-03-01

The paper suggests the method of forming a solid finite element model of the bearing ring. Implementation of the model allowed one to evaluate the influence of the inner cylindrical surface grinding scheme on the ring shape error.

The effect of packing hydrophilization on bacterial attachment and the relationship with the performance of biotrickling filters.

PubMed

Prado, Oscar J; Popat, Sudeep C; Chen, Gexin; Walker, Sharon L; Lafuente, Javier; Gabriel, David; Deshusses, Marc A

2009-08-15

Many bioprocesses depend on the effective formation of a biofilm on a solid support. In the present study, three different surface treatments (sandblasting, pure-O(2) plasma, and He-O(2) plasma treatments) were conducted on polypropylene (PP) Pall rings used as a support in biotrickling filters for air pollution control. The intent was to modify the ring surface and/or electrochemical properties in order to possibly improve cell adhesion, wetting properties, and possibly reduce the start-up time and increase the performance of the biotrickling filters. The surface treatments were found to generally increase the hydrophilicity and the zeta potential of the surfaces. However, the startup and performance of lab-scale biotrickling filters packed with treated Pall rings were not significantly different than the control with untreated rings. Cell and colloid deposition experiments conducted in flow cells showed that the treated surfaces and the hydrodynamic conditions were not favorable for cell deposition indicating that there could be significant opportunities for improving packings used in environmental bioprocess applications. Copyright 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Deciphering the embedded wave in Saturn's Maxwell ringlet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, Richard G.; Nicholson, Philip D.; Hedman, Mathew M.; Hahn, Joseph M.; McGhee-French, Colleen A.; Colwell, Joshua E.; Marouf, Essam A.; Rappaport, Nicole J.

2016-11-01

The eccentric Maxwell ringlet in Saturn's C ring is home to a prominent wavelike structure that varies strongly and systematically with true anomaly, as revealed by nearly a decade of high-SNR Cassini occultation observations. Using a simple linear "accordion" model to compensate for the compression and expansion of the ringlet and the wave, we derive a mean optical depth profile for the ringlet and a set of rescaled, background-subtracted radial wave profiles. We use wavelet analysis to identify the wave as a 2-armed trailing spiral, consistent with a density wave driven by an m = 2 outer Lindblad resonance (OLR), with a pattern speed Ωp = 1769.17° d-1 and a corresponding resonance radius ares = 87530.0 km. Estimates of the surface mass density of the Maxwell ringlet range from a mean value of 11g cm-2 derived from the self-gravity model to 5 - 12gcm-2 , as inferred from the wave's phase profile and a theoretical dispersion relation. The corresponding opacity is about 0.12 cm2 g-1, comparable to several plateaus in the outer C ring (Hedman, M.N., Nicholson, P.D. [2014]. Mont. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc. 444, 1369-1388). A linear density wave model using the derived wave phase profile nicely matches the wave's amplitude, wavelength, and phase in most of our observations, confirming the accuracy of the pattern speed and demonstrating the wave's coherence over a period of 8 years. However, the linear model fails to reproduce the narrow, spike-like structures that are prominent in the observed optical depth profiles. Using a symplectic N-body streamline-based dynamical code (Hahn, J.M., Spitale, J.N. [2013]. Astrophys. J. 772, 122), we simulate analogs of the Maxwell ringlet, modeled as an eccentric ringlet with an embedded wave driven by a fictitious satellite with an OLR located within the ring. The simulations reproduce many of the features of the actual observations, including strongly asymmetric peaks and troughs in the inward-propagating density wave. We argue that the Maxwell ringlet wave is generated by a sectoral normal-mode oscillation inside Saturn with ℓ = m = 2 , similar to other planetary internal modes that have been inferred from density waves observed in Saturn's C ring (Hedman, M.N., Nicholson, P.D. [2013]. Astron. J. 146, 12; Hedman, M.N., Nicholson, P.D. [2014]. Mont. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc. 444, 1369-1388). Our identification of a third m = 2 mode associated with saturnian internal oscillations supports the suggestions of mode splitting by Fuller et al. (Fuller, J., Lai, D., Storch, N.I. [2014]. Icarus 231, 34-50) and Fuller (Fuller, J. [2014]. Icarus 242, 283-296). The fitted amplitude of the wave, if it is interpreted as driven by the ℓ = m = 2 f-mode, implies a radial amplitude at the 1 bar level of ∼ 50 cm, according to the models of Marley and Porco (Marley, M.S., Porco, C.C. [1993]. Icarus 106, 508).

"Propellers" in Saturns Rings? The missing Link?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spahn, F.; Salo, H.; Schmidt, J.; Seiss, M.; Sremcevic, M.

To date it is not clear how planetary rings have formed. Have they either accreted cogenetically with their central planet and its satellite system or has a catastrophic disruption of a parent body (satellite, comet) created these magnificent cosmic structures? Based upon dynamical arguments the former scenario would ab initio exclude the existence of boulders larger than a few 10 meters in diameter because they cannot stand the planet's tides and collisions. Consequently, if there were such moonlets with sizes between 50 meters up to few kilometers in diameter in the rings a strong argument pro the hypothesis of a "violent birth" of these cosmic disks would have been found! In order to improve or even enable the detectability of such moonlets, we have modeled structures created by such larger ring boulders. We derived a hydrodynamical model describing the combination of counteracting processes of gravitational scattering and nonlinear viscous diffusion. A formation of a "propeller-shaped" structure (Spahn & Sremcevic; A&A 358 (2000), 368) interfered with density wakes have been obtained which scale in radial direction with the Hill radius and azimuthally with the ratio of mass to viscosity of the ring material (Sremcevic et al.; MNRAS 337 (2002), 1139). The formation of the "propellers" flanked by density wakes have been confirmed by numerical particle simulations (Seiss et al. GRL 32 (2005)). These results have been used to search for small embedded satellites in Saturn's rings in the Cassini imaging data (ISS). Two kilometer sized moonlets have already been detected in Saturn's A ring - Pan and Daphnis - which both show all essential density features and scalings. However, these two isolated,large ring-boulders cannot serve yet as a proof for an extended size-distribution which is expected to result from a catastrophic disruption of an icy satellite. The detection of four "Propellers" pointing to moonlets of ca. 40 - 120 metres in size by Tiscareno et al. (Nature 440 (2006), 648; Spahn & Schmidt, ibid, p. 614) seems to close the gap in the knowledge - providing a strong argument in favour of the "catastrophic disruption" origin scenario.

Electrochemical and density functional theory investigation on the differential behaviors of core-ring structured NiCo2O4 nanoplatelets toward heavy metal ions.

PubMed

Liao, Jianjun; Zhang, Junping; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Lin, Shiwei

2018-08-31

In order to further improve the electroanalytical performance toward heavy metal ions, core-ring structured NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets were used to modify glass carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of heavy metal ions in water. Owing to the high surface area of NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets, the Pb(II) sensitivity increased by a factor of 1.70, and the detection limit decreased by a factor of 2.64 as compared to solid NiCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles modified GCE. Interestingly, NiCo 2 O 4 nanoplatelets showed different sensitivities toward heavy metal ions with the same valence states, following the order Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Hg(II) > Cu(II). To better and scientifically understand the difference in sensitivity, adsorption and desorption abilities were integrated into account. Density functional theory calculations verified that the adsorption capability of NiCo 2 O 4 toward Pb(II) was strongest among all heavy metal ions, thereby resulting in the largest sensitivity. Further desorption current measurements indicated the large desorption barrier of Cu(II) was another important factor leading to its lowest sensitivity. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by the detection of heavy metal ions in real seawater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Translocation pathway of protein substrates in ClpAP protease

PubMed Central

Ishikawa, Takashi; Beuron, Fabienne; Kessel, Martin; Wickner, Sue; Maurizi, Michael R.; Steven, Alasdair C.

2001-01-01

Intracellular protein degradation, which must be tightly controlled to protect normal proteins, is carried out by ATP-dependent proteases. These multicomponent enzymes have chaperone-like ATPases that recognize and unfold protein substrates and deliver them to the proteinase components for digestion. In ClpAP, hexameric rings of the ClpA ATPase stack axially on either face of the ClpP proteinase, which consists of two apposed heptameric rings. We have used cryoelectron microscopy to characterize interactions of ClpAP with the model substrate, bacteriophage P1 protein, RepA. In complexes stabilized by ATPγS, which bind but do not process substrate, RepA dimers are seen at near-axial sites on the distal surface of ClpA. On ATP addition, RepA is translocated through ≈150 Å into the digestion chamber inside ClpP. Little change is observed in ClpAP, implying that translocation proceeds without major reorganization of the ClpA hexamer. When translocation is observed in complexes containing a ClpP mutant whose digestion chamber is already occupied by unprocessed propeptides, a small increase in density is observed within ClpP, and RepA-associated density is also seen at other axial sites. These sites appear to represent intermediate points on the translocation pathway, at which segments of unfolded RepA subunits transiently accumulate en route to the digestion chamber. PMID:11287666

Folded Fabry-Perot quasi-optical ring resonator diplexer Theory and experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickett, H. M.; Chiou, A. E. T.

1983-01-01

Performance of folded Fabry-Perot quasi-optical ring resonator diplexers with different geometries of reflecting surfaces is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Design of optimum surface geometry for minimum diffraction, together with the figure of merit indicating improvement in performance, are given.

Distribution of Mercury Concentrations in Tree Rings and Surface Soils Adjacent to a Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Southern Korea.

PubMed

Jung, Raae; Ahn, Young Sang

2017-08-01

This study aimed to determine mercury concentrations in tree rings and surface soils at distances of 4, 26 and 40 km from a fertilizer plant located in Yeosu City, Korea. Mercury concentrations in all tree rings were low prior to the establishment of the plant in 1977 and became elevated thereafter. The highest average mercury concentration in the tree rings was 11.96 ng g -1 at the Yeosu site located nearest to the plant, with the lowest average mercury concentration of 4.45 ng g -1 at the Suncheon site furthest away from the plant. In addition, the highest mercury content in the surface soil was 108.51 ng cm -3 at the Yeosu site, whereas the lowest mercury content in the surface soil was 31.47 ng cm -3 at the Suncheon site. The mercury levels decreased gradually with increasing distance from the plant.

[Sensory retraining of the hand using gnosis rings].

PubMed

Brunelli, G; Monini, L; Brunelli, F

1992-01-01

Sensory reeducation is very important. Many methods are used but it is difficult to assess their efficiency. Besides the routine methods we are using the gnostic rings which have on their periphery 5 symbols: a letter = A, a number = 3, a geometrical figure = a circle, a rough surface and a smooth convex surface. The symbols of the rings are in 3 different sizes (1.5 - 1 and 0.5 cm). The gnostic rings have 3 advantages: 1) they allow a precise evaluation in percentage. 2) they require an important brain effort, 3) they may be kept in the pocket and used several times during the day.

Porous silicon ring resonator for compact, high sensitivity biosensing applications

DOE PAGES

Rodriguez, Gilberto A.; Hu, Shuren; Weiss, Sharon M.

2015-01-01

A ring resonator is patterned on a porous silicon slab waveguide to produce a compact, high quality factor biosensor with a large internal surface area available for enhanced recognition of biological and chemical molecules. The porous nature of the ring resonator allows molecules to directly interact with the guided mode. Quality factors near 10,000 were measured for porous silicon ring resonators with a radius of 25 μm. A bulk detection sensitivity of 380 nm/RIU was measured upon exposure to salt water solutions. Specific detection of nucleic acid molecules was demonstrated with a surface detection sensitivity of 4 pm/nM.

Concentric nano rings observed on Al-Cu-Fe microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chunfei; Wang, Limin; Hampikian, Helen; Bair, Matthew; Baker, Andrew; Hua, Mingjian; Wang, Qiongshu; Li, Dingqiang

2016-05-01

It is well known that when particle size is reduced, surface effect becomes important. As a result, micro/nanoparticles tend to have well defined geometric shapes to reduce total surface energy, as opposed to the irregular shapes observed in most bulk materials. The surface of such micro/nanostructures are smooth. Any deviation from a smooth surface implies an increased surface energy which is not energetically favorable. Here, we report an observation of spherical particles in an alloy of Al65Cu20Fe15 nominal composition prepared by arc melting. Such spherical particles stand out from those reported so far due to the decoration of concentric nanorings on the surface. Three models for the formation of these concentric ring patterns are suggested. The most prominent ones assume that the rings are frozen features of liquid motion which could open the door to investigate the kinetics of liquid motion on the micro/nanometer scale.

Minor Merger Origin for the Circumnuclear Starburst in NGC 7742

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazzuca, Lisa M.; Sarzi, M.; Knapen, J. H.; Veilleux, S.; Swaters, R.

2006-01-01

We present an emission-line diagnostic analysis of integral-field spectroscopic observations that cover the central kiloparsec of NGC 7742. This Sa galaxy hosts a spectacular nuclear starburst ring and nuclear regions characterized by low-ionization emission. The gas in the ring rotates in the opposite sense to the stars in the galaxy, suggesting a recent merging or acquisition event. The combination of integral-field measurements for the H alpha+[N II] emission lines from DensePak and the H beta and [O 111] emission from SAURON allow the construction of diagnostic diagrams that highlight the transition from star formation in the nuclear ring to excitation by high-velocity shocks or by a central AGN towards the center. DensePak measurements for the [S II] line ratio reveal very low gas densities in the nuclear ring, N(sub e) less than 100 per cubic centimeters, characteristic of massive H II regions. Comparison with MAPPINGS III models for starbursts with low gas densities show that the ring is of roughly solar metallicity. This suggests that the gas in the nuclear ring originated in a stellar system capable of substantially enriching the gas metallicity through sustained star formation. We propose that NGC 7742 cannibalised a smaller galaxy rich in metal-poor gas, and that star formation episodes in the ring have since increased the metallicity to its present value. The techniques explored here can be widely used to study similar systems, including composite (AGN+starburst) galaxies.

A Coffee Ring Aptasensor for Rapid Protein Detection

PubMed Central

Wen, Jessica T.; Ho, Chih-Ming; Lillehoj, Peter B.

