The horizontal and vertical semi-diameters of the Sun observed at the Cape of Good Hope (1834 - 1887) and Paris (1837 - 1906): A report on work in progress

Cape and Paris meridian observations of the solar limbs which permit an estimate to be made of the solar semi-diameter were surveyed, sampled, and compared with Greenwich and U.S. Naval Observatory observations. Significant systematic errors were found in the Paris work and have been correlated with changes of instruments and observers. Results from the Cape series indicate that work should continue on the compilation of data from Cape observations of the Sun

Carrier transport coefficients across GaAs-GaAIAs (100) interfaces

We present calculations of reflection and transmission coefficients for electrons and holes at (100) interfaces for the GaAs–Ga_(1–x)Al_xAs system. We consider semi‐infinite crystals of the two semiconductors joined at an abrupt or compositionally graded interface. The calculations are performed using the empirical tight binding approximation. The transport coefficients were computed as a function of the components of the incident carrier wavevector normal and parallel to the interface. We have investigated the transport coefficients for incident states near various band minima into different final state channels. The transmission into states with qualitatively similar character to the incident state is found to be much greater than transmission into states of different character. For example, an electron near the X minimum normal to the interface in Ga_(1–xAl_xAs transmits into the X valley of GaAs with much greater probability than it transmits into the Γ minimum of GaAs. We have investigated the dependence of the transport coefficients on alloy composition. The effect of compositional grading of the interface on the transport coefficients has also been investigated

Transport characteristics of L-point and Г-point electrons through GaAs-Ga_(1-x)Ai_xAs-GaAs(111} double heterojunctions

We present here a study on the transport characteristics of L‐point and Γ‐point derived electrons through abrupt GaAs–Ga_(1−x)Al_xAs–GaAs(111) double heterojunctions. The use of complex‐k band structures in the tight‐binding approximation and transfer matrices provide a reasonably accurate description of the wave function at the GaAs–Ga_(1−x)Al_xAs interface. A representation of the wave function in terms of bulk complex‐k Bloch states is used in the GaAs regions where the potential is bulklike. A representation of the wave function in terms of planar orbitals is used in the central Ga_(1−x)Al_xAs region where the potential deviates from its bulk value (i.e., interfacial region). Within this theoretical framework, realistic band structure effects are taken into account and no artificial rules regarding the connection of the wave function across the interface are introduced. The ten‐band tight‐binding model includes admixture in the total wave function of states derived from different extrema of the GaAs conduction band. States derived from the same extremum of the conduction band appear to couple strongly to each other, whereas states derived from different extrema are found to couple weakly. Transport characteristics of incoming L‐point and Γ‐point Bloch states are examined as a function of the energy of the incoming state, thickness of the Ga_(1−x)Al_xAs barrier, and alloy composition x. Transmission through the Ga_(1−x)Al_xAs barrier is either tunneling or propagating depending on the nature of the Bloch states available for strong coupling in the alloy. Since Bloch states derived from different extrema of the conduction band appear to couple weakly to each other, it seems possible to reflect the low velocity L‐point component of the current while transmitting the high velocity Γ‐point component

Evidence of a saturated gravity-wave spectrum throughout the atmosphere

The view adapted here is that the dominant mesoscale motions are due to internal gravity waves and show that previous and new vertical wave number spectra of horizontal winds are consistent with the notion of a saturation limit on wave amplitudes. It is also proposed that, at any height, only those vertical wave numbers m less than m sub asterisk are at saturation amplitudes, where m sub asterisk is the vertical wave number of the dominant energy-containing scale. Wave numbers m less than m sub asterisk are unsaturated, but experience growth with height due to the decrease of atmospheric density. The result is a saturated spectrum of gravity waves with both m sub asterisk decreasing and wave energy increasing with height. This saturation theory is consistent with a variety of atmospheric spectral observations and provides a basis for the notion of a universal spectrum of atmospheric gravity waves

