3,208 research outputs found
Vibration characteristics of 1/8-scale dynamic models of the space-shuttle solid-rocket boosters
Vibration tests and analyses of six 1/8 scale models of the space shuttle solid rocket boosters are reported. Natural vibration frequencies and mode shapes were obtained for these aluminum shell models having internal solid fuel configurations corresponding to launch, midburn (maximum dynamic pressure), and near endburn (burnout) flight conditions. Test results for longitudinal, torsional, bending, and shell vibration frequencies are compared with analytical predictions derived from thin shell theory and from finite element plate and beam theory. The lowest analytical longitudinal, torsional, bending, and shell vibration frequencies were within + or - 10 percent of experimental values. The effects of damping and asymmetric end skirts on natural vibration frequency were also considered. The analytical frequencies of an idealized full scale space shuttle solid rocket boosted structure are computed with and without internal pressure and are compared with the 1/8 scale model results
On the high coherence of kilo-Hz Quasi-Periodic Oscillations
We have carried out a systematic study of the properties of the kilo-Hertz
quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) observed in the X-ray emission of the neutron
star low-mass X-ray binary 4U1608-52, using archival data obtained with the
Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. We have investigated the quality factor, Q, of the
oscillations (defined as the ratio of the frequency of the QPO peak to its full
width at half maximum). In order to minimise the effect of long-term frequency
drifts, power spectra were computed over the shortest times permitted by the
data statistics. We show that the high Q of ~200 reported by Berger et al.
(1996) for the lower frequency kilo-Hz QPO in one of their observations is by
no means exceptional, as we observe a mean Q value in excess of 150 in 14 out
of the 21 observations analysed and Q can remain above 200 for thousands of
seconds. The frequency of the QPO varies over the wide range 560--890 Hz and we
find a systematic trend for the coherence time of the QPO, estimated as tau=Q
/(pi nu), to increase with the frequency, up to a maximum level at ~ 800 Hz,
beyond which it appears to decrease, at frequencies where the QPO weakens.
There is a more complex relationship between tau and the QPO root mean squared
amplitude (RMS), in which positive and negative correlations can be found. A
higher-frequency QPO, revealed by correcting for the frequency drift of the
560-890 Hz one, has a much lower Q (~10) which does not follow the same
pattern. We discuss these results in the framework of competing QPO models and
show that those involving clumps orbiting within or above the accretion disk
are ruled out.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 8 pages, 6 figures, 3 Table
ON NON-RIEMANNIAN PARALLEL TRANSPORT IN REGGE CALCULUS
We discuss the possibility of incorporating non-Riemannian parallel transport
into Regge calculus. It is shown that every Regge lattice is locally equivalent
to a space of constant curvature. Therefore well known-concepts of differential
geometry imply the definition of an arbitrary linear affine connection on a
Regge lattice.Comment: 12 pages, Plain-TEX, two figures (available from the author
On the causal Barrett--Crane model: measure, coupling constant, Wick rotation, symmetries and observables
We discuss various features and details of two versions of the Barrett-Crane
spin foam model of quantum gravity, first of the Spin(4)-symmetric Riemannian
model and second of the SL(2,C)-symmetric Lorentzian version in which all
tetrahedra are space-like. Recently, Livine and Oriti proposed to introduce a
causal structure into the Lorentzian Barrett--Crane model from which one can
construct a path integral that corresponds to the causal (Feynman) propagator.