2013-01-01

We introduce a new biosensing platform for rapid protein detection that combines one of the simplest methods for biomolecular concentration, coffee ring formation, with a sensitive aptamer-based optical detection scheme. In this approach, aptamer beacons are utilized for signal transduction where a fluorescence signal is emitted in the presence of the target molecule. Signal amplification is achieved by concentrating aptamer-target complexes within liquid droplets, resulting in the formation of coffee ring “spots”. Surfaces with various chemical coatings were utilized to investigate the correlation between surface hydrophobicity, concentration efficiency and signal amplification. Based on our results, we found that the increase in coffee ring diameter with larger droplet volumes is independent of surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, we show that highly hydrophobic surfaces produce enhanced particle concentration, via coffee ring formation, resulting in signal intensities 6-fold greater than those on hydrophilic surfaces. To validate this biosensing platform for the detection of clinical samples, we detected α-thrombin in human serum and 4x diluted whole blood. Based on our results, coffee ring spots produced detection signals 40x larger than samples in liquid droplets. Additionally, this biosensor exhibits a lower limit of detection of 2 ng/mL (54 pM) in serum, and 4 ng/mL (105 pM) in blood. Based on its simplicity and high performance, this platform demonstrates immense potential as an inexpensive diagnostic tool for the detection of disease biomarkers, particularly for use in developing countries that lack the resources and facilities required for conventional biodetection practices. PMID:23540796

[Research advances in dendrochronology].

PubMed

Fang, Ke-Yan; Chen, Qiu-Yan; Liu, Chang-Zhi; Cao, Chun-Fu; Chen, Ya-Jun; Zhou, Fei-Fei

2014-07-01

Tree-ring studies in China have achieved great advances since the 1990s, particularly for the dendroclimatological studies which have made some influence around the world. However, because of the uneven development, limited attention has been currently paid on the other branches of dendrochronology. We herein briefly compared the advances of dendrochronology in China and of the world and presented suggestions on future dendrochronological studies. Large-scale tree-ring based climate reconstructions in China are highly needed by employing mathematical methods and a high quality tree-ring network of the ring-width, density, stable isotope and wood anatomy. Tree-ring based field climate reconstructions provide potentials on explorations of climate forcings during the reconstructed periods via climate diagnosis and process simulation.

A granular flow model for dense planetary rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borderies, N.; Goldreich, P.; Tremaine, S.

1985-01-01

In the present study of the viscosity of a differentially rotating particle disk, in the limiting case where the particles are densely packed and their collective behavior resembles that of a liquid, the pressure tensor is derived from both the equations of hydrodynamics and a simple kinetic model of collisions due to Haff (1983). Density waves and narrow circular rings are unstable if the liquid approximation applies, and the consequent nonlinear perturbations may generate 'splashing' of the ring material in the vertical direction. These results are pertinent to the origin of the ellipticities of ringlets, the nonaxisymmetric features near the outer edge of the Saturn B ring, and unexplained residuals in kinematic models of the Saturn and Uranus rings.

Interaction of scandium and titanium atoms with a carbon surface containing five- and seven-membered rings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krasnov, P. O., E-mail: kpo1980@gmail.com; Eliseeva, N. S.; Kuzubov, A. A., E-mail: alex_xx@rambler.ru

2012-01-15

The use of carbon nanotubes coated by atoms of transition metals to store molecular hydrogen is associated with the problem of the aggregation of these atoms, which leads to the formation of metal clusters. The quantum-chemical simulation of cluster models of the carbon surface of a graphene type with scandium and titanium atoms has been performed. It has been shown that the presence of five- and seven-membered rings, in addition to six-membered rings, in these structures makes it possible to strongly suppress the processes of the migration of metal atoms over the surface, preventing their clustering.

Helmet latching and attaching ring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chase, E. W.; Viikinsalo, S. J. (Inventor)

1970-01-01

A neck ring releasably secured to a pressurized garment carries an open-ended ring normally in the engagement position fitted into an annular groove and adapted to fit into a complementary annular groove formed in a helmet. Camming means formed on the inner surface at the end of the helmet engages the open-ended ring to retract the same and allow for one motion donning even when the garment is pressurized. A projection on the end of the split ring is engageable to physically retract the split ring.

An in vitro atomic force microscopic study of commercially available dental luting materials.

PubMed

Djordje, Antonijevic; Denis, Brajkovic; Nenadovic, Milos; Petar, Milovanovic; Marija, Djuric; Zlatko, Rakocevic

2013-09-01

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the surface roughness parameters of four different types of dental luting agents used for cementation of implant restorations. Five specimens (8 mm high and 1 mm thick) of each cement were made using metal ring steelless molds. Atomic Force Microscope was employed to analyze different surface texture parameters of the materials. Bearing ratio analysis was used to calculate the potential microgap size between the cement and implant material and to calculate the depth of the valleys on the cement surface, while power spectral density (PSD) measurements were performed to measure the percentage of the surface prone to bacterial adhesion. Glass ionomer cement showed significantly lower value of average surface roughness then the other groups of the materials (P < 0.05) which was in line with the results of Bearing ratio analysis. On the other side, PSD analysis showed that zinc phosphate cement experience the lowest percentage of the surface which promote bacterial colonization. Glas ionomer cements present the surface roughness parameters that are less favorable for bacterial adhesion than that of zinc phosphate, resin-modified glass ionomer and resin cements. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multi-temperature study of potassium uridine-5'-monophosphate: electron density distribution and anharmonic motion modelling.

PubMed

Jarzembska, Katarzyna N; Řlepokura, Katarzyna; Kamiński, Radosław; Gutmann, Matthias J; Dominiak, Paulina M; Woźniak, Krzysztof

2017-08-01

Uridine, a nucleoside formed of a uracil fragment attached to a ribose ring via a β-N1-glycosidic bond, is one of the four basic components of ribonucleic acid. Here a new anhydrous structure and experimental charge density distribution analysis of a uridine-5'-monophosphate potassium salt, K(UMPH), is reported. The studied case constitutes the very first structure of a 5'-nucleotide potassium salt according to the Cambridge Structural Database. The excellent crystal quality allowed the collection of charge density data at various temperatures, i.e. 10, 100, 200 and 300 K on one single crystal. Crystal structure and charge density data were analysed thoroughly in the context of related literature-reported examples. Detailed analysis of the charge density distribution revealed elevated anharmonic motion of part of the uracil ring moiety relatively weakly interacting with the neighbouring species. The effect was manifested by alternate positive and negative residual density patterns observed for these atoms, which `disappear' at low temperature. It also occurred that the potassium cation, quite uniformly coordinated by seven O atoms from all molecular fragments of the UMPH - anion, including the O atom from the ribofuranose ring, can be treated as spherical in the charge density model which was supported by theoretical calculations. Apart from the predominant electrostatic interactions, four relatively strong hydrogen bond types further support the stability of the crystal structure. This results in a compact and quite uniform structure (in all directions) of the studied crystal, as opposed to similar cases with layered architecture reported in the literature.

IRTF observations of the occultation of 28 Sgr by Saturn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrington, Joseph; Cooke, Maren L.; Forrest, William J.; Pipher, Judith L.; Dunham, Edward W.; Elliot, J. L.

1993-01-01

NASA's Mauna Kea IR Telescope Facility obtained an IR-imaging time series for the July 3, 1989 occultation of 28 Sgr by Saturn and its rings; the stellar signal is present in these images throughout the ring occultation event. These data are noted to vary systematically with respect to the Voyager data over large radius scales, perhaps due to stellar signal diffraction through the rings. The stellar diameter, which is projected to be about 20 km, placed most bending- and density-wave trains below measurable resolution. Masses and mean optical depths are presented for individual ring sections.

Quantum chemical study of penicillin: Reactions after acylation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Rui; Feng, Dacheng; Zhu, Feng

The density functional theory methods were used on the model molecules of penicillin to determine the possible reactions after their acylation on ?-lactamase, and the results were compared with sulbactam we have studied. The results show that, the acylated-enzyme tetrahedral intermediate can evolves with opening of ?-lactam ring as well as the thiazole ring; the thiazole ring-open products may be formed via ?-lactam ring-open product or from tetrahedral intermediate directly. Those products, in imine or enamine form, can tautomerize via hydrogen migration. In virtue of the water-assisted, their energy barriers are obviously reduced.

Scanning Laser Infrared Molecular Spectrometer (SLIMS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, David C.; Rickey, Kelly; Ksendzov, Alexander; George, Warren P.; Aljabri, Abdullah S.; Steinkraus, Joel M.

2012-01-01

This prototype innovation is a novel design that achieves very long, effective laser path lengths that are able to yield ppb (parts per billion) and sub-ppb measurements of trace gases. SLIMS can also accommodate multiple laser channels covering a wide range of wavelengths, resulting in detection of more chemicals of interest. The mechanical design of the mirror cell allows for the large effective path length within a small footprint. The same design provides a robust structure that lends itself to being immune to some of the alignment challenges that similar cells face. By taking a hollow cylinder and by cutting an elliptically or spherically curved surface into its inner wall, the basic geometry of a reflecting ring is created. If the curved, inner surface is diamond-turned and highly polished, a surface that is very highly reflective can be formed. The surface finish can be further improved by adding a thin chrome or gold film over the surface. This creates a high-quality, curved, mirrored surface. A laser beam, which can be injected from a small bore hole in the wall of the cylinder, will be able to make many low-loss bounces around the ring, creating a large optical path length. The reflecting ring operates on the same principle as the Herriott cell. The difference exists in the mirror that doesn't have to be optically aligned, and which has a relatively large, internal surface area that lends itself to either open air or evacuated spectroscopic measurements. This solid, spherical ring mirror removes the possibility of mirror misalignment caused by thermal expansion or vibrations, because there is only a single, solid reflecting surface. Benefits of the reflecting ring come into play when size constraints reduce the size of the system, especially for space missions in which mass is at a premium.

Assembling a ring-shaped crystal in a microfabricated surface ion trap

DOE PAGES

Stick, Daniel Lynn; Tabakov, Boyan; Benito, Francisco; ...

2015-09-01

We report on experiments with a microfabricated surface trap designed for confining a chain of ions in a ring. Uniform ion separation over most of the ring is achieved with a rotationally symmetric design and by measuring and suppressing undesired electric fields. After reducing stray fields, the ions are confined primarily by a radio-frequency pseudopotential and their mutual Coulomb repulsion. As a result, approximately 400 40Ca + ions with an average separation of 9 μm comprise the ion crystal.

Assembling a ring-shaped crystal in a microfabricated surface ion trap

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stick, Daniel Lynn; Tabakov, Boyan; Benito, Francisco

We report on experiments with a microfabricated surface trap designed for confining a chain of ions in a ring. Uniform ion separation over most of the ring is achieved with a rotationally symmetric design and by measuring and suppressing undesired electric fields. After reducing stray fields, the ions are confined primarily by a radio-frequency pseudopotential and their mutual Coulomb repulsion. As a result, approximately 400 40Ca + ions with an average separation of 9 μm comprise the ion crystal.

Discovery of B ring propellers in Cassini UVIS and ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sremcevic, M.; Stewart, G.; Albers, N.; Esposito, L. W.

2011-12-01

One of the successes of the planetary ring theory has been the theoretical prediction of gravitational signatures of bodies embedded in the rings, and their subsequent detection in Cassini data. Bodies within the rings perturb the nearby ring material, and the orbital shear forms a two-armed structure -- dubbed a ``propeller'' -- which is centered at the embedded body. Although direct evidence of the present body or moonlet is still lacking, the observations of their propeller signatures has proved as an indispensable method to extend our knowledge about ring structure and dynamics. So far, propellers have been successfully detected within Saturn's A ring in two populations: a group of small and numerous propellers interior to the Encke gap forming belts, and by far less numerous but larger propellers exterior to Pan's orbit. Although there have been hints of propellers present within the B ring, or even C ring, their detection is less certain (e.g. neither has a single propeller been seen twice, nor has the ubiquitous two armed structure been observed). In this paper we present evidence for the existence of propellers in Saturn's B ring by combining data from Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) and Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) experiments. A single object is observed for 5 years of Cassini data. The object is seen as a very elongated bright stripe (40 degrees wide) in unlit Cassini images, and dark stripe in lit geometries. In total we report observing the feature in images at 18 different epochs between 2005 and 2010. In UVIS occultations we observe the feature as an optical depth depletion in 14 out of 93 occultation cuts at corrotating longitudes compatible with imaging data. Combining the available Cassini data we infer that the object is a partial gap located at a=112,921km embedded in the high optical depth region of the B ring. The gap moves at Kepler speed appropriate for its radial location. Radial offsets of the gap locations in UVIS occultations are consistent with an asymmetric propeller shape. The asymmetry of the observed shape is most likely a consequence of the strong surface mass density gradient, as the feature is located at an edge between high and relatively low optical depth. From the radial separation of the propeller wings we estimate that the embedded body is about 1.5km in size. We estimate that there are possibly dozen up to 100 other propeller objects in Saturn's B ring. Since the discovered body sits at an edge of a dense ringlet within the B ring this suggests a novel mechanism for the up to now illusive B ring irregular shape of alternating high and low optical depth ringlets. We propose that the long standing search for the mechanism that maintains the B ring irregular shape may have its explanation in the presence of many embedded bodies that shepherd the individual B ring ringlets.

Development and simulation study of a new inverse-pinch high Coulomb transfer switch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sang H.

1989-01-01

The inverse-pinch plasma switch was studied using a computer simulation code. The code was based on a 2-D, 2-temperature magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model. The application of this code was limited to the disk-type inverse-pinch plasma switch. The results of the computer analysis appear to be in agreement with the experimental results when the same parameters are used. An inverse-pinch plasma switch for closing has been designed and tested for high-power switching requirements. An azimuthally uniform initiation of breakdown is a key factor in achieving an inverse-pinch current path in the switch. Thus, various types of triggers, such as trigger pins, wire-brush, ring trigger, and hypocycloidal-pinch (HCP) devices have been tested for uniform breakdown. Recently, triggering was achieved by injection of a plasma-ring (plasma puff) that is produced separately with hypocycloidal-pinch electrodes placed under the cathode of the main gap. The current paths at switch closing, initiated by the injection of a plasma-ring from the HCP trigger are azimuthally uniform, and the local current density is significantly reduced, so that damage to the electrodes and the insulator surfaces is minimized. The test results indicate that electron bombardment on the electrodes and the insulator surfaces is minimized. The test results indicate that electron bombardment on the electrodes is four orders of magnitude less than that of a spark-gap switch for the same switching power. Indeed, a few thousand shots with peak current exceeding a mega-ampere and with hold-off voltage up to 20 kV have been conducted without showing measurable damage to the electrodes and insulators.

Cell size and wall dimensions drive distinct variability of earlywood and latewood density in Northern Hemisphere conifers.

