Impact linear polarization observed in a UV chromospheric line during a solar flare

Linear polarization was observed in the S I 1437Å line in bright flaring points during the soft X-ray emission. The degree of polarization is about 25% and is detected at a signal to noise ratio of 2.9. The polarized electric vector is directed towards disk center to within 3°.This polarization could be due to collisional excitationm of S I by energetic electrons beamed in the vertical direction. We suggest that the heat flux in the region interconnecting the transition zone to the high chromosphere during the gradual phase of a flare could lead to an anisotropic excitation. Then the observed polarization would be due to vertical motions of the transition zone sweeping the preexisting chromosphere.     

Dissipation of temperature perturbations in the middle atmosphere

It is often observed that the stratospheric and mesospheric temperature structure undergoes transient disturbances from its averaged steady-state behavior. The causes may be traceable to gravity waves, planetary waves, solar proton and relativistic electron precipitation, etc. We examine the theoretical time behavior of the atmospheric temperature following the cessation of such heating phenomena as it relaxes toward its quiescent steady-state value. We also study the time-dependent response during a model stratospheric-warming/mesospheric-cooling event. In particular, we investigate the roles of eddy heat conduction, non-LTE cooling in the 15μm CO₂ band, and an ambient vertical wind, and their relative importance as they depend upon altitude and time, in modifying temperature changes in this region.     

Causes of aircraft electrical failures

The results of a survey of data on failures of aircraft electronic and electrical components that was conducted to identify problematic components are reported. The motivation for the work was to determine priorities for future work on the development of accident investigation techniques for aircraft electrical components. The primary source of data was the Airforce Mishap Database, which is maintained by the Directorate of Aerospace Safety at Norton Air Force Base. Published data from the Air Force Avionics Integrity Program (AVIP) and Hughes Aircraft were also reviewed. Statistical data from these three sources are presented. Two major conclusions are that problems with interconnections are major contributors to aircraft electrical equipment failures, and that environmental factors, especially corrosion, are significant contributors to connector problems     

Potential defense applications of expert systems

The authors provide an overview of expert systems and how they may effect the development of future defense applications. Military uses of computers are outlined, and expert-systems fundamentals are described. Artificial research and development efforts by the military are examined, and potential military applications are discussed. Expert systems efforts at NASA, by the US Air Force, and for the Strategic Defence Initiative are considered     

ESA microgravity payloads for the 1990s

Analysis of flight opportunities of existing and new microgravity multi-user facilities on Eureca and Spacelab and design studies of new experimental facilities for Columbus are presently in progress.

The materials and fluid sciences research community is likely to be a major user of the permanently manned Space Station/Columbus elements such as the European Attached Pressurised Module (APM) and the Man-Tended Free Flyer (MTFF).

In metallurgy, crystal growth and bioengineering initial research will be performed in the manned laboratory, whereas later on the processing will be automated and executed on unmanned platforms.

At present ESA prepares - in close cooperation with the scientific community - the hardware development of microgravity experimental facilities/laboratories for all Columbus elements through design studies. Preliminary studies which have been carried out to date are the following : Crystallisation Laboratory, Fluid Sciences Laboratory, Containerless Processing Laboratory, Thermophysical Properties Measurement Facility, Metallurgy Laboratory.

In 1998 it is planned to deepen these studies covering laboratories for the APM and for the MTFF. Details on flight opportunities in the pre-Columbus period will also be provided.     

International trends in Stirling engine technology development:ISEC 1982-8

A brief survey is presented of trends in work reported at four International Stirling Engine Conferences held during the 1980s. The discussion covers international participation, publication sources and types, engine types, specialized engines, sponsoring institutions and observed trends     

Ferri project: technologies to support advanced transportationsystems

The authors present the plan under discussion in Italy between the government entities and Aeritalia, the leading Italian aerospace company, for the technology development needed to support advanced transportation systems. The plan centers around the following areas: thermal protection and control; advanced structures and materials; guidance, navigation, and control; and tests and computation methods. Experimental activities needed to support the development of such systems and the difficulties involved are examined     

Microorganisms and biomolecules in space environment experiment ES 029 on Spacelab-1.

Bacterial spores are proper test organisms for studying problems of space biology and exobiology. During the Spacelab 1 mission, studies on the limiting factors for survival of Bacillus subtilis spores in free space have been performed. An exposure tray on the pallet of Spacelab 1 accomodated 316 samples of dry spores for treatment with space vacuum and/or the following selected wavelengths of solar UV: > 170 nm, 220 nm, 240nm, 260nm and 280 nm. After recovery, inactivation, mutation induction, reparability, and photochemical damages in DNA and protein have been studied. The results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of increased UV sensitivity of bacterial spores in vacuo and to a better assessment of the chance of survival of resistant forms in space and of interplanetary transfer of life.     

Marangoni convection in a liquid layer under the simultaneous action of a transverse magnetic field and rotation

Asymptotic stability characteristics with respect to the onset of Marangoni convection in a liquid layer under the simultaneous action of a large transverse magnetic field and a large rate of rotation are investigated. In certain parameter ranges there is a decrease in critical Marangoni number for increasing magnetic field and rotation depending on the coupling between interfacial perturbations and rotation.     

IR-spectroscopy of ionosphere from stratospheric balloons

The radiation spectra of the ionosphere in the 4–5 μm region have been determined from stratospheric balloons by means of the specially elaborated method of the registration of angular and spectral distribution of the radiation. The radiation bands of 4.4 μm and 4.8 μm which have 0.1–0.2 erg cm^?2 sr^?1s^?1. brightness obtained in two flights, are identified with the vibration-rotation transitions of the ion NO⁺ (0 - 1) and the molecules N¹⁴N¹⁵ (0 - 1) and CO (0 - 1) and (3 - 2) from altitudes between 120 and 500 km.