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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Adiabatic Non-resonant Acceleration in Magnetic Turbulence and Hard Spectra of Gamma-Ray Bursts

We introduce a non-resonant acceleration mechanism arising from the second adiabatic invariant in magnetic turbulence and apply it to study the prompt emission spectra of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The mechanism contains both the first- and second-order Fermi acceleration, originating from the interacting turbulent reconnection and dynamo processes. It leads to a hard electron energy distribution up to a cutoff energy at the balance between the acceleration and synchrotron cooling. The sufficient acceleration rate ensures a rapid hardening of any initial energy distribution to a power-law distribution with the index p∼1, which naturally produces a low-energy photon index α∼−1 via the synchrotron radiation. For typical GRB parameters, the synchrotron emission can extend to a characteristic photon energy on the order of ∼100 keV.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

The mechanisms of electron heating and acceleration during magnetic reconnection

The heating of electrons in collisionless magnetic reconnection is explored in particle-in-cell simulations with non-zero guide fields so that electrons remain magnetized. In this regime, electric fields parallel to B accelerate particles directly, while those perpendicular to B do so through gradient-B and curvature drifts. The curvature drift drives parallel heating through Fermi reflection, while the gradient B drift changes the perpendicular energy through betatron acceleration. We present simulations in which we evaluate each of these mechanisms in space and time in order to quantify their role in electron heating. For a case with a small guide field (20% of the magnitude of the reconnecting component), the curvature drift is the dominant source of electron heating. However, for a larger guide field (equal to the magnitude of the reconnecting component) electron acceleration by the curvature drift is comparable to that of the parallel electric field. In both cases, the heating by the gradient B drift is negligible in magnitude. It produces net cooling because the conservation of the magnetic moment and the drop of B during reconnection produce a decrease in the perpendicular electron energy. Heating by the curvature drift dominates in the outflow exhausts where bent field lines expand to relax their tension and is therefore distributed over a large area. In contrast, the parallel electric field is localized near X-lines. This suggests that acceleration by parallel electric fields may play a smaller role in large systems where the X-line occupies a vanishing fraction of the system. The curvature drift and the parallel electric field dominate the dynamics and drive parallel heating. A consequence is that the electron energy spectrum becomes extremely anisotropic at late time, which has important implications for quantifying the limits of electron acceleration due to synchrotron emission. An upper limit on electron energy gain that is substantially higher than earlier estimates is obtained by balancing reconnection drive with radiative loss.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elliptic Aperture CCT Coils for HTS Dipole Magnets

High-temperature REBa$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7-x}$ (REBCO) superconductors are a route to increase the field of accelerator magnets beyond the 15-16T practical limit of Nb$_{3}$Sn. REBCO cabled in a CORC geometry is a promising fit for this application, enabling the design of low inductance magnets with conductor transposition. However, the use of CORC in coils with the tight conductor bending radii typical of accelerator magnets remains a key challenge, with on-going research both on the conductor development and coil design fronts seeking to address this issue. Here, in this work we explore the tradeoffs between circular and elliptic aperture canted-cosine-theta (CCT) coils when the conductor minimum bending radius is a key consideration, concluding that aperture ellipticity is an important free parameter in the optimization of magnetically efficient CORC dipole magnets. In particular, we show that elliptic bore designs enable a regime of smaller aperture HTS coils, an important result for LTS-HTS hybrid magnets and more generally for accelerator applications benefiting from non-circular magnet apertures. To this end we present an elliptic aperture dipole design optimized for hybrid testing within the US Magnet Development Program (US-MDP) and share 77 K test results of a prototype coil which provides first experimental confirmation of the advantages.

Brouwer, L. [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2015

PARTICLE ACCELERATION AND MAGNETIC FIELD AMPLIFICATION IN THE JETS OF 4C74.26

We model the multi-wavelength emission in the southern hotspot of the radio quasar 4C74.26. The synchrotron radio emission is resolved near the shock with the MERLIN radio-interferometer, and the rapid decay of this emission behind the shock is interpreted as the decay of the amplified downstream magnetic field as expected for small scale turbulence. Electrons are accelerated to only 0.3 TeV, consistent with a diffusion coefficient many orders of magnitude greater than in the Bohm regime. If the same diffusion coefficient applies to the protons, their maximum energy is only ∼100 TeV.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Accelerator Technology Magnets

The Snowmass community exercise started in April 2020 to identify and document a scientific vision for the future of particle physics in the US and international partners. The AF7-Magnets working group was charged to a) address the potential contributions of magnet technology to future HEP facilities, b) evaluate the R&D required to enable these opportunities, c) estimate the time and cost scales of these efforts, and d) assess the needs for associated fabrication infrastructure and test facilities. This report addresses the working group charge, summarizes the status of accelerator and detector magnet technologies, and discuss ideas and plans to push this key area of the US and international HEP to new horizons.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Dipole Magnets Above 20 Tesla: Research Needs for a Path via High-Temperature Superconducting REBCO Conductors

To enable the physics research that continues to deepen our understanding of the Universe, future