PubMed

Björklund, Jesper; Seftigen, Kristina; Schweingruber, Fritz; Fonti, Patrick; von Arx, Georg; Bryukhanova, Marina V; Cuny, Henri E; Carrer, Marco; Castagneri, Daniele; Frank, David C

2017-11-01

Interannual variability of wood density - an important plant functional trait and environmental proxy - in conifers is poorly understood. We therefore explored the anatomical basis of density. We hypothesized that earlywood density is determined by tracheid size and latewood density by wall dimensions, reflecting their different functional tasks. To determine general patterns of variability, density parameters from 27 species and 349 sites across the Northern Hemisphere were correlated to tree-ring width parameters and local climate. We performed the same analyses with density and width derived from anatomical data comprising two species and eight sites. The contributions of tracheid size and wall dimensions to density were disentangled with sensitivity analyses. Notably, correlations between density and width shifted from negative to positive moving from earlywood to latewood. Temperature responses of density varied intraseasonally in strength and sign. The sensitivity analyses revealed tracheid size as the main determinant of earlywood density, while wall dimensions become more influential for latewood density. Our novel approach of integrating detailed anatomical data with large-scale tree-ring data allowed us to contribute to an improved understanding of interannual variations of conifer growth and to illustrate how conifers balance investments in the competing xylem functions of hydraulics and mechanical support. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Estimating historical snag density in dry forests east of the Cascade Range

Treesearch

Richy J. Harrod; William L. Gaines; William E. Hartl; Ann. Camp

1998-01-01

Estimating snag densities in pre-European settlement landscapes (i.e., historical conditions) provides land managers with baseline information for comparing current snag densities. We propose a method for determining historical snag densities in the dry forests east of the Cascade Range. Basal area increase was calculated from tree ring measurements of old ponderosa...

Characterization of Fractures in the Chicxulub Peak Ring: Preliminary Results from IODP/ICDP Expedition 364

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCall, N.; Gulick, S. P. S.; Morgan, J. V.; Hall, B. J.; Jones, L.; Expedition 364 Science Party, I. I.

2017-12-01

During Expedition 364, IODP/ICDP drilled the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater at Site M0077, recovering core from 505.7 to 1334.7 mbsf. The core has been imaged via X-ray Computer Tomography (CT) as a noninvasive method to create a 3-dimensional model of the core, providing information on the density and internal structure at a 0.3 mm resolution. Results from the expedition show that from 748 mbsf and deeper the peak ring is largely composed of uplifted and fractured granitic basement rocks originally sourced from approximately 8-10 km depth. Impact crater modeling suggests the peak ring was formed through dynamic collapse of a rebounding central peak within 10 minutes of impact, requiring the target rocks to temporarily behave as a viscous fluid. The newly recovered core provides a rare opportunity to investigate the cratering process, specifically how the granite was weakened, as well as the extent of the hydrothermal system created after the impact. Based on the CT data, we identify four classes of fractures based on their CT facies deforming the granitoids: pervasive fine fractures, discrete fine fractures, discrete filled fractures, and discrete open fractures. Pervasive fine fractures were most commonly found proximal to dikes and impact melt rock. Discrete filled fractures often displayed a cataclastic texture. We present density trends for the different facies and compare these to petrophysical properties (density, NGR, P-wave seismic velocity). Fractured areas have a lower density than the surrounding granite, as do most filled fractures. This reduction suggests that fluid migrating through the peak ring in the wake of the impact either deposited lower density minerals within the fractures and/or altered the original fracture fill. The extent and duration of fluid flow recorded in these fractures will assist in the characterization of the post-impact hydrothermal system. Future work includes combining information from CT images with thin sections and plug samples at similar depths, refinement of CT facies characterization, examining cross-cutting relationships to determine timing constraints of deformation processes, and measurement of the orientation of the fractures.

The physical characteristics of the surface of the satellites and rings of giant planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidmachenko, A. P.; Morozhenko, O. V.

2017-10-01

The book gives the main results of the study of the optical characteristics of the field diffusely reflected radiation and physical characteristics of the surface of the satellites of giant planets and their rings. The publication is intended for teachers of higher educational institutions, students - graduate students and professionals who specialize in experimental physics and astrophysics and solar system surfaces.

Theoretical modeling of electronic transport in molecular devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccinin, Simone

In this thesis a novel approach for simulating electronic transport in nanoscale structures is introduced. We consider an open quantum system (the electrons of structure) accelerated by an external electromotive force and dissipating energy through inelastic scattering with a heat bath (phonons) acting on the electrons. This method can be regarded as a quantum-mechanical extension of the semi-classical Boltzmann transport equation. We use periodic boundary conditions and employ Density Functional Theory to recast the many-particle problem in an effective single-particle mean-field problem. By explicitly treating the dissipation in the electrodes, the behavior of the potential is an outcome of our method, at variance with the scattering approaches based on the Landauer formalism. We study the self-consistent steady-state solution, analyzing the out-of-equilibrium electron distribution, the electrical characteristics, the behavior of the self-consistent potential and the density of states of the system. We apply the method to the study of electronic transport in several molecular devices, consisting of small organic molecules or atomic wires sandwiched between gold surfaces. For gold wires we recover the experimental evidence that transport in short wires is ballistic, independent of the length of the wire and with conductance of one quantum. In benzene-1,4-dithiol we find that the delocalization of the frontier orbitals of the molecule is responsible for the high value of conductance and that, by inserting methylene groups to decouple the sulfur atoms from the carbon ring, the current is reduced, in agreement with the experimental measurements. We study the effect a geometrical distortion in a molecular device, namely the relative rotation of the carbon rings in a biphenyl-4,4'-dithiol molecule. We find that the reduced coupling between pi orbitals of the rings induced by the rotation leads to a reduction of the conductance and that this behavior is captured by a simple two level model. Finally the transport properties of alkanethiol monolayers are analyzed by means of the local density of states at the Fermi energy: we find an exponential dependence of the current on the length of the chain, in quantitative agreement with the corresponding experiments.

Debye ring diffraction elucidation of 2D photonic crystal self-assembly and ordering at the air-water interface.

PubMed

Smith, N L; Coukouma, A; Dubnik, S; Asher, S A

2017-12-06

We fabricate 2D photonic crystals (2DPC) by spreading a dispersion of charged colloidal particles (diameters = 409, 570, and 915 nm) onto the surface of electrolyte solutions using a needle tip flow method. When the interparticle electrostatic interaction potential is large, particles self-assemble into highly ordered hexagonal close packed (hcp) monolayers. Ordered 2DPC efficiently forward diffract monochromatic light to produce a Debye ring on a screen parallel to the 2DPC. The diameter of the Debye ring is inversely proportional to the 2DPC particle spacing, while the Debye ring brightness and thickness depends on the 2DPC ordering. The Debye ring thickness increases as the 2DPC order decreases. The Debye ring ordering measurements of 2DPC attached to glass slides track measurements of the 2D pair correlation function order parameter calculated from SEM micrographs. The Debye ring method was used to investigate the 2DPC particle spacing, and ordering at the air-solution interface of NaCl solutions, and for 2DPC arrays attached to glass slides. Surprisingly, the 2DPC ordering does not monotonically decrease as the salt concentration increases. This is because of chloride ion adsorption onto the anionic particle surfaces. This adsorption increases the particle surface charge and compensates for the decreased Debye length of the electric double layer when the NaCl concentration is below a critical value.

Ab initio molecular dynamics with nuclear quantum effects at classical cost: Ring polymer contraction for density functional theory.

PubMed

Marsalek, Ondrej; Markland, Thomas E

2016-02-07

Path integral molecular dynamics simulations, combined with an ab initio evaluation of interactions using electronic structure theory, incorporate the quantum mechanical nature of both the electrons and nuclei, which are essential to accurately describe systems containing light nuclei. However, path integral simulations have traditionally required a computational cost around two orders of magnitude greater than treating the nuclei classically, making them prohibitively costly for most applications. Here we show that the cost of path integral simulations can be dramatically reduced by extending our ring polymer contraction approach to ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. By using density functional tight binding as a reference system, we show that our ring polymer contraction scheme gives rapid and systematic convergence to the full path integral density functional theory result. We demonstrate the efficiency of this approach in ab initio simulations of liquid water and the reactive protonated and deprotonated water dimer systems. We find that the vast majority of the nuclear quantum effects are accurately captured using contraction to just the ring polymer centroid, which requires the same number of density functional theory calculations as a classical simulation. Combined with a multiple time step scheme using the same reference system, which allows the time step to be increased, this approach is as fast as a typical classical ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and 35× faster than a full path integral calculation, while still exactly including the quantum sampling of nuclei. This development thus offers a route to routinely include nuclear quantum effects in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at negligible computational cost.

Slide-Ring Materials Using Cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Ito, Kohzo

2017-01-01

We have recently synthesized slide-ring materials using cyclodextrin by cross-linking polyrotaxanes, a typical supramolecule. The slide-ring materials have polymer chains with bulky end groups topologically interlocked by figure-of-eight shaped junctions. This indicates that the cross-links can pass through the polymer chains similar to pulleys to relax the tension of the backbone polymer chains. The slide-ring materials also differ from conventional polymers in that the entropy of rings affects the elasticity. As a result, the slide-ring materials show quite small Young's modulus not proportional to the cross-linking density. This concept can be applied to a wide variety of polymeric materials as well as gels. In particular, the slide-ring materials show remarkable scratch-proof properties for coating materials for automobiles, cell phones, mobile computers, and so on. Further current applications include vibration-proof insulation materials for sound speakers, highly abrasive polishing media, dielectric actuators, and so on.

External Coulomb-Friction Damping For Hydrostatic Bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckmann, Paul S.

1992-01-01

External friction device damps vibrations of shaft and hydrostatic ring bearing in which it turns. Does not rely on wear-prone facing surfaces. Hydrostatic bearing ring clamped in radially flexing support by side plates clamped against radial surfaces by spring-loaded bolts. Plates provide friction against radial motions of shaft.

Analysis of Alternative Ring Resonator Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

the ring strip of the antenna as in the case of the original design. Both the alternative dielectric laminate and the increased thickness laminate...adjustments to the geometry parameters. 2. Ring Resonator Antenna Design The ring resonator is a two port antenna consisting of a ring strip and two...for various soil sample depths indicates that most of the measureable response is from within 2 mm of the resonator antenna strip surface. For the

Modeling the near-Earth interaction between ring current ions and exospheric neutrals: escape through energetic neutral atoms (ENAs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LLera, K.; Goldstein, J.; McComas, D. J.; Valek, P. W.

2016-12-01

The two major loss processes for ring current decay are precipitation and energetic neutral atoms (ENAs). Since the exospheric neutral density increases with decreasing altitudes, precipitating ring current ions (reaching down to 200 - 800 km in altitude) also produce low-altitude ENA signatures that can be stronger than the ring current emission at equatorial distances ( 2 - 9 Re). The higher density results in multiple collisions between the ring current ions and exospheric oxygen. The affect on hydrogen ions is the focus of this study. Since the H particle sustains energy loss ( 36 eV) at each neutralizing or re-ionizing interaction, the escaped ENAs do not directly reflect the ring current properties. We model the energy loss due to multiple charge exchange and electron stripping interactions of 1 - 100 keV precipitating ring current ions undergo before emerging as low-altitude ENAs. The H particle is either an ion or an ENA throughout the simulation. Their lifetime is analytically determined by the length of one mean free path. We track the ion state with Lorentz motion while the ENA travels ballistically across the geomagnetic field. Our simulations show the energy loss is greater than 20% for hydrogen ring current ions below 30 keV (60 keV for the simulations that wander equatorward). This is the first quantification of the energy loss associated with the creation of low-altitude ENAs. Our model (currently constrained in the meridional plane) has revealed characteristics on how precipitation is affected by the near-Earth neutral exosphere. This ion-neutral interaction removes particles from the loss cone but promotes loss through ENA generation. These findings should be implemented in models predicting the ring current decay and used as an analysis tool to reconstruct the ring current population from observed low-altitude ENAs.

Research on differences between 2-(2‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole and 2-(4‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Maojiang; Yang, Fei; Liu, Liping; Su, Caixia

2018-02-01

Due to the important pharmaceutical activities of benzimidazole derivatives, the differences between 2-(2‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole and 2-(4‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole were researched by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and density functional theory systematically. Although the only difference between their molecular configurations is the different arrangement of nitrogen on pyridine ring, 2PBI and 4PBI have large differences in their experimental absorption spectra in the range of 0.2-2.5 THz, such as the amount, amplitude and frequency position of absorption peaks. The validity of these results was confirmed by the theoretical results simulated using density functional theory. The possible reasons of these differences originate from the different dihedral angles between benzimidazole ring and pyridine ring and the different hydrogen-bonding interactions within crystal cell.

Evidence for an oscillating soliton/vortex ring by density engineering of a Bose-Einstein condensate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shomroni, I.; Lahoud, E.; Levy, S.; Steinhauer, J.

2009-03-01

When two Bose-Einstein condensates collide with high collisional energy, the celebrated matter-wave interference pattern appears. For lower collisional energies, the repulsive interaction energy becomes significant, and the interference pattern evolves into an array of grey solitons. But the lowest collisional energies, producing a single pair of solitons, have not been probed so far. Here, we report on experiments using density engineering on the healing length scale to produce such a pair of solitons. We see evidence that the solitons evolve periodically between vortex rings and solitons. The stable, periodic evolution is in sharp contrast to the behaviour seen in previous experiments in which the solitons decay irreversibly into vortex rings through the so-called snake instability. The evolution can be understood in terms of conservation of mass and energy in a narrow condensate.

From nodal-ring topological superfluids to spiral Majorana modes in cold atomic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Wen-Yu; Xu, Dong-Hui; Zhou, Benjamin T.; Zhou, Qi; Law, K. T.

2018-04-01

In this work, we consider a three-dimensional (3D) cubic optical lattice composed of coupled 1D wires with 1D spin-orbit coupling. When the s -wave pairing is induced through Feshbach resonance, the system becomes a topological superfluid with ring nodes, which are the ring nodal degeneracies in the bulk, and supports a large number of surface Majorana zero-energy modes. The large number of surface Majorana modes remain at zero energy even in the presence of disorder due to the protection from a chiral symmetry. When the chiral symmetry is broken, the system becomes a Weyl topological superfluid with Majorana arcs. With 3D spin-orbit coupling, the Weyl superfluid becomes a gapless phase with spiral Majorana modes on the surface. A spatial-resolved radio-frequency spectroscopy is suggested to detect this nodal-ring topological superfluid phase.