We show how to obtain convergent integrals for the 10j-symbols and how a
dimensionless constant can be introduced into the model. We propose a `Wick
rotation' which turns the rapidly oscillating complex amplitudes of the Feynman
path integral into positive real and bounded weights. This construction does
not yet have the status of a theorem, but it can be used as an alternative
definition of the propagator and makes the causal model accessible by standard
numerical simulation algorithms. In addition, we identify the local symmetries
of the models and show how their four-simplex amplitudes can be re-expressed in
terms of the ordinary relativistic 10j-symbols. Finally, motivated by possible
numerical simulations, we express the matrix elements that are defined by the
model, in terms of the continuous connection variables and determine the most
general observable in the connection picture. Everything is done on a fixed
two-complex.Comment: 22 pages, LaTeX 2e, 1 figur
HEALTHY COMMAND ENVIRONMENTS: DEFINITIONS, RISK FACTORS, AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
This project aims to identify protective and risk factors that contribute to a healthy command environment and the effects of those factors on Sailor behavior. To examine which factors were most impactful for building a healthy command environment, we developed and asked our participants a series of Likert scale questions and open-ended questions. Using their answers, we analyzed any perceived effects upon Sailor behavior. We compared responses from sea vs. shore command experiences as well as responses from different communities within the Navy. Our research shows which command practices, policies, procedures, and processes (P4) contributed to healthier environments. Our research shows that trust, leadership, and communication significantly influence a command’s environment. Our findings indicate that these themes can manifest through a variety of programs, policies, practices, and procedures. As a result, we recommend expanding the current leadership curriculum to include organizational behavior to improve implementation of the P4 throughout the military. We also recommend expanding the data collection effort throughout the Navy to gain a more complete understanding of healthy environments in the fleet and to enhance readiness, foster healthier Sailor behaviors, and encourage higher retention.N17Lieutenant, United States NavyCaptain, United States Marine CorpsLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited
A Soft X-Ray Spectral Episode for the Clocked Burster, GS 1826-24 as Measured by Swift and NuSTAR
We report on NuSTAR and Swift observations of a soft state of the neutron
star low-mass X-ray binary GS 1826-24, commonly known as the "clocked" burster.
The transition to the soft state was recorded in 2014 June through an increase
of the 2-20 keV source intensity measured by MAXI, simultaneous with a decrease
of the 15-50 keV intensity measured by Swift/BAT. The episode lasted
approximately two months, after which the source returned to its usual hard
state. We analyze the broad-band spectrum measured by Swift/XRT and NuSTAR, and
estimate the accretion rate during the soft episode to be about 13% of
Eddington, within the range of previous observations. However, the best fit
spectral model, adopting the double Comptonization used previously, exhibits
significantly softer components. We detect seven type-I X-ray bursts, all
significantly weaker (and with shorter rise and decay times) than observed
previously. The burst profiles and recurrence times vary significantly, ruling
out the regular bursts that are typical for this source. One burst exhibited
photospheric radius expansion, and we estimate the source distance at about
(5.7 / xi_b^1/2) kpc, where xi_b parameterizes the possible anisotropy of the
burst emission. Interpreting the soft state as a transition from an optically
thin inner flow to an optically thick flow passing through a boundary layer, as
is commonly observed in similar systems, is contradicted by the lower optical
depth measured for the double Comptonization model we find for this soft state.
The effect of a change in disk geometry on the burst behavior remains unclear.Comment: 40 pages (single-column, doubled spaced format), 9 figures, 3 tables;
submitted to Ap
An ADM 3+1 formulation for Smooth Lattice General Relativity
A new hybrid scheme for numerical relativity will be presented. The scheme
will employ a 3-dimensional spacelike lattice to record the 3-metric while
using the standard 3+1 ADM equations to evolve the lattice. Each time step will
involve three basic steps. First, the coordinate quantities such as the Riemann
and extrinsic curvatures are extracted from the lattice. Second, the 3+1 ADM
equations are used to evolve the coordinate data, and finally, the coordinate
data is used to update the scalar data on the lattice (such as the leg
lengths). The scheme will be presented only for the case of vacuum spacetime
though there is no reason why it could not be extended to non-vacuum
spacetimes. The scheme allows any choice for the lapse function and shift
vectors. An example for the Kasner cosmology will be presented and it
will be shown that the method has, for this simple example, zero discretisation
error.Comment: 18 pages, plain TeX, 5 epsf figues, gzipped ps file also available at
http://newton.maths.monash.edu.au:8000/preprints/3+1-slgr.ps.g
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