Charge exchange lifetimes for ring current ions

In applying the charge exchange mechanism to ion phenomena within the Earth's magnetosphere it is critical to the proper interpretation of observations that the charge exchange lifetimes for the ions be known as accurately as possible. Various new results have been published which significantly modify the charge exchange lifetimes which have been used in space physics research during the past decade and a half. Some of the newer results have been used in the application of the charge exchange decay mechanism but the use has been limited and for the most part incomplete. The neutral hydrogen density distribution now yields lifetimes which are shorter than previously calculated, while the functional dependence of the lifetimes on pitch angle provides for slower decay for ions mirroring off the geomagnetic equator. This review coalesces and summarizes the latest and best measurements of the physical quantities involved in the complete calculation of the charge exchange lifetime of the mirroring magnetospheric ions.     

Responses of the upper middle atmosphere (60–110 km) to the stratwarms of the four pre-map winters (1978/9–1981/2)

The global developments of the four stratospheric events (～20–50 km) are described, using balloon, satellite and rocket data. Winds data for heights of 60–95 km, derived from L.F. drift (52°N, 15°E; Europe) and M.F. radar (52°N, 107°W; Canada), are then compared with the stratospheric data. There is clear evidence that the preliminary planetary waves often penetrate strongly to ～90 km, and that mean wind reversals also occur. However, there are dramatic differences between European and Canadian mesospheric responses.     

Transient processes and stability in an LC chopper

The analysis of the transient and steady-state processes in LC choppers is presented. The method, used previously for the analysis of processes in grid-connected and self-commutated converters, is adjusted for analysis of LC chopper's processes. The difference equations describing these processes, are obtained and solved. The analytical solution of the problem and the conditions of the transient, steady-state, and stability existence in the chopper are found. Theoretical and experimental results are compared and satisfactory agreement is obtained     

Conopulse Radar Angle Tracking Accuracy

An analysis is given of the tracking accuracy of a conopulse radar that angle-tracks on target echo pulses. The analysis includes effects of noises in both sum and difference channels, the effect of the tracking range gate's duration, and applies to any shape of radio frequency (RF) pulse envelope. For large single-pulse signalto-noise ratio and any shape of RF pulse envelope, accuracy approaches the theoretical accuracy of a conopulse system when a short-duration range gate is used. The inportant case of rectangular RF pulses is solved in detail.     

Vegetation and the atmospheric cycling of mercury

Beyond their role in the cycling of the major elements, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, etc., little is known about geobiological interactions involving plants with the elements of lower abundance. Plants influence the distribution of volcanic mercury by uptake from the atmosphere and soil fluids, transport to the shoot and re-release as Hg° into the atmosphere. Release rates as high as 2.5 × 10^?4 g.h^?1 per kg are known but even at more typical rates, fluxes far greater than the Environmental Protection Agency calculated U.S. average annual degassing rate of 130 × 10^?6 g.m^?2 should exist. On a global basis, the presence or absence of vegetative cover may be a significant regulator of Hg° transport between land surfaces and the atmosphere.     

Simulation of Permanent Magnet Generator/Rectifier Combination

Permanent magnet generators are often used as the pilot exciters of three-stage generating units to provide an efficient and reliable source of electrical power. No external power supply is then necessary, and the problems associated with brushwear and with arcing at the rubbing contacts are eliminated. A technique is presented here by which the performance of a permanent magnet generator, when combined with a rectifier-fed d.c. load at its output terminals, may be accurately and efficiently computed. The machine model takes into account the magnetization characteristic of the permanent magnet rotor and involves only parameters which can be determined from terminal measurements on the machine at standstill. Both computed and measured characteristics for an experimental machine are presented, and a comparison of these characteristics shows that the model can predict accurately all the major characteristics of the machine, as well as its detailed internal performance, when supplying a typical resistiveinductive load.     

The August 1972 solar-terrestrial events: Interplanetary magnetic field observations

A review is presented of the interplanetary magnetic field observations acquired in early August 1972 when four solar flares erupted in McMath Plage region 11976. Measurements of the interplanetary field were obtained by Earth satellites, HEOS-2 and Explorer 41, and by Pioneers 9 and 10 which, by good fortune, were radially aligned and only 45° east of the Earth-Sun direction. In response to the four flares, four interplanetary shocks were seen at Earth and at Pioneer 9, which was then at a heliocentric distance of 0.78 AU. However, at Pioneer 10, which was 2.2 AU from the Sun, only two forward shocks and one reverse shock were seen. The available magnetic field data acquired in the vicinity of the shocks are presented. Efforts to identify corresponding shocks at the several locations and to deduce their velocities of propagation between 0.8 and 2.2 AU are reviewed. The early studies were based on average velocities between the Sun and Pioneer 9, the Sun and Earth and the Sun and Pioneer 10. A large deceleration of the shocks between the Sun and 0.8 AU as well as between 0.8 and 2.2 AU was inferred. More recently the local velocities of the shocks at Pioneers 9 and 10 have become available. A comparison of these velocities shows little, if any, deceleration between 0.8 and 2.2 AU and implies that most or all of the deceleration actually occurred nearer the Sun. Evidence is also presented that shows a significant departure of the flare-generated shock fronts from spherical symmetry.     

Cylindrical heterogeneous detonation waves

Further experimental studies of blast wave initiated cylindrical heterogeneous (liquid fuel drops, gas oxidizer) detonation waves are described. A pie-shaped shock tube, used for these studies, was altered in certain ways so as to improve the modeling of cylindrical waves. These modifications, along with some operational aspects, are briefly discussed. The breech of the facility, where the blast wave is generated by an explosive, became distorted with usage. Results are presented which show that lower detonation velocities are realized with the damaged breech (other conditions being the same). A photographic and pressure switch wave time of arrival study was made to ascertain the wave shape. Photographs are shown which show that the waves, blast as well as detonation, are close to cylindrical. However, in some cases there is appreciable distortion of the wave front by debris ahead of the wave. Presumably this debris comes from the blasting cap used to ignite the condensed explosive. A series of experiments was conducted using kerosene drops of 388 μm diameter dispersed in air through use of a large number of hypodermic needles. Radial fuel void regions were established by cutting off the fuel flow to a number of needles. Preliminary results relating to the effect of the size of the cloud gap on detonation velocity, quenching, and the initiator energy levels required for detonation are discussed.     

Some aspects of the early evolution of photosynthesis.

The early evolution of a photocatalytic system of the porphyrin type, able to efficiently collect and utilize solar energy for primary electron transfer is discussed. Experimental results concerning some spectral and photochemical properties of the porphyrins, biosynthetic precursors of chlorophyll and their complexes with polymeric templates are reviewed. Protoporphyrin IX associated with pigmented proteinoid is demonstrated to be a favourable candidate for a role of a photosensitizer of the first photosynthetic reaction centers. The origin and early evolution of the photosynthetic electron transfer chain and of the phosphorylating mechanism are discussed with emphasis on the energetic mechanisms of archaebacteria.