Gas Cavities inside Dust Cavities in Disks Inferred from ALMA Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Marel, Nienke; van Dishoeck, Ewine F.; Bruderer, Simon; Pinilla, Paola; van Kempen, Tim; Perez, Laura; Isella, Andrea

2016-01-01

Protoplanetary disks with cavities in their dust distribution, also named transitional disks, are expected to be in the middle of active evolution and possibly planet formation. In recent years, millimeter-dust rings observed by ALMA have been suggested to have their origin in dust traps, caused by pressure bumps. One of the ways to generate these is by the presence of planets, which lower the gas density along their orbit and create pressure bumps at the edge. We present spatially resolved ALMA Cycle 0 and Cycle 1 observations of CO and CO isotopologues of several famous transitional disks. Gas is found to be present inside the dust cavities, but at a reduced level compared with the gas surface density profile of the outer disk. The dust and gas emission are quantified using the physical-chemical modeling code DALI. In the majority of these disks we find clear evidence for a drop in gas density of at least a factor of 10 inside the cavity, whereas the dust density drops by at least a factor 1000. The CO isotopologue observations reveal that the gas cavities are significantly smaller than the dust cavities. These gas structures suggest clearing by one or more planetary-mass companions.

The effects of normal current density and the plasma spatial structuring in argon DBDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shkurenkov, I. A.; Mankelevich, Y. A.; Rakhimova, T. V.

2011-01-01

This paper presents the results of theoretical studies of high-pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) in argon. Two different DBDs at the megahertz and the kilohertz power frequency range were simulated. The effect of normal current density was obtained in the numerical model for both types of the discharge. The discharge of megahertz range was uniform over the radius. The increase in the discharge current is accompanied by increase in the discharge area. The discharge of kilohertz range is not uniform over the radius. The concentric ring formation was observed during calculations. The increase in the discharge current occurs due to increase in the number of rings and as a result in the discharge area. The developed 2D model is able to describe only the first stage of the filament formation - the formation of concentric plasma rings. The filament formation starts at the edge of the current channel and spreads to its centre. Both the effect of normal current density and the filaments formation are caused by the nonstationarity at the current channel boundary.

Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy of ring-like surface electronic structures around Co islands on InAs(110) surfaces.

PubMed

Muzychenko, D A; Schouteden, K; Savinov, S V; Maslova, N S; Panov, V I; Van Haesendonck, C

2009-08-01

We report on the experimental observation by scanning tunneling microscopy at low temperature of ring-like features that appear around Co metal islands deposited on a clean (110) oriented surface of cleaved p-type InAs crystals. These features are visible in spectroscopic images within a certain range of negative tunneling bias voltages due to the presence of a negative differential conductance in the current-voltage dependence. A theoretical model is introduced, which takes into account non-equilibrium effects in the small tunneling junction area. In the framework of this model the appearance of the ring-like features is explained in terms of interference effects between electrons tunneling directly and indirectly (via a Co island) between the tip and the InAs surface.

Geometric properties of commutative subalgebras of partial differential operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheglov, A. B.; Kurke, H.

2015-05-01

We investigate further algebro-geometric properties of commutative rings of partial differential operators, continuing our research started in previous articles. In particular, we start to explore the simplest and also certain known examples of quantum algebraically completely integrable systems from the point of view of a recent generalization of Sato's theory, developed by the first author. We give a complete characterization of the spectral data for a class of 'trivial' commutative algebras and strengthen geometric properties known earlier for a class of known examples. We also define a kind of restriction map from the moduli space of coherent sheaves with fixed Hilbert polynomial on a surface to an analogous moduli space on a divisor (both the surface and the divisor are part of the spectral data). We give several explicit examples of spectral data and corresponding algebras of commuting (completed) operators, producing as a by-product interesting examples of surfaces that are not isomorphic to spectral surfaces of any (maximal) commutative ring of partial differential operators of rank one. Finally, we prove that any commutative ring of partial differential operators whose normalization is isomorphic to the ring of polynomials k \\lbrack u,t \\rbrack is a Darboux transformation of a ring of operators with constant coefficients. Bibliography: 39 titles.

The reliability of determining age of red alder by ring counts

Treesearch

Dean S. DeBell; Boyd C. Wilson; Bernard T. Bormann

1978-01-01

Examination of cross-sections of 54 red alder trees from 14 stands of varying age and site conditions indicated that abnormal rings (false, partial, or missing) occur infrequently. Rings may be indistinct and ring counting must be done with great care, preferably on prepared surfaces (cross-sections or cores) and under magnification and good lighting. With such...

Spatial potential ripples of azimuthal surface modes in topological insulator Bi2Te3 nanowires

PubMed Central

Muñoz Rojo, Miguel; Zhang, Yingjie; Manzano, Cristina V.; Alvaro, Raquel; Gooth, Johannes; Salmeron, Miquel; Martin-Gonzalez, Marisol

2016-01-01

Topological insulators (TI) nanowires (NW) are an emerging class of structures, promising both novel quantum effects and potential applications in low-power electronics, thermoelectrics and spintronics. However, investigating the electronic states of TI NWs is complicated, due to their small lateral size, especially at room temperature. Here, we perform scanning probe based nanoscale imaging to resolve the local surface potential landscapes of Bi2Te3 nanowires (NWs) at 300 K. We found equipotential rings around the NWs perimeter that we attribute to azimuthal 1D modes. Along the NW axis, these modes are altered, forming potential ripples in the local density of states, due to intrinsic disturbances. Potential mapping of electrically biased NWs enabled us to accurately determine their conductivity which was found to increase with the decrease of NW diameter, consistent with surface dominated transport. Our results demonstrate that TI NWs can pave the way to both exotic quantum states and novel electronic devices. PMID:26751282

Spatial potential ripples of azimuthal surface modes in topological insulator Bi2Te3 nanowires.

PubMed

Muñoz Rojo, Miguel; Zhang, Yingjie; Manzano, Cristina V; Alvaro, Raquel; Gooth, Johannes; Salmeron, Miquel; Martin-Gonzalez, Marisol

2016-01-11

Topological insulators (TI) nanowires (NW) are an emerging class of structures, promising both novel quantum effects and potential applications in low-power electronics, thermoelectrics and spintronics. However, investigating the electronic states of TI NWs is complicated, due to their small lateral size, especially at room temperature. Here, we perform scanning probe based nanoscale imaging to resolve the local surface potential landscapes of Bi2Te3 nanowires (NWs) at 300 K. We found equipotential rings around the NWs perimeter that we attribute to azimuthal 1D modes. Along the NW axis, these modes are altered, forming potential ripples in the local density of states, due to intrinsic disturbances. Potential mapping of electrically biased NWs enabled us to accurately determine their conductivity which was found to increase with the decrease of NW diameter, consistent with surface dominated transport. Our results demonstrate that TI NWs can pave the way to both exotic quantum states and novel electronic devices.

Spatial potential ripples of azimuthal surface modes in topological insulator Bi 2Te 3 nanowires

DOE PAGES

Muñoz Rojo, Miguel; Zhang, Yingjie; Manzano, Cristina V.; ...

2016-01-11

Topological insulators (TI) nanowires (NW) are an emerging class of structures, promising both novel quantum effects and potential applications in low-power electronics, thermoelectrics and spintronics. However, investigating the electronic states of TI NWs is complicated, due to their small lateral size, especially at room temperature. Here, we perform scanning probe based nanoscale imaging to resolve the local surface potential landscapes of Bi 2Te 3 nanowires (NWs) at 300 K. We found equipotential rings around the NWs perimeter that we attribute to azimuthal 1D modes. Along the NW axis, these modes are altered, forming potential ripples in the local density ofmore » states, due to intrinsic disturbances. Potential mapping of electrically biased NWs enabled us to accurately determine their conductivity which was found to increase with the decrease of NW diameter, consistent with surface dominated transport. Finally, our results demonstrate that TI NWs can pave the way to both exotic quantum states and novel electronic devices.« less

Origin of the Surface-Induced First Hyperpolarizability in the C60/SiO2 System: SCC-DFTB Insight.

PubMed

Nénon, Sébastien; Champagne, Benoît

2014-01-02

Using the self-consistent charge density functional tight binding (SCC-DFTB) method, C60 molecules physisorbed on an α-quartz slab are shown to display a first hyperpolarizability, whereas, owing to their symmetry, both the α-quartz slab and C60 molecule have no first hyperpolarizabilities. A larger first hyperpolarizability is achieved when the lowest-lying (five- or six-membered) ring is situated in between two hydroxyl rows, rather than on top, because this situation favors orbital overlaps and charge transfer. Further analysis has demonstrated that (i) the first hyperpolarizability originates from the MO overlap and field-induced charge transfers from the neighboring substrate/adsorbate moieties but not to geometric relaxation of the C60 molecules at the interface and that (ii) larger first hyperpolarizabilities are associated with low surface coverage and with small distances between C60 and the surface. This contribution is a clear illustration of the emergence of second-order nonlinear optical responses (first hyperpolarizability) as a result of breaking the centrosymmetry.

Study of a Tricarbide Grooved Ring Fuel Element for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Brian; Emrich, Bill; Tucker, Dennis; Barnes, Marvin; Donders, Nicolas; Benensky, Kelsa

2018-01-01

Deep space exploration, especially that of Mars, is on the horizon as the next big challenge for space exploration. Nuclear propulsion, through which high thrust and efficiency can be achieved, is a promising option for decreasing the cost and logistics of such a mission. Work on nuclear thermal engines goes back to the days of the NERVA program. Currently, nuclear thermal propulsion is under development again in various forms to provide a superior propulsion system for deep space exploration. The authors have been working to develop a concept nuclear thermal engine that uses a grooved ring fuel element as an alternative to the traditional hexagonal rod design. The authors are also studying the use of carbide fuels. The concept was developed in order to increase surface area and heat transfer to the propellant. The use of carbides would also raise the operating temperature of the reactor. It is hoped that this could lead to a higher thrust to weight nuclear thermal engine. This paper describes the modeling of neutronics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics of this alternative nuclear fuel element geometry. Fabrication experiments of grooved rings from carbide refractory metals are also presented along with material characterization and interactions with a hot hydrogen environment. Results of experiments and associated analysis are discussed. The authors demonstrated success in reaching desired densities with some success in material distribution and reaching a solid solution. Future work is needed to improve distribution of material, minimize oxidation during the milling process, and define a fabrication process that will serve for constructing grooved ring fuel rods for large system tests.

Study of a Tricarbide Grooved Ring Fuel Element for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Brian; Emrich, Bill; Tucker, Dennis; Barnes, Marvin; Donders, Nicolas; Benensky, Kelsa

2018-01-01

Deep space exploration, especially that of Mars, is on the horizon as the next big challenge for space exploration. Nuclear propulsion, through which high thrust and efficiency can be achieved, is a promising option for decreasing the cost and logistics of such a mission. Work on nu- clear thermal engines goes back to the days of the NERVA program. Currently, nuclear thermal propulsion is under development again in various forms to provide a superior propulsion system for deep space exploration. The authors have been working to develop a concept nuclear thermal engine that uses a grooved ring fuel element as an alternative to the traditional hexagonal rod design. The authors are also studying the use of carbide fuels. The concept was developed in order to increase surface area and heat transfer to the propellant. The use of carbides would also raise the operating temperature of the reactor. It is hoped that this could lead to a higher thrust to weight nuclear thermal engine. This paper describes the modeling of neutronics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics of this alternative nuclear fuel element geometry. Fabrication experiments of grooved rings from carbide refractory metals are also presented along with material characterization and interactions with a hot hydrogen environment. Results of experiments and associated analysis are desired densities with some success in material distribution and reaching a solid solution. Future work is needed to improve distribution of material, minimize oxidation during the milling process, and de ne a fabrication process that will serve for constructing grooved ring fuel rods for large system tests.

Compositional mapping of Saturn's E-ring during Cassini's flyby of Rhea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khawaja, Nozair; Postberg, Frank; Srama, Ralf; Moragas-Klostermeyer, Georg; Kempf, Sascha

2015-04-01

The Cassini spacecraft was launched in 2004 towards the Saturnian system to address major scientific questions about the planet, its magnetosphere, rings and icy moons. We have performed compositional mapping of Saturn's E-ring during the Cassini's flyby (R4) of Rhea, the second largest moon of Saturn, on 9th March 2013. The icy or rocky dust particles from the surface of moons without atmosphere are ejected from their surfaces by meteoroid bombardment. The ejected particles from the moon's surface can be detected during a spacecraft flyby. In our campaign we try to identify the footprints of Rhea's surface in the composition of E ring using Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) during the closest approach of Cassini's Rhea flyby. The flyby speed was 9.3km/s and the closest approach was at 997km from Rhea's surface. The Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA), onboard Cassini spacecraft, characterizes the micron and sub-micron dust particles at Saturn [1]. One of the tasks of CDA is to determine the chemical composition of icy and mineral dust particles at Saturn. A Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer within the CDA generates mass spectra of positive ions (cations) of impinging dust particles onto the rhodium (Rh) target plate. We sampled dust grains during the entire flyby and divided the flyby into three intervals: (A) ~ -32 minutes before entering Rhea's hill sphere (B) ~ ±15 minutes from the closest approach within Rhea's hill sphere and (C) ~ +28 minutes after leaving Rhea's hill sphere. A Boxcar Analysis (BCA) is performed for compositional mapping of E-ring along the spacecraft trajectory [4]. Most of the TOF mass spectra are identified as one of the three compositional types: (i) almost pure water (ii) organic rich and (iii) salt rich [2][3]. Although we could not identify compositional information from Rhea, we have a compositional profile of the E ring. The CDA will carryout very similar measurements during Dione flyby in 2015. References [1] Srama, R. et.al.: The Cassini Cosmic Dust Analyzer, SSR, Vol. 114, 465 -- 518, 2004. [2] Postberg, F. et.al.: The E-ring in the vicinity of Enceladus II. Probing the moon's interior -- The composition of E-ring particles, Icarus, Vol. 193, 438 -- 454, 2008. [3] Postberg, F. et.al.: Sodium salts in E-ring ice grains from an ocean below the surface of Enceladus, Nature, Vol. 459, 1098 - 1101, 2009. [4] Khawaja, N. et.al.: Compositional differentiation of Enceladus' plume, EPSC, Vol. 9, 2014.

Chemical treatment for silica-containing glass surfaces

DOEpatents

Grabbe, Alexis; Michalske, Terry Arthur; Smith, William Larry

1999-01-01

Dehydroxylated, silica-containing, glass surfaces are known to be at least partially terminated by strained siloxane rings. According to the invention, a surface of this kind is exposed to a selected silane compound or mixture of silane compounds under reaction-promoting conditions. The ensuing reaction results in opening of the strained siloxane rings, and termination of surface atoms by chemical species, such as organic or organosilicon species, having desirable properties. These species can be chosen to provide qualities such as hydrophobicity, or improved coupling to a polymeric coating.

