Lutz-Kelker bias in pulsar parallax measurements

Lutz & Kelker showed that parallax measurements are systematically overestimated because they do not properly account for the larger volume of space that is sampled at smaller parallax values. We apply their analysis to neutron stars, incorporating the bias introduced by the intrinsic radio luminosity function and a realistic Galactic population model for neutron stars. We estimate the bias for all published neutron star parallax measurements and find that measurements with less than ~95% certainty, are likely to be significantly biased. Through inspection of historic parallax measurements, we confirm the described effects in optical and radio measurements, as well as in distance estimates based on interstellar dispersion measures. The potential impact on future tests of relativistic gravity through pulsar timing and on X-ray--based estimates of neutron star radii is briefly discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 3 tables, 1 figure. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Fatigue of notched fiber composite laminates. Part 2: Analytical and experimental evaluation

The analytical/experimental correlation study was performed to develop an understanding of the behavior of notched Boron/epoxy laminates subjected to tension/tension fatigue loading. It is postulated that the fatigue induced property changes (stiffness as well as strength) of the laminate can be obtained from the lamina fatigue properties. To that end, the Boron/epoxy lamina static and fatigue data (lifetime, residual stiffness and strength) were obtained initially. The longitudinal and transverse tension data were determined from the (0) and (90) laminate tests while the in-plane shear data were obtained from the (+ or - 45) sub s laminates. The static tests obtained the notched strength and mode of failure while the fatigue tests determined lifetime, damage propagation and residual strength. The failure in static tension occurred in a transverse crack propagation mode

Neutrino-Nucleus Cross Section Measurements using Stopped Pions and Low Energy Beta Beams

Two new facilities have recently been proposed to measure low energy neutrino-nucleus cross sections, the nu-SNS (Spallation Neutron Source) and low energy beta beams. The former produces neutrinos by pion decay at rest, while the latter produces neutrinos from the beta decays of accelerated ions. One of the uses of neutrino-nucleus cross section measurements is for supernova studies, where typical neutrino energies are 10s of MeV. In this energy range there are many different components to the nuclear response and this makes the theoretical interpretation of the results of such an experiment complex. Although even one measurement on a heavy nucleus such as lead is much anticipated, more than one data set would be still better. We suggest that this can be done by breaking the electron spectrum down into the parts produced in coincidence with one or two neutrons, running a beta beam at more than one energy, comparing the spectra produced with pions and a beta beam or any combination of these.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Evidence in Virgo for the Universal Dark Matter Halo

A model is constructed for the mass and dynamics of M87 and the Virgo Cluster. Existing surface photometry of the galaxy, mass estimates from X-ray observations of the hot intracluster gas, and the velocity dispersions of early-type Virgo galaxies, all are used to constrain the run of dark matter density over radii to 2 Mpc in the cluster. The ``universal'' halo advocated by Navarro, Frenk, & White provides an excellent description of the combined data, as does a Hernquist profile. These models are favored over isothermal spheres, and their central structure is preferred to density cusps either much stronger or much weaker than r^{-1}. The galaxies and gas in the cluster trace its total mass distribution, the galaxies' velocity ellipsoid is close to isotropic, and the gas temperature follows the virial temperature profile of the dark halo. The virial radius and mass and the intracluster gas fraction of Virgo are evaluated.Comment: ApJ Letters in pres

The Evolution of PSR J0737-3039B and a Model for Relativistic Spin Precession

We present the evolution of the radio emission from the 2.8-s pulsar of the double pulsar system PSR J0737-3039A/B. We provide an update on the Burgay et al. (2005) analysis by describing the changes in the pulse profile and flux density over five years of observations, culminating in the B pulsar's radio disappearance in 2008 March. Over this time, the flux density decreases by 0.177 mJy/yr at the brightest orbital phases and the pulse profile evolves from a single to a double peak, with a separation rate of 2.6 deg/yr. The pulse profile changes are most likely caused by relativistic spin precession, but can not be easily explained with a circular hollow-cone beam as in the model of Clifton & Weisberg (2008). Relativistic spin precession, coupled with an elliptical beam, can model the pulse profile evolution well. This particular beam shape predicts geometrical parameters for the two bright orbital phases which are consistent and similar to those derived by Breton et al. (2008). However, the observed decrease in flux over time and B's eventual disappearance cannot be easily explained by the model and may be due to the changing influence of A on B.Comment: 20 pages, 18 figures, Accepted by ApJ on 2 August 201