CFD Mixing Analysis of Jets Injected from Straight and Slanted Slots into Confined Crossflow in Rectangular Ducts

A CFD study was performed to analyze the mixing potential of opposed rows of staggered jets injected into confined crossflow in a rectangular duct. Three jet configurations were numerically tested: (1) straight (0 deg) slots; (2) perpendicular slanted (45 deg) slots angled in opposite directions on top and bottom walls; and (3) parallel slanted (45 deg) slots angled in the same direction on top and bottom walls. All three configurations were tested at slot spacing-to-duct height ratios (S/H) of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0; a jet-to-mainstream momentum flux ratio (J) of 100; and a jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio of 0.383. Each configuration had its best mixing performance at S/H of 0.75. Asymmetric flow patterns were expected and predicted for all slanted slot configurations. The parallel slanted slot configuration was the best overall configuration at x/H of 1.0 for S/H of 0.75

RL10A-3-3B high mixture ratio qualification program

The results of the high mixture ratio qualification testing of the RL10 engine for the Shuttle/Centaur program are presented. The objective of the engine qualification test was to demonstrate the suitability of the RL10A-3-3B engine for space vehicle flight by subjecting it to the testing specified in RL10A-3-3B Model Specification Number 2295 dated February 1986. The applicable section of the specification is presented. Due to payload volume advantages which can be achieved by increasing the operating mixture ratio of the RL10, a decision was made to qualify the engine to run at a higher mixture ratio. A program was created to qualify the RL10 engine for operation at 15,000 pounds thrust and a nominal 6.0 to 1 mixture ratio. This model of the engine was designated the RL10A-3-3B. The qualification program included three test series as follows: (1) hardware durability and limits test in which the engine completed 23 firings and 4605.7 seconds with 1588.7 seconds at less than 6.6 mixture ratio; (2) preliminary qualification test in which the engine completed 26 firings and 5750 seconds; and (3) qualification test in which the engine completed 26 hot firings and 5693.4 seconds with 905.9 seconds at 6.7 mixture ratio. Several changes in engine hardware were required for operation of the RL10A-3-3B engine in the Space Shuttle which include a duel pressure switch ignition, an oxidizer flow control, and helium plumbing changes

Preliminary design study of advanced multistage axial flow core compressors

A preliminary design study was conducted to identify an advanced core compressor for use in new high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines to be introduced into commercial service in the 1980's. An evaluation of anticipated compressor and related component 1985 state-of-the-art technology was conducted. A parametric screening study covering a large number of compressor designs was conducted to determine the influence of the major compressor design features on efficiency, weight, cost, blade life, aircraft direct operating cost, and fuel usage. The trends observed in the parametric screening study were used to develop three high-efficiency, high-economic-payoff compressor designs. These three compressors were studied in greater detail to better evaluate their aerodynamic and mechanical feasibility

Responses of a bacterial pathogen to phosphorus limitation of its aquatic invertebrate host

Host nutrition is thought to affect the establishment, persistence, and severity of pathogenic infections. Nutrient-deficient foods possibly benefit pathogens by constraining host immune function or benefit hosts by limiting parasite growth and reproduction. However, the effects of poor elemental food quality on a host's susceptibility to infection and disease have received little study. Here we show that the bacterial microparasite Pasteuria ramosa is affected by the elemental nutrition of its aquatic invertebrate host, Daphnia magna. We found that high food carbon : phosphorus (C: P) ratios significantly reduced infection rates of Pasteuria in Daphnia and led to lower within-host pathogen multiplication. In addition, greater virulent effects of bacterial infection on host reproduction were found in Daphnia-consuming P-deficient food. Poor Daphnia elemental nutrition thus reduced the growth and reproduction of its bacterial parasite, Pasteuria. The effects of poor host nutrition on the pathogen were further evidenced by Pasteuria's greater inhibition of reproduction in P-limited Daphnia. Our results provide strong evidence that elemental food quality can significantly influence the incidence and intensity of infectious disease in invertebrate hosts