Chemical treatment for silica-containing glass surfaces

DOEpatents

Grabbe, Alexis; Michalske, Terry Arthur; Smith, William Larry

1998-01-01

Dehydroxylated, silica-containing, glass surfaces are known to be at least partially terminated by strained siloxane rings. According to the invention, a surface of this kind is exposed to a selected silane compound or mixture of silane compounds under reaction-promoting conditions. The ensuing reaction results in opening of the strained siloxane rings, and termination of surface atoms by chemical species, such as organic or organosilicon species, having desirable properties. These species can be chosen to provide qualities such as hydrophobicity, or improved coupling to a polymeric coating.

Chemical treatment for silica-containing glass surfaces

DOEpatents

Grabbe, Alexis; Michalske, Terry Arthur; Smith, William Larry

1999-01-01

Dehydroxylated, silica-containing, glass surfaces are known to be at least partially terminated by strained siloxane rings. According to the invention, a surface of this kind is exposed to a selected silane compound or mixture of silane compounds under reaction-promoting conditons. The ensuing reaction results in opening of the strained siloxane rings, and termination of surface atoms by chemical species, such as organic or organosilicon species, having desirable properties. These species can be chosen to provide qualities such as hydrophobicity, or improved coupling to a polymeric coating.

Surface microstructure and chemistry of polyimide by single pulse ablation of picosecond laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Qifeng; Chen, Ting; Liu, Jianguo; Zeng, Xiaoyan

2018-03-01

Polyimide (PI) surface was ablated by the single pulse of picosecond laser, and the effects of laser wavelength (λ= 355 nm and 1064 nm) and fluence on surface microstructure and chemistry were explored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis found that different surface microstructures, i.e., the concave of concentric ring and the convex of porous circular disk, were generated by 355 nm and 1064 nm picosecond laser ablation, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization indicated that due to the high peak energy density of picosecond laser, oxygen and nitrogen from the ambient were incorporated into the PI surface mainly in the form of Cdbnd O and Csbnd Nsbnd C groups. Thus, both of the O/C and N/C atomic content ratios increased, but the increase caused by 1064 nm wavelength laser was larger. It inferred that the differences of PI surface microstructures and chemistry resulted from different laser parameters were related to different laser-matter interaction effects. For 355 nm picosecond laser, no obvious thermal features were observed and the probable ablation process of PI was mainly governed by photochemical effect; while for 1064 nm picosecond laser, obvious thermal feature appeared and photothermal effect was thought to be dominant.

National Synchrotron Light Source annual report 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hulbert, S.L.; Lazarz, N.M.

1992-04-01

This report discusses the following research conducted at NSLS: atomic and molecular science; energy dispersive diffraction; lithography, microscopy and tomography; nuclear physics; UV photoemission and surface science; x-ray absorption spectroscopy; x-ray scattering and crystallography; x-ray topography; workshop on surface structure; workshop on electronic and chemical phenomena at surfaces; workshop on imaging; UV FEL machine reviews; VUV machine operations; VUV beamline operations; VUV storage ring parameters; x-ray machine operations; x-ray beamline operations; x-ray storage ring parameters; superconducting x-ray lithography source; SXLS storage ring parameters; the accelerator test facility; proposed UV-FEL user facility at the NSLS; global orbit feedback systems; and NSLSmore » computer system.« less

Resonance of relativistic electrons with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

DOE PAGES

Denton, R. E.; Jordanova, V. K.; Bortnik, J.

2015-06-29

Relativistic electrons have been thought to more easily resonate with electromagnetic ion cyclotron EMIC waves if the total density is large. We show that, for a particular EMIC mode, this dependence is weak due to the dependence of the wave frequency and wave vector on the density. A significant increase in relativistic electron minimum resonant energy might occur for the H band EMIC mode only for small density, but no changes in parameters significantly decrease the minimum resonant energy from a nominal value. The minimum resonant energy depends most strongly on the thermal velocity associated with the field line motionmore » of the hot ring current protons that drive the instability. High density due to a plasmasphere or plasmaspheric plume could possibly lead to lower minimum resonance energy by causing the He band EMIC mode to be dominant. We demonstrate these points using parameters from a ring current simulation.« less

Pyridine adsorption and diffusion on Pt(111) investigated with density functional theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kolsbjerg, Esben L.; Groves, Michael N.; Hammer, Bjørk, E-mail: hammer@phys.au.dk

2016-04-28

The adsorption, diffusion, and dissociation of pyridine, C{sub 5}H{sub 5}N, on Pt(111) are investigated with van der Waals-corrected density functional theory. An elaborate search for local minima in the adsorption potential energy landscape reveals that the intact pyridine adsorbs with the aromatic ring parallel to the surface. Piecewise interconnections of the local minima in the energy landscape reveal that the most favourable diffusion path for pyridine has a barrier of 0.53 eV. In the preferred path, the pyridine remains parallel to the surface while performing small single rotational steps with a carbon-carbon double bond hinged above a single Pt atom.more » The origin of the diffusion pathway is discussed in terms of the C{sub 2}–Pt π-bond being stronger than the corresponding CN–Pt π-bond. The energy barrier and reaction enthalpy for dehydrogenation of adsorbed pyridine into an adsorbed, upright bound α-pyridyl species are calculated to 0.71 eV and 0.18 eV, respectively (both zero-point energy corrected). The calculations are used to rationalize previous experimental observations from the literature for pyridine on Pt(111).« less

Potassium-induced effect on structure and chemical activity of Cu xO/Cu(111) (x≤2) surface: A combined scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Ping; An, Wei; Stacchiola, Dario

2015-10-16

Potassium (K) plays an essential role in promoting catalytic reaction in many established industrial catalytic processes. Here, we report a combined study using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) in understanding the effect of depositing K on the atomic and electronic structures as well as chemical activities of Cu xO/Cu(111) (x≤2). The DFT calculations observe a pseudomorphic growth of K on Cu xO/Cu(111) up to 0.19 monolayer (ML) of coverage, where K binds the surface via strong ionic interaction with chemisorbed oxygen and the relatively weak electrostatic interactions with copper ions, lower and upper oxygen on themore » Cu xO rings. The simulated STM pattern based on the DFT results agrees well with the experimental observations. The deposited K displays great impact on the surface electronic structure of Cu xO/Cu(111), which induces significant reduction in work function and leads to a strong electron polarization on the surface. The promotion of K on the surface binding properties is selective. It varies depending on the nature of adsorbates. According to our results, K has little effect on surface acidity, while it enhances the surface basicity significantly. As a consequence, the presence of K does not help for CO adsorption on Cu xO/Cu(111), but being able to accelerate the activation of CO 2. Thus, such promotion strongly depends on the combinations from both geometric and electronic effects. Our results highlight the origin of promoting effect of alkalis in the design of catalysts for the complex reactions.« less

Effects of release from suppression on wood functional characteristics in young Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

Treesearch

H.J. Renninger; B.L. Gartner; F.C. Meinzer

2006-01-01

We assessed differences in growth-ring width, specific conductivity (Ks), tracheid dimensions, moisture content, and wood density in suppressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) trees and trees released from suppression. Growth-ring width was 370 percent...

Continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy for velocity distribution measurements in plasma.

PubMed

McCarren, D; Scime, E

2015-10-01

We report the development of a continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopic (CW-CRDS) diagnostic for real-time, in situ measurement of velocity distribution functions of ions and neutral atoms in plasma. This apparatus is less complex than conventional CW-CRDS systems. We provide a detailed description of the CW-CRDS apparatus as well as measurements of argon ions and neutrals in a high-density (10(9) cm(-3) < plasma density <10(13) cm(-3)) plasma. The CW-CRDS measurements are validated through comparison with laser induced fluorescence measurements of the same absorbing states of the ions and neutrals.

Conclusions and recommendations: Exploration of the Saturn system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunten, D. M.

1978-01-01

Saturn missions have the following principal goals, in order of importance: (1) Intensive investigation of the atmosphere of Saturn; (2) determination of regional surface chemistry and properties of the surface features of satellites and properties of ring particles; (3) intensive investigation of Titan; and (4) atmospheric dynamics and structure of Saturn satellites and Saturn rings.

Ceramic turbine stator vane and shroud support

DOEpatents

Glenn, Robert G.

1981-01-01

A support system for supporting the stationary ceramic vanes and ceramic outer shrouds which define the motive fluid gas path in a gas turbine engine is shown. Each individual segment of the ceramic component whether a vane or shroud segment has an integral radially outwardly projecting stem portion. The stem is enclosed in a split collet member of a high-temperature alloy material having a cavity configured to interlock with the stem portion. The generally cylindrical external surface of the collet engages a mating internal cylindrical surface of an aperture through a supporting arcuate ring segment with mating camming surfaces on the two facing cylindrical surfaces such that radially outward movement of the collet relative to the ring causes the internal cavity of the collet to be reduced in diameter to tightly engage the ceramic stem disposed therein. A portion of the collet extends outwardly through the ring segment opposite the ceramic piece and is threaded for receiving a nut and a compression washer for retaining the collet in the ring segment under a continuous biasing force urging the collet radially outwardly.

Quasi one-dimensional band dispersion and surface metallization in long-range ordered polymeric wires

DOE PAGES

Vasseur, Guillaume; Fagot-Revurat, Yannick; Sicot, Muriel; ...

2016-01-04

We study the electronic structure of an ordered array of poly(para-phenylene) chains produced by surface-catalyzed dehalogenative polymerization of 1,4-dibromobenzene on copper (110). The quantization of unoccupied molecular states is measured as a function of oligomer length by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, with Fermi level crossings observed for chains longer than ten phenyl rings. Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy reveals a quasi-one-dimensional valence band as well as a direct gap of 1.15 eV, as the conduction band is partially filled through adsorption on the surface. Tight-binding modelling and ab initio density functional theory calculations lead to a full description of the organic band-structure, includingmore » the k-dispersion, the gap size and electron charge transfer mechanisms, highlighting a strong substrate-molecule interaction that drives the system into a metallic behaviour. In summary, we have fully characterized the band structure of a carbon-based conducting wire. This model system may be considered as a fingerprint of -conjugation of surface organic frameworks.« less

Identifying and tracing potential energy surfaces of electronic excitations with specific character via their transition origins: application to oxirane.

PubMed

Li, Jian-Hao; Zuehlsdorff, T J; Payne, M C; Hine, N D M

2015-05-14

We show that the transition origins of electronic excitations identified by quantified natural transition orbital (QNTO) analysis can be employed to connect potential energy surfaces (PESs) according to their character across a wide range of molecular geometries. This is achieved by locating the switching of transition origins of adiabatic potential surfaces as the geometry changes. The transition vectors for analysing transition origins are provided by linear response time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations under the Tamm-Dancoff approximation. We study the photochemical CO ring opening of oxirane as an example and show that the results corroborate the traditional Gomer-Noyes mechanism derived experimentally. The knowledge of specific states for the reaction also agrees well with that given by previous theoretical work using TDDFT surface-hopping dynamics that was validated by high-quality quantum Monte Carlo calculations. We also show that QNTO can be useful for considerably larger and more complex systems: by projecting the excitations to those of a reference oxirane molecule, the approach is able to identify and analyse specific excitations of a trans-2,3-diphenyloxirane molecule.

Self-Assembled Structures of Benzoic Acid on Au(111) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Thu-Hien; Wandlowski, Thomas

2017-06-01

Electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy combined with cyclic voltammetry were employed to explore the self-assembly of benzoic acid (BA) on a Au(111) substrate surface in a 0.1-M HClO4 solution. At the negatively charged surface, BA molecules form two highly ordered physisorbed adlayers with their phenyl rings parallel to the substrate surface. High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy images reveal the packing arrangement and internal molecular structures. The striped pattern and zigzag structure of the BA adlayers are composed of parallel rows of dimers, in which two BA molecules are bound through a pair of O-H···O hydrogen bonds. Increasing the electrode potential further to positive charge densities of Au(111) leads to the desorption of the physisorbed hydrogen-bonded networks and the formation of a chemisorbed adlayer. BA molecules change their orientation from planar to upright fashion, which is accompanied by the deprotonation of the carboxyl group. Furthermore, potential-induced formation and dissolution of BA adlayers were also investigated. Structural transitions between the various types of ordered adlayers occur according to a nucleation and growth mechanism.

Square sugars: challenges and synthetic strategies.

PubMed

Hazelard, Damien; Compain, Philippe

2017-05-10

Square sugars (4-membered ring carbohydrate mimetics) are at the intersection of several important topics concerning the recent emergence, in medicinal chemistry, of glycomimetic drugs and small ring systems. Monosaccharide mimetics containing oxetane, azetidine, thiethane or cyclobutane rings present a number of synthetic challenges that are a powerful driving force for innovation in organic synthesis. In addition to the inherent issues associated with 4-membered rings, the high density of functional groups and asymmetric centres found in glycomimetics further complicates the matter and requires efficient stereoselective methodologies. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the elegant strategies that have been developed to synthesize the different types of square sugars.

Deep structure of the Mid-Norwegian continental margin (the Vøring and Møre basins) according to 3-D density and magnetic modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maystrenko, Yuriy Petrovich; Gernigon, Laurent; Nasuti, Aziz; Olesen, Odleiv

2018-03-01

A lithosphere-scale 3-D density/magnetic structural model of the Møre and Vøring segments of the Mid-Norwegian continental margin and the adjacent areas of the Norwegian mainland has been constructed by using both published, publically available data sets and confidential data, validated by the 3-D density and magnetic modelling. The obtained Moho topography clearly correlates with the major tectonic units of the study area where a deep Moho corresponds to the base of the Precambrian continental crust and the shallower one is located in close proximity to the younger oceanic lithospheric domain. The 3-D density modelling agrees with previous studies which indicate the presence of a high-density/high-velocity lower-crustal layer beneath the Mid-Norwegian continental margin. The broad Jan Mayen Corridor gravity low is partially related to the decreasing density of the sedimentary layers within the Jan Mayen Corridor and also has to be considered in relation to a possible low-density composition- and/or temperature-related zone in the lithospheric mantle. According to the results of the 3-D magnetic modelling, the absence of a strong magnetic anomaly over the Utgard High indicates that the uplifted crystalline rocks are not so magnetic there, supporting a suggestion that the entire crystalline crust has a low magnetization beneath the greater part of the Vøring Basin and the northern part of the Møre Basin. On the contrary, the crystalline crust is much more magnetic beneath the Trøndelag Platform, the southern part of the Møre Basin and within the mainland, reaching a culmination at the Frøya High where the most intensive magnetic anomaly is observed within the study area.

Nonplanar property study of antifungal agent tolnaftate-spectroscopic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arul Dhas, D.; Hubert Joe, I.; Roy, S. D. D.; Balachandran, S.

