2,748 research outputs found
Neutral atomic carbon in the globules of the Helix
We report detection of the 609u line of neutral atomic carbon in globules of
the Helix nebula. The measurements were made towards the position of peak CO
emission. At the same position, we obtained high-quality CO(2-1) and 13CO(2-1)
spectra and a 135" x 135" map in CO(2-1). The velocity distribution of CI shows
six narrow (1 -> 2 km/sec) components which are associated with individual
globules traced in CO. The CI column densities are 0.5 -> 1.2 x 10^16/cm^2. CI
is found to be a factor of ~6 more abundant than CO. Our estimate for the mass
of the neutral envelope is an order of magnitude larger than previous
estimates. The large abundance of CI in the Helix can be understood as a result
of the gradual photoionisation of the molecular envelope by the central star's
radiation field.Comment: 5 pages, Latex, AAS macros, 3 EPS figures, to appear in Astrophysical
Journal Letter
Filaments as Possible Signatures of Magnetic Field Structure in Planetary Nebulae
We draw attention to the extreme filamentary structures seen in
high-resolution optical images of certain planetary nebulae. We determine the
physical properties of the filaments in the nebulae IC 418, NGC 3132, and NGC
6537, and based on their large length-to-width ratios, longitudinal coherence,
and morphology, we suggest that they may be signatures of the underlying
magnetic field. The fields needed for the coherence of the filaments are
probably consistent with those measured in the precursor circumstellar
envelopes. The filaments suggest that magnetic fields in planetary nebulae may
have a localized and thread-like geometry.Comment: 26 pages with 7 figures. To be published in PASP. For full resolution
images see http://physics.nyu.edu/~pjh
A CO Survey of Young Planetary Nebulae
We report the results of a sensitive survey of young planetary nebulae in the
CO J=2-1 line that significantly increases the available data on warm, dense,
molecular gas in the early phases of planetary nebula formation. The
observations were made using the IRAM 30 m telescope with the 3 by 3 pixel
Heterodyne Receiver Array (HERA). The array provides an effective means of
discriminating the CO emission of planetary nebulae in the galactic plane from
contaminating emission of interstellar clouds along the line of sight. 110
planetary nebulae were observed in the survey and 40 were detected. The results
increase the number of young planetary nebulae with known CO emission by
approximately a factor of two. The CO spectra yield radial velocities for the
detected nebulae, about half of which have uncertain or no velocity
measurements at optical wavelengths. The CO profiles range from parabolic to
double-peaked, tracing the evolution of structure in the molecular gas. The
line widths are significantly larger than on the Asymptotic Giant Branch, and
many of the lines show extended wings, which probably result from the effects
on the envelopes of high velocity jets.Comment: 29 pages, 2 figures (with multiple panels), to be published in
Astrophysical Journal Supplement Serie
A model of large volumetric capacitance in graphene supercapacitors based on ion clustering
Electric double layer supercapacitors are promising devices for high-power
energy storage based on the reversible absorption of ions into porous,
conducting electrodes. Graphene is a particularly good candidate for the
electrode material in supercapacitors due to its high conductivity and large
surface area. In this paper we consider supercapacitor electrodes made from a
stack of graphene sheets with randomly-inserted "spacer" molecules. We show
that the large volumetric capacitances C > 100 F/cm^3 observed experimentally
can be understood as a result of collective intercalation of ions into the
graphene stack and the accompanying nonlinear screening by graphene electrons
that renormalizes the charge of the ion clusters.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures; additional discussion and supporting
calculations adde
Redox reactions with empirical potentials: Atomistic battery discharge simulations
Batteries are pivotal components in overcoming some of today's greatest
technological challenges. Yet to date there is no self-consistent atomistic
description of a complete battery. We take first steps toward modeling of a
battery as a whole microscopically. Our focus lies on phenomena occurring at
the electrode-electrolyte interface which are not easily studied with other
methods. We use the redox split-charge equilibration (redoxSQE) method that
assigns a discrete ionization state to each atom. Along with exchanging partial
charges across bonds, atoms can swap integer charges. With redoxSQE we study
the discharge behavior of a nano-battery, and demonstrate that this reproduces
the generic properties of a macroscopic battery qualitatively. Examples are the
dependence of the battery's capacity on temperature and discharge rate, as well
as performance degradation upon recharge.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figure
An automatic data system for vibration modal tuning and evaluation
A digitally based automatic modal tuning and analysis system developed to provide an operational capability beginning at 0.1 hertz is described. The elements of the system, which provides unique control features, maximum operator visibility, and rapid data reduction and documentation, are briefly described; and the operational flow is discussed to illustrate the full range of capabilities and the flexibility of application. The successful application of the system to a modal survey of the Skylab payload is described. Information about the Skylab test article, coincident-quadrature analysis of modal response data, orthogonality, and damping calculations is included in the appendixes. Recommendations for future application of the system are also made
Algal culture studies related to a Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)
In many respects, algae would be the ideal plant component for a biologically based controlled life support system, since they are eminently suited to the closely coupled functions of atmosphere regeneration and food production. Scenedesmus obliquus and Spirulina platensis were grown in three continuous culture apparatuses. Culture vessels their operation and relative merits are described. Both light and nitrogen utilization efficiency are examined. Long term culture issues are detailed and a discussion of a plasmid search in Spirulina is included
Risk Analysis of Organic Cropping Systems in Minnesota
When all strategies received conventional market prices, 4-year cropping sequences had greater net returns than 2-year sequences, and the organic input, 4-year strategy had the highest net return. Adding 50% of the estimated organic premium, the 4-year, organic strategy dominated all low- and high-purchased input strategies.Crop Production/Industries, Risk and Uncertainty,
Universities, knowledge networks and regional policy
As knowledge becomes an increasingly important part of regional innovation and development processes, the role of universities has come to the fore of regional innovation and economic development policy The objective of this paper is to critically review and assess the structure and function of knowledge networks and modes of engagement between universities and the business community in regional settings and contexts. It is argued that while regional knowledge networks and modes of engagement between universities and the business community are becoming increasingly prevalent, it is often difficult to ascribe investments in knowledge-based infrastructure to improved regional competitiveness. It is concluded that in a globalised knowledge environment the engagement between universities and regional business communities must be based on a mutual understanding of the role of both network and market-based knowledge interactions
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