2011-09-01

Vibrational analysis of the thionocarbamate fungicide tolnaftate which is antidermatophytic, antitrichophytic and antimycotic agent, primarily inhibits the ergosterol biosynthesis in the fungus, was carried out using NIR FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. The equilibrium geometry, various bonding features, harmonic vibrational wavenumbers and torsional potential energy surface (PES) scan studies have been computed using density functional theory method. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the aid of VEDA.4 program. Vibrational spectra, natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis and optimized molecular structure show the clear evidence for electronic interaction of thionocarbamate group with aromatic ring. Predicted electronic absorption spectrum from TD-DFT calculation has been compared with the UV-vis spectrum. The Mulliken population analysis on atomic charges and the HOMO-LUMO energy were also calculated. Vibrational analysis reveals that the simultaneous IR and Raman activation of the C-C stretching mode in the phenyl and naphthalene ring provide evidence for the charge transfer interaction between the donor and acceptor groups and is responsible for its bioactivity as a fungicide.

Imfit: A Fast, Flexible Program for Astronomical Image Fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erwin, Peter

2014-08-01

Imift is an open-source astronomical image-fitting program specialized for galaxies but potentially useful for other sources, which is fast, flexible, and highly extensible. Its object-oriented design allows new types of image components (2D surface-brightness functions) to be easily written and added to the program. Image functions provided with Imfit include Sersic, exponential, and Gaussian galaxy decompositions along with Core-Sersic and broken-exponential profiles, elliptical rings, and three components that perform line-of-sight integration through 3D luminosity-density models of disks and rings seen at arbitrary inclinations. Available minimization algorithms include Levenberg-Marquardt, Nelder-Mead simplex, and Differential Evolution, allowing trade-offs between speed and decreased sensitivity to local minima in the fit landscape. Minimization can be done using the standard chi^2 statistic (using either data or model values to estimate per-pixel Gaussian errors, or else user-supplied error images) or the Cash statistic; the latter is particularly appropriate for cases of Poisson data in the low-count regime. The C++ source code for Imfit is available under the GNU Public License.

Face seal assembly for rotating drum

DOEpatents

Morgan, J. Giles; Rennich, Mark J.; Whatley, Marvin E.

1982-01-01

A seal assembly comprises a tube rotatable about its longitudinal axis and having two longitudinally spaced flanges projecting radially outwardly from the outer surface thereof. Slidably positioned against one of the flanges is a seal ring, and disposed between this seal ring and the other flange are two rings that are forced apart by springs, one of the latter rings being attached to a flexible wall.

Bulk densities of materials from selected pine-site hardwoods

Treesearch

Clyde Vidrine; George E. Woodson

1982-01-01

Bulk densities of hardwood materials from low and high density species were determined for green and air-dry conditions. Materials consisted of whole-tree chips, bark-free chips, bark as collected from three types of debarkers (ring, rosser head, and drum debarkers) sawdust, planer shavings, flakes, logging residues, baled branchwood, steel-strapped firewood, and...

Simulations of phase space distributions of storm time proton ring current

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Margaret W.; Lyons, Larry R.; Schulz, Michael

1994-01-01

We use results of guiding-center simulations of ion transport to map phase space densities of the stormtime proton ring current. We model a storm as a sequence of substorm-associated enhancements in the convection electric field. Our pre-storm phase space distribution is an analytical solution to a steady-state transport model in which quiet-time radial diffusion balances charge exchange. This pre-storm phase space spectra at L approximately 2 to 4 reproduce many of the features found in observed quiet-time spectra. Using results from simulations of ion transport during model storms having main phases of 3, 6, and 12 hr, we map phase space distributions from the pre-storm distribution in accordance with Liouville's theorem. We find stormtime enhancements in the phase space densities at energies E approximately 30-160 keV for L approximately 2.5 to 4. These enhancements agree well with the observed stormtime ring current. For storms with shorter main phases (approximately 3 hr), the enhancements are caused mainly by the trapping of ions injected from open night side trajectories, and diffusive transport of higher-energy (greater than or approximately 160 keV) ions contributes little to the stormtime ring current. However, the stormtime ring current is augmented also by the diffusive transport of higher-energy ions (E greater than or approximately 160 keV) durinng stroms having longer main phases (greater than or approximately 6 hr). In order to account for the increase in Dst associated with the formation of the stormtime ring current, we estimate the enhancement in particle-energy content that results from stormtime ion transport in the equatorial magnetosphere. We find that transport alone cannot account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst typical of a major storm. However, we can account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst by realistically increasing the stormtime outer boundary value of the phase space density relative to the quiet-time value. We compute the magnetic field produced by the ring current itself and find that radial profiles of the magnetic field depression resemble those obtained from observational data.

Spectroscopic and DFT study of atenolol and metoprolol and their copper complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cozar, O.; Szabó, L.; Cozar, I. B.; Leopold, N.; David, L.; Căinap, C.; Chiş, V.

2011-05-01

IR, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of atenolol (ATE) and metoprolol (MET) were recorded and assigned on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A reliable assignment of vibrational IR and Raman bands of the two compounds was possible by a proper choice of models used in quantum chemical calculations. Both molecules are adsorbed to the silver surface mainly through the oxygen atoms and π-electrons of the phenyl ring. The coordination mode of the metal ions in Cu(II)-ATE and -MET compounds was also derived from IR and EPR spectra. EPR spectra give evidence for a square-planar arrangement around the copper (II) ion in the case of Cu-ATE complex, with a N 2O 2 chromophore. Only oxygen atoms are involved in the cooper coordination for Cu-MET complex, and two types of local symmetries with d and d as ground states for paramagnetic electron coexist.

Theoretical investigation of the gas-phase reactions of CrO(+) with ethylene.

PubMed

Scupp, Thomas M; Dudley, Timothy J

2010-01-21

The potential energy surfaces associated with the reactions of chromium oxide cation (CrO(+)) with ethylene have been characterized using density functional, coupled-cluster, and multireference methods. Our calculations show that the most probable reaction involves the formation of acetaldehyde and Cr(+) via a hydride transfer involving the metal center. Our calculations support previous experimental hypotheses that a four-membered ring intermediate plays an important role in the reactivity of the system. We have also characterized a number of viable reaction pathways that lead to other products, including ethylene oxide. Due to the experimental observation that CrO(+) can activate carbon-carbon bonds, a reaction pathway involving C-C bond cleavage has also been characterized. Since many of the reactions involve a change in the spin state in going from reactants to products, locations of these spin surface crossings are presented and discussed. The applicability of methods based on Hartree-Fock orbitals is also discussed.

Carbonatite ring-complexes explained by caldera-style volcanism

PubMed Central

Andersson, Magnus; Malehmir, Alireza; Troll, Valentin R.; Dehghannejad, Mahdieh; Juhlin, Christopher; Ask, Maria

2013-01-01

Carbonatites are rare, carbonate-rich magmatic rocks that make up a minute portion of the crust only, yet they are of great relevance for our understanding of crustal and mantle processes. Although they occur in all continents and from Archaean to present, the deeper plumbing system of carbonatite ring-complexes is usually poorly constrained. Here, we show that carbonatite ring-complexes can be explained by caldera-style volcanism. Our geophysical investigation of the Alnö carbonatite ring-complex in central Sweden identifies a solidified saucer-shaped magma chamber at ~3 km depth that links to surface exposures through a ring fault system. Caldera subsidence during final stages of activity caused carbonatite eruptions north of the main complex, providing the crucial element to connect plutonic and eruptive features of carbonatite magmatism. The way carbonatite magmas are stored, transported and erupt at the surface is thus comparable to known emplacement styles from silicic calderas. PMID:23591904

Carbonatite ring-complexes explained by caldera-style volcanism.

PubMed

Andersson, Magnus; Malehmir, Alireza; Troll, Valentin R; Dehghannejad, Mahdieh; Juhlin, Christopher; Ask, Maria

2013-01-01

Carbonatites are rare, carbonate-rich magmatic rocks that make up a minute portion of the crust only, yet they are of great relevance for our understanding of crustal and mantle processes. Although they occur in all continents and from Archaean to present, the deeper plumbing system of carbonatite ring-complexes is usually poorly constrained. Here, we show that carbonatite ring-complexes can be explained by caldera-style volcanism. Our geophysical investigation of the Alnö carbonatite ring-complex in central Sweden identifies a solidified saucer-shaped magma chamber at ~3 km depth that links to surface exposures through a ring fault system. Caldera subsidence during final stages of activity caused carbonatite eruptions north of the main complex, providing the crucial element to connect plutonic and eruptive features of carbonatite magmatism. The way carbonatite magmas are stored, transported and erupt at the surface is thus comparable to known emplacement styles from silicic calderas.

Lignin-derived oxygenate reforming on a bimetallic surface: The reaction of benzaldehyde on Zn/Pt(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Daming; Vohs, John M.

2016-08-01

Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) were used to characterize the adsorption and reaction of benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) on hydrogen-covered Pt(111) and Zn-modified Pt(111) surfaces. Benzaldehyde was found to interact with Pt(111) via both the phenyl ring and carbonyl of the aldehyde group. This bonding configuration facilitates unselective decomposition of the benzaldehyde to produce CO, H2, and small hydrocarbon fragments at relatively low temperatures. On the other hand, benzaldehyde was found to bond to Zn-decorated Pt(111) surface exclusively via the carbonyl group in an η2(C, O) configuration, with the phenyl ring tilted away from the surface. This configuration weakens Csbnd O bond in the carbonyl facilitating its cleavage and helps prevent hydrogenation of the phenyl ring.

Poloidal and toroidal plasmons and fields of multilayer nanorings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garapati, K. V.; Salhi, M.; Kouchekian, S.; Siopsis, G.; Passian, A.

2017-04-01

Composite and janus type metallodielectric nanoparticles are increasingly considered as a means to control the spatial and temporal behavior of electromagnetic fields in diverse applications such as coupling to quantum emitters, achieving invisibility cloaks, and obtaining quantum correlations between qubits. We investigate the surface modes of a toroidal nanostructure and obtain the canonical plasmon dispersion relations and resonance modes for arbitrarily layered nanorings. Unlike particle plasmon eigenmodes in other geometries, the amplitudes of the eigenmodes of tori exhibit a distinct forward and backward coupling. We present the plasmon dispersion relations for several relevant toroidal configurations in the quasistatic limit and obtain the dominant retarded dispersion relations of a single ring for comparison, discuss mode complementarity and hybridization, and introduce two new types of toroidal particles in the form of janus nanorings. The resonance frequencies for the first few dominant modes of a ring composed of plasmon supporting materials such as gold, silver, and aluminum are provided and compared to those for a silicon ring. A generalized Green's function is obtained for multilayer tori allowing for calculation of the scattering response to interacting fields. Employing the Green's function, the scalar electric potential distribution corresponding to individual poloidal and toroidal modes in response to an arbitrarily polarized external field and the field of electrons is obtained. The results are applied to obtain the local density of states and decay rate of a dipole near the center of the torus.

Photoswitchable Molecular Rings for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage.

PubMed

Durgun, E; Grossman, Jeffrey C

2013-03-21

Solar-thermal fuels reversibly store solar energy in the chemical bonds of molecules by photoconversion, and can release this stored energy in the form of heat upon activation. Many conventional photoswichable molecules could be considered as solar thermal fuels, although they suffer from low energy density or short lifetime in the photoinduced high-energy metastable state, rendering their practical use unfeasible. We present a new approach to the design of chemistries for solar thermal fuel applications, wherein well-known photoswitchable molecules are connected by different linker agents to form molecular rings. This approach allows for a significant increase in both the amount of stored energy per molecule and the stability of the fuels. Our results suggest a range of possibilities for tuning the energy density and thermal stability as a function of the type of the photoswitchable molecule, the ring size, or the type of linkers.

Neurolastin, a dynamin family GTPase, regulates excitatory synapses and spine density

PubMed Central

Madan Lomash, Richa; Gu, Xinglong; Youle, Richard J.; Lu, Wei; Roche, Katherine W.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Membrane trafficking and spinogenesis contribute significantly to changes in synaptic strength during development and in various paradigms of synaptic plasticity. GTPases of the dynamin family are key players regulating membrane trafficking. Here, we identify a brain-specific dynamin family GTPase, neurolastin (RNF112/Znf179), with closest homology to atlastin. We demonstrate that neurolastin has functional GTPase and RING domains, making it a unique protein identified with this multi-enzymatic domain organization. We also show that neurolastin is a peripheral membrane protein, which localizes to endosomes and affects endosomal membrane dynamics via its RING domain. In addition, neurolastin knockout mice have fewer dendritic spines, and rescue of the wildtype phenotype requires both the GTPase and RING domains. Furthermore, we find fewer functional synapses and reduced paired pulse facilitation in neurolastin knockout mice. Thus, we identify neurolastin as a dynamin family GTPase that affects endosome size and spine density. PMID:26212327

Adsorption of benzene on low index surfaces of platinum in the presence of van der Waals interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

K, Ayishabi P.; Chatanathodi, Raghu

2017-10-01

We have studied the adsorption of benzene on three low index surfaces of platinum using plane-wave Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, taking into consideration van der Waals (vdW) interaction. Experimentally, it is known that benzene adsorbs at the bridge site on the (111) surface, but in case of (110) and (100), this is not known yet. Our calculations show that benzene preferably adsorbs on bridge position on Pt(111) surface, whereas on Pt(110) and Pt(100) surfaces, the hollow position is energetically more favoured. The structural and electronic modifications of molecule and the surfaces are also examined. In all cases, adsorption-induced distortions of adsorbate-substrate complex are found to be modest in character, but relatively maximum in case of the (110) facet. The molecule is bound most strongly to the (110) surface. Importantly, we find that adsorption at bridge and atop positions are energetically feasible on the (110) surface, with the canting of benzene ring at a small angle from the metal plane. We study changes in electronic structure and the net charge transfer upon adsorption of benzene on all three low index planes. Inclusion of vdW interactions is important for obtaining realistic adsorption strengths for benzene on various Pt facets.

Ion composition of the bulk ring current during a magnetic storm - Observations with the CHEM-instrument on AMPTE-CCE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuedemann, W.; Wilken, B.; Kremser, G.; Gloeckler, G.; Ipavich, F. M.

1986-01-01

Ion composition measurements in the entire energy range of the ring current population, obtained with the Charge-, Energy-, Mass-spectrometer instrument on the Charge Composition Explorer in September 1984, are reported. From the energy spectra obtained for all major constituents during the main phase of a magnetic storm, the number densities, energy densities, and mean energies are calculated and displayed as radial profiles. The mean energies of He(2+) are found to be about twice that of H(+) and He(+) throughout this storm, and the time profiles for the mean energies of all major ions are seen to bunch together (when normalizing mean energies by the ionic charge), with the largest variations of the energy densities and mean energies occurring for O(+) ions.

Vibrational collapse of boroxol rings in compacted B2O3 glasses: a study of Raman scattering and low temperature specific heat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carini, Giovanni, Jr.; Carini, Giuseppe; D’Angelo, Giovanna; Federico, Mauro; Romano, Valentino

2018-05-01

Low and high frequency Raman scattering of B2O3 glasses, compacted under GPa pressures, has been performed to investigate structural changes due to increasing atomic packing. Compacted glasses, annealed at ambient temperature and pressure, experience a time-dependent decrease of the density to a smaller constant value over a period of few months, displaying a permanent plastic deformation. Increasing densification determines a parallel and progressive decrease of the intensity of the Boson peak and the main band at 808 cm‑1, both these modes arising from localized vibrations involving planar boroxol rings (B3O6), the glassy units formed from three basic BO3 triangles. The 808 cm‑1 mode preserves its frequency, while the BP evidences a well-defined frequency increase. The high-frequency multicomponent band between 1200 and 1600 cm‑1 also changes with increasing densification, disclosing a decreasing intensity of the 1260 cm‑1 mode due to oxygen vibrations of BO3 units bridging boroxol rings. This indicates the gradual vibrational collapse of groups formed from rings connected by more complex links than a single bridging oxygen. The observed behaviours suggest that glass compaction causes severe deformation of boroxol rings, determining a decrease of groups which preserve unaltered their vibrational activity. Growing glass densification stiffens the network and leads to a decrease of the excess heat capacity over the Debye prediction below 20 K, which is not accounted for by the hardening of the elastic continuum. By using the low-frequency Raman scattering to determine the temperature dependence of the heat capacity, it has been evaluated the density of low-frequency vibrational states which discloses a significant reduction of excess modes with increasing density.

Structure of Saturn's Rings from Cassini Diametric Radio Occultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marouf, E.; French, R.; Rappaport, N.; Kliore, A.; Flasar, M.; Nagy, A.; McGhee, C.; Schinder, P.; Anabtawi, A.; Asmar, S.; Barbinis, E.; Fleischman, D.; Goltz, G.; Johnston, D.; Rochblatt, D.; Thomson, F.; Wong, K.

2005-08-01

Cassini orbits around Saturn were designed to provide eight optimized radio occultation observations of Saturn's rings during summer, 2005. Three monochromatic radio signals (0.94, 3.6, and 13 cm-wavelength) were transmitted by Cassini through the rings and observed at multiple stations of the NASA Deep Space Network. A rich data set has been collected. Detailed structure of Ring B is revealed for the first time, including multi-feature dense ''core'' ˜ 6,000 km wide of normal optical depth > 4.3, a ˜ 5,500 km region of oscillations in optical depth ( ˜ 1.7 to ˜ 3.4) over characteristic radial scales of few hundred kilometers interior to the core, and a ˜ 5,000 km region exterior to the core of similar nature but smaller optical depth fluctuation ( ˜ 2.2 to ˜ 3.3). The innermost ˜ 7,000 km region is the thinnest (mean optical depth ˜ 1.2), and includes two unusually uniform regions and a prominent density wave. With few exceptions, the structure is nearly identical for the three radio signals (when detectable), indicating that Ring B is relatively devoid of centimeters and smaller size particles. The structure is largely circularly symmetric, except for radius > ˜ 116,600 km. In Ring A, numerous (> 40) density waves are clearly observed at multiple longitudes, different average background optical depth is observed among different occultations suggesting that the azimuthal asymmetry extends over most Ring A, and strong dependence of the observed structure on wavelength implies increase in the abundance of centimeter and smaller size particles with increasing radius. Multiple longitude observations of Ring C and the Cassini Division structure reveal remarkable variability of gaps and their embedded narrow eccentric ringlets, and a wake/wave like feature interior to the gap at ˜ 118,200 km (embedded moonlet?). Wavelength dependent structure of Ring C implies abundance of centimeter size particles everywhere and sorting by size within dense embedded features.

First-Principles Studies of Structure-Property Relationships: Enabling Design of Functional Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Qunfei

First-principles calculations based on quantum mechanics have been proved to be powerful for accurately regenerating experimental results, uncovering underlying myths of experimental phenomena, and accelerating the design of innovative materials. This work has been motivated by the demand to design next-generation thermionic emitting cathodes and techniques to allow for synthesis of photo-responsive polymers on complex surfaces with controlled thickness and patterns. For Os-coated tungsten thermionic dispenser cathodes, we used first-principles methods to explore the bulk and surface properties of W-Os alloys in order to explain the previously observed experimental phenomena that thermionic emission varies significantly with W-Os alloy composition. Meanwhile, we have developed a new quantum mechanical approach to quantitatively predict the thermionic emission current density from materials perspective without any semi-empirical approximations or complicated analytical models, which leads to better understanding of thermionic emission mechanism. The methods from this work could be used to accelerate the design of next-generation thermionic cathodes. For photoresponsive materials, we designed a novel type of azobenzene-containing monomer for light-mediated ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) toward the fabrication of patterned, photo-responsive polymers by controlling ring strain energy (RSE) of the monomer that drives ROMP. This allows for unprecedented remote, noninvasive, instantaneous spatial and temporal control of photo-responsive polymer deposition on complex surfaces.This work on the above two different materials systems showed the power of quantum mechanical calculations on predicting, understanding and discovering the structures and properties of both known and unknown materials in a fast, efficient and reliable way.

Hydrogel Ring for Topical Drug Delivery to the Ocular Posterior Segment.

PubMed

Shikamura, Yuko; Yamazaki, Yoshiko; Matsunaga, Toru; Sato, Takao; Ohtori, Akira; Tojo, Kakuji

2016-05-01

To investigate the efficacy of a topical hydrogel ring for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the rabbit eye. Novel hydrogel corneal lenses (CL), scleral/corneal lenses (S/CL), and rings were prepared using poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The devices were immersed in 0.3% ofloxacin ophthalmic solution (OOS) to homogeneously distribute the drug throughout the hydrogel. The medicated CL, S/CL, Ring 1 (standard ring), or Ring 2 (shape-optimized ring) was applied to the surface of the cornea, cornea/bulbar conjunctiva, or bulbar conjunctiva of albino rabbits, respectively. Medicated rings did not touch the corneal surface. In another group, one OOS drop was administered to the eye. After 0.25-8 hours, the hydrogel devices were removed and ocular tissues were harvested. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the ofloxacin concentration in the devices and tissues. The drug concentrations in the posterior segment tissues were compared among ofloxacin delivery methods. One hour after placement, eyes treated with Ring 1 or S/CL had markedly higher ofloxacin levels in the posterior segment tissues (conjunctiva, sclera, and retina/choroid) than eyes treated with topical OOS or a CL. Lower levels of ofloxacin were found in anterior segment tissues (cornea and aqueous humor) in eyes treated with Ring 1 compared to those treated with S/CL. Ring 2 most effectively delivered ofloxacin to the retina/choroid. The tissue ofloxacin concentration in the fellow eye was markedly lower than the eye treated with Ring 2. Our results suggest that hydrogel rings are effective in delivering topical ophthalmic drugs to the posterior segment. The drugs are most likely delivered via the transconjunctival/scleral route by lateral diffusion across the bulbar conjunctiva and through the sclera. Systemic drug delivery to the posterior segment is minimal.

J plots: a new method for characterizing structures in the interstellar medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaffa, S. E.; Whitworth, A. P.; Clarke, S. D.; Howard, A. D. P.

2018-06-01

Large-scale surveys have brought about a revolution in astronomy. To analyse the resulting wealth of data, we need automated tools to identify, classify, and quantify the important underlying structures. We present here a method for classifying and quantifying a pixelated structure, based on its principal moments of inertia. The method enables us to automatically detect, and objectively compare, centrally condensed cores, elongated filaments, and hollow rings. We illustrate the method by applying it to (i) observations of surface density from Hi-GAL, and (ii) simulations of filament growth in a turbulent medium. We limit the discussion here to 2D data; in a future paper, we will extend the method to 3D data.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

K.-F. Braun, V. Iancu, N. Pertaya, K.-H. Rieder and S.-W. Hla

Deviating from the common growth mode of molecular films of organic molecules where the adsorbates remain intact, we observe an essentially different growth behavior for metalocenes with a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Ferrocene molecules adsorb dissociatively and form a two layer structure after being decomposed into fragments. The toplayer unit cell is composed of two tilted cyclopentadienyl rings, while the first layer consists of the remaining fragments. Surprisingly a fourfold symmetry is observed for the top layer while the first layer displays threefold symmetry elements. It is this symmetry mismatch which induces an incommensurability between these layers in allmore » except one surface direction. The toplayer is weakly bonded and has an antiferromagnetic groundstate as calculated by local spin density functional approximation.« less

Scots pine responses to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide concentration: growth and wood properties.

PubMed

Kilpeläinen, Antti; Peltola, Heli; Ryyppö, Aija; Kellomäki, Seppo

2005-01-01

Growth and wood properties of 20-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees were studied for 6 years in 16 closed chambers providing a factorial combination of two temperature regimes (ambient and elevated) and two carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO2]) (ambient and twice ambient). The elevation of temperature corresponded to the predicted effect at the site of a doubling in atmospheric [CO2]. Annual height and radial growth and wood properties were analyzed during 1997-2002. Physical wood properties analyzed included early- and latewood widths and their proportions, intra-ring wood densities, early- and latewood density and mean fiber length. Chemical wood properties analyzed included concentrations of acetone-soluble extractives, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. There were no significant treatment effects on height growth during the 6-year study. Elevated [CO2] increased ring width by 66 and 47% at ambient and elevated temperatures, respectively. At ambient [CO2], elevated temperature increased ring width by 19%. Increased ring width in response to elevated [CO2] resulted from increases in both early- and latewood width; however, there was no effect of the treatments on early- and latewood proportions. Mean wood density, earlywood density and fiber length increased in response to elevated temperature. The chemical composition of wood was affected by elevated [CO2], which reduced the cellulose concentration, and by elevated temperature, which reduced the concentration of acetone-soluble extractives. Thus, over the 6-year period, radial growth was significantly increased by elevated [CO2], and some wood properties were significantly affected by elevated temperature or elevated [CO2], or both, indicating that climate change may affect the material properties of wood.

Ab initio molecular dynamics with nuclear quantum effects at classical cost: Ring polymer contraction for density functional theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marsalek, Ondrej; Markland, Thomas E., E-mail: tmarkland@stanford.edu

Path integral molecular dynamics simulations, combined with an ab initio evaluation of interactions using electronic structure theory, incorporate the quantum mechanical nature of both the electrons and nuclei, which are essential to accurately describe systems containing light nuclei. However, path integral simulations have traditionally required a computational cost around two orders of magnitude greater than treating the nuclei classically, making them prohibitively costly for most applications. Here we show that the cost of path integral simulations can be dramatically reduced by extending our ring polymer contraction approach to ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. By using density functional tight binding asmore » a reference system, we show that our ring polymer contraction scheme gives rapid and systematic convergence to the full path integral density functional theory result. We demonstrate the efficiency of this approach in ab initio simulations of liquid water and the reactive protonated and deprotonated water dimer systems. We find that the vast majority of the nuclear quantum effects are accurately captured using contraction to just the ring polymer centroid, which requires the same number of density functional theory calculations as a classical simulation. Combined with a multiple time step scheme using the same reference system, which allows the time step to be increased, this approach is as fast as a typical classical ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and 35× faster than a full path integral calculation, while still exactly including the quantum sampling of nuclei. This development thus offers a route to routinely include nuclear quantum effects in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at negligible computational cost.« less

Saturn's largest ring.

PubMed

Verbiscer, Anne J; Skrutskie, Michael F; Hamilton, Douglas P

2009-10-22

Most planetary rings in the Solar System lie within a few radii of their host body, because at these distances gravitational accelerations inhibit satellite formation. The best known exceptions are Jupiter's gossamer rings and Saturn's E ring, broad sheets of dust that extend outward until they fade from view at five to ten planetary radii. Source satellites continuously supply the dust, which is subsequently lost in collisions or by radial transport. Here we report that Saturn has an enormous ring associated with its outer moon Phoebe, extending from at least 128R(S) to 207R(S) (Saturn's radius R(S) is 60,330 km). The ring's vertical thickness of 40R(S) matches the range of vertical motion of Phoebe along its orbit. Dynamical considerations argue that these ring particles span the Saturnian system from the main rings to the edges of interplanetary space. The ring's normal optical depth of approximately 2 x 10(-8) is comparable to that of Jupiter's faintest gossamer ring, although its particle number density is several hundred times smaller. Repeated impacts on Phoebe, from both interplanetary and circumplanetary particle populations, probably keep the ring populated with material. Ring particles smaller than centimetres in size slowly migrate inward and many of them ultimately strike the dark leading face of Iapetus.

Capacitive radio frequency discharges with a single ring-shaped narrow trench of various depths to enhance the plasma density and lateral uniformity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohtsu, Y., E-mail: ohtsuy@cc.saga-u.ac.jp; Matsumoto, N.; Schulze, J.

2016-03-15

Spatial structures of the electron density and temperature in ring-shaped hollow cathode capacitive rf plasma with a single narrow trench of 2 mm width have been investigated at various trench depths of D = 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 mm. It is found that the plasma density is increased in the presence of the trench and that the radial profile of the plasma density has a peak around the narrow hollow trench near the cathode. The density becomes uniform further away from the cathode at all trench depths, whereas the electron temperature distribution remains almost uniform. The measured radial profiles of the plasmamore » density are in good agreement with a theoretical diffusion model for all the trench depths, which explains the local density increase by a local enhancement of the electron heating. Under the conditions investigated, the trench of 10 mm depth is found to result in the highest plasma density at various axial and radial positions. The results show that the radial uniformity of the plasma density at various axial positions can be improved by using structured electrodes of distinct depths rather than planar electrodes.« less

On the mechanism of the ring zone effect obtained with the mixed haemadsorption technique

PubMed Central

Jonsson, J.; Fagraeus, Astrid

1969-01-01

A ring zone effect noted with the radial diffusion disc test modification of the mixed haemadsorption technique has been studied using human anti-thyroid sera reacting with thyroid monolayer cultures. Results are presented which suggest that the `empty' centre of the ring zones is due to an excess of attached antibody. Sera giving the ring zone effect contain a larger number of antibody specificities than those producing filled zones. The appearance of ring zones is favoured by a low density of antigens on the culture. These findings and a number of synergistic effects produced by mixing ring and filled zone reactions are compatible with the hypothesis that the ring zone is produced when several antibodies of different specificities react with restricted antigenic areas carrying densely located clusters of antigenic determinants representing the different specificities contained in the ring zone sera. The crowding of antibodies on the clusters in the centre of the ring zones creates a steric hindrance for the indicator cells so that they are not firmly attached in this area. The antibody zone is therefore indicated as a peripheral haemadsorption ring. ImagesFIG. 1FIG. 2FIG. 4FIG. 6FIG. 7FIG. 9 PMID:5307718

A Compact Trench-Assisted Multi-Orbital-Angular-Momentum Multi-Ring Fiber for Ultrahigh-Density Space-Division Multiplexing (19 Rings × 22 Modes)

PubMed Central

Li, Shuhui; Wang, Jian

2014-01-01

We present a compact (130 μm cladding diameter) trench-assisted multi-orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) multi-ring fiber with 19 rings each supporting 22 modes with 18 OAM ones. Using the high-contrast-index ring and trench designs, the trench-assisted multi-OAM multi-ring fiber (TA-MOMRF) features both low-level inter-mode crosstalk and inter-ring crosstalk within a wide wavelength range (1520 to 1630 nm), which can potentially enable Pbit/s total transmission capacity and hundreds bit/s/Hz spectral efficiency in a single TA-MOMRF. Moreover, the effective refractive index difference of even and odd fiber eigenmodes induced by the ellipticity of ring and fiber bending and their impacts on the purity of OAM mode and mode coupling/crosstalk are analyzed. It is found that high-order OAM modes show preferable tolerance to the ring ellipticity and fiber bending. The designed fiber offers favorable tolerance to both small ellipticity of ring (<−22 dB crosstalk under an ellipticity of 0.5%) and small bend radius (<−20 dB crosstalk under a bend radius of 2 cm). PMID:24458159

National Synchrotron Light Source annual report 1991. Volume 1, October 1, 1990--September 30, 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hulbert, S.L.; Lazarz, N.M.

1992-04-01

This report discusses the following research conducted at NSLS: atomic and molecular science; energy dispersive diffraction; lithography, microscopy and tomography; nuclear physics; UV photoemission and surface science; x-ray absorption spectroscopy; x-ray scattering and crystallography; x-ray topography; workshop on surface structure; workshop on electronic and chemical phenomena at surfaces; workshop on imaging; UV FEL machine reviews; VUV machine operations; VUV beamline operations; VUV storage ring parameters; x-ray machine operations; x-ray beamline operations; x-ray storage ring parameters; superconducting x-ray lithography source; SXLS storage ring parameters; the accelerator test facility; proposed UV-FEL user facility at the NSLS; global orbit feedback systems; and NSLSmore » computer system.« less

Glove port retrofit assembly and method of replacing components

DOEpatents

Giesen, Isaac M; Cournoyer, Michael E; Rael, David G

2014-11-18

What is disclosed is a system for retrofitting a sealed enclosure for performing work therein having an outer enclosure assembly configured to be clamped to the outer annular face of a port ring and form a sealed engagement with the outer annular surface of the port ring, a change assembly having an inner ring and an access element wherein the inner ring has a first annular cylinder body that is sized to be slidably received by the port ring and the access element is configured to be sealably and slidably positioned within the first annular cylinder body of the inner ring.

Estimating the densities of benzene-derived explosives using atomic volumes.

PubMed

Ghule, Vikas D; Nirwan, Ayushi; Devi, Alka

2018-02-09

The application of average atomic volumes to predict the crystal densities of benzene-derived energetic compounds of general formula C a H b N c O d is presented, along with the reliability of this method. The densities of 119 neutral nitrobenzenes, energetic salts, and cocrystals with diverse compositions were estimated and compared with experimental data. Of the 74 nitrobenzenes for which direct comparisons could be made, the % error in the estimated density was within 0-3% for 54 compounds, 3-5% for 12 compounds, and 5-8% for the remaining 8 compounds. Among 45 energetic salts and cocrystals, the % error in the estimated density was within 0-3% for 25 compounds, 3-5% for 13 compounds, and 5-7.4% for 7 compounds. The absolute error surpassed 0.05 g/cm 3 for 27 of the 119 compounds (22%). The largest errors occurred for compounds containing fused rings and for compounds with three -NH 2 or -OH groups. Overall, the present approach for estimating the densities of benzene-derived explosives with different functional groups was found to be reliable. Graphical abstract Application and reliability of average atom volume in the crystal density prediction of energetic compounds containing benzene ring.

Starting buoyant plumes and vortex ring pinch-off

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pottebaum, Tait; Gharib, Mory

2003-11-01

The vortex ring formation process of a starting buoyant plume was studied experimentally. Buoyant plumes were produced using a heating element at the base of a water tank. The velocity and temperature fields in the flow were measured using digital particle image thermometry and velocimetry (DPITV), allowing the density and vorticity fields to be determined. The vortex ring initially grew, with additional circulation being supplied by the trailing plume. At later times, the vortex ring became disconnected from the trailing plume. This is analogous to the pinch-off of a vortex ring produced by a piston-cylinder apparatus reported by Gharib et al (1998 JFM 360: 121-140). The existence of a pinch-off process for starting buoyant plumes has many implications for environmental flows. Of particular interest is the effect of vortex ring pinch-off on the dispersal of particulates and contaminants in intermittent or sudden convection events.

Plateaus Up Close

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-10

Saturn's C ring isn't uniformly bright. Instead, about a dozen regions of the ring stand out as noticeably brighter than the rest of the ring, while about half a dozen regions are devoid of ring material. Scientists call the bright regions "plateaus" and the devoid regions "gaps." Scientists have determined that the plateaus are relatively bright because they have higher particle density and reflect more light, but researchers haven't solved the trickier puzzle of how the plateaus are created and maintained. This view looks toward the sunlit side of the rings from about 62 degrees above the ring plane. The image was taken Jan. 9, 2017 in green light with the Cassini spacecraft's narrow-angle camera. Cassini obtained the image while approximately 194,000 miles (312,000 kilometers) from Saturn and at a Sun-Saturn-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 67 degrees. Image scale is 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) per pixel. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20529

Blow-out protector and fire control system for petroleum exploration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caraway, M.F.; Caraway, B.L.

1987-10-06

A blow-out protector is described for an oil well comprising a housing having a vertical passageway therethrough for a Kelly. The housing has a lower end adapter flange to be connected to a well casing, an elastomeric body having an opening for the Kelly and carried on the Kelly for providing sealing contact with the Kelly and housing passageway, a catch ring secured to the Kelly and having a surface defined by a given diameter, a compressor ring plate positioned below the elastomeric body on the Kelly, means on an interior of the housing having a given diameter and preventingmore » the compressor ring plate from falling down and yet providing engagement with the surface of the catch ring, the compressor ring plate having a hole for passage of the Kelly drive-mechanism for the drill pipe, the catch ring on the Kelly positioned below the compressor plate. The diameter of the catch ring is smaller than the diameter of the interior means on the housing so that when the Kelly is pulled up the catch ring will contact and force the compressor ring plate against the elastomeric body and force the elastomeric body into tight contact with both the Kelly and the housing thus sealing the space between the Kelly and the housing against a blow-out.« less

Deceptively Small

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-02-02

Tiny Epimetheus is dwarfed by adjacent slivers of the A and F rings. But is it really? Looks can be deceiving! There is approximately 10 to 20 times more mass in that tiny dot than in the piece of the A ring visible in this image! In total, Saturn's rings have about as much mass as a few times the mass of the moon Mimas. (This mass estimate comes from measuring the waves raised in the rings by moons like Epimetheus.) The rings look physically larger than any moon because the individual ring particles are very small, giving them a large surface area for a given mass. Epimetheus (70 miles or 113 kilometers across), on the other hand, has a small surface area per mass compared to the rings, making it look deceptively small. This view looks toward the sunlit side of the rings from about 19 degrees above the ringplane. The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on Dec. 5, 2014. The view was obtained at a distance of approximately 1.2 million miles (2 million kilometers) from Epimetheus and at a Sun-Epimetheus-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 40 degrees. Image scale is 7 miles (12 kilometers) per pixel. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA18302

Accretion in Saturn's F Ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meinke, B. K.; Esposito, L. W.; Stewart, G.

2012-12-01

Saturn's F ring is the solar system's principal natural laboratory for direct observation of accretion and disruption processes. The ring resides in the Roche zone, where tidal disruption competes with self-gravity, which allows us to observe the lifecycle of moonlets. Just as nearby moons create structure at the B ring edge (Esposito et al. 2012) and the Keeler gap (Murray 2007), the F ring "shepherding" moons Prometheus and Pandora stir up ring material and create observably changing structures on timescales of days to decades. In fact, Beurle et al (2010) show that Prometheus makes it possible for "distended, yet gravitationally coherent clumps" to form in the F ring, and Barbara and Esposito (2002) predicted a population of ~1 km bodies in the ring. In addition to the observations over the last three decades, the Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) has detected 27 statistically significant features in 101 occultations by Saturn's F ring since July 2004. Seventeen of those 27 features are associated with clumps of ring material. Two features are opaque in occultation, which makes them candidates for solid objects, which we refer to as Moonlets. The 15 other features partially block stellar signal for 22 m to just over 3.7 km along the radial expanse of the occultation. Upon visual inspection of the occultation profile, these features resemble Icicles, thus we will refer to them as such here. The density enhancements responsible for such signal attenuations are likely due to transient clumping of material, evidence that aggregations of material are ubiquitous in the F ring. Our lengthy observing campaign reveals that Icicles are likely transient clumps, while Moonlets are possible solid objects. Optical depth is an indicator of clumping because more-densely aggregated material blocks more light; therefore, it is natural to imagine moonlets as later evolutionary stage of icicle, when looser clumps of material compact to form a feature that appears opaque in occultation. We suggest that Icicles may evolve into Moonlets, which are an order of magnitude less abundant in UVIS observations. Motivated by the observations and previous models, I develop a more rigorous model of the evolution of aggregates in Saturn's F ring via tidally-modified accretion. I apply the model to the F ring for bodies of constant density undergoing binary collisions. Because the locations of the UVIS-observed clump-associated features are weakly correlated to the location of Prometheus (Esposito et al. 2012) and images show material stirred up after Prometheus passage (Murray et al. 2008), we develop an additional production term describing "enhanced growth" beyond sticking of hard spheres in binary collisions. In the scenario we devise, Prometheus creates high-density regions in which larger bodies efficiently sweep up smaller bodies. Including a term for this growth mechanism in the numerical model results in the modeled size distribution evolving to a state consistent with observations. Together, the observations and model tell a story of how moonlets are made. Prometheus may be the agent responsible for moonlet growth, a complicated and rare process in the F ring. This can explain how accretion gets the upper hand in forming F ring aggregates. Growth and destruction may be cyclical on a longer time scale. This research was supported by the Cassini project.

Structure of a Glomulin-RBX1-CUL1 complex: inhibition of a RING E3 ligase through masking of its E2-binding surface

PubMed Central

Duda, David M.; Olszewski, Jennifer L.; Tron, Adriana E.; Hammel, Michal; Lambert, Lester J.; Waddell, M. Brett; Mittag, Tanja; DeCaprio, James A.; Schulman, Brenda A.

2012-01-01

Summary The ~300 human Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are multisubunit E3s in which a RING protein, either RBX1 or RBX2, recruits an E2 to catalyze ubiquitination. RBX1-containing CRLs also can bind Glomulin (GLMN), which binds RBX1’s RING domain, regulates the RBX1-CUL1-containing SCFFBW7 complex, and is disrupted in the disease Glomuvenous Malformation. Here we report the crystal structure of a complex between GLMN, RBX1, and a fragment of CUL1. Structural and biochemical analyses reveal that GLMN adopts a HEAT-like repeat fold that tightly binds the E2-interacting surface of RBX1, inhibiting CRL-mediated chain formation by the E2 CDC34. The structure explains the basis for GLMN’s selectivity toward RBX1 over RBX2, and how disease-associated mutations disrupt GLMN-RBX1 interactions. Our study reveals a mechanism for RING E3 ligase regulation whereby an inhibitor blocks E2 access, and raises the possibility that other E3s are likewise controlled by cellular proteins that mask E2-binding surfaces to mediate inhibition. PMID:22748924

Near-infrared continuous-wave light driving a two-photon photochromic reaction with the assistance of localized surface plasmon.

PubMed

Tsuboi, Yasuyuki; Shimizu, Ryosuke; Shoji, Tatsuya; Kitamura, Noboru

2009-09-09

We demonstrate that a photochromic reaction can be driven by irradiation from a weak, near-infrared continuous-wave (NIR-CW) laser light. A two-photon ring-opening photochromic reaction of a diarylethene (DE) derivative can be induced by irradiation with a NIR-CW laser light (lambda = 808 nm). An ultrathin polymer film doped with DE in its closed form was coated onto a gold-nanoparticle-integrated glass substrate. Upon irradiation of the sample with a CW laser at low fluence (0.1-4.0 W/cm(2)), we could clearly observe bleaching of the DE (ring-opening reaction). Following the IR irradiation, the bleached absorption could be reversibly recovered by applying UV irradiation (ring-closing reaction). We verified that the yield of the photochromic ring-opening reaction of the DE was proportional to the square of the irradiation fluence. The origin of this NIR-CW-induced two-photon photochromic reaction is an "enhancing effect" that acts on the electromagnetic field (localized surface plasmon) of the gold nanoparticles. The DE interacts with the surface plasmon and receives energy from two photons, which excites it to a state from which the ring-opening reaction can be initiated.

High data density and capacity in chipless radiofrequency identification (chipless-RFID) tags based on double-chains of S-shaped split ring resonators (S-SRRs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrojo, Cristian; Mata-Contreras, Javier; Paredes, Ferran; Martín, Ferran

2017-11-01

The data density per surface (DPS) is a figure of merit in chipless radiofrequency identification (chipless-RFID) tags. In this paper, it is demonstrated that chipless-RFID tags with high DPS can be implemented by using double-chains of S-shaped split ring resonators (S-SRRs). Tag reading is achieved by near-field coupling between the tag and the reader, a CPW transmission line fed by a harmonic signal tuned to the resonance frequency of the S-SRRs. By transversally displacing the tag over the CPW, the transmission coefficient of the line is modulated by tag motion. This effectively modulates the amplitude of the injected (carrier) signal at the output port of the line, and the identification (ID) code, determined by the presence or absence of S-SRRs at predefined and equidistant positions in the chains, is contained in the envelope function. The DPS is determined by S-SRR dimensions and by the distance between S-SRRs in the chains. However, by using two chains of S-SRRs, the number of bits per unit length that can be accommodated is very high. This chipless-RFID system is of special interest in applications where the reading distance can be sacrificed in favor of data capacity (e.g., security and authentication). Encoding of corporate documents, ballots, exams, etc., by directly printing the proposed tags on the item product to prevent counterfeiting is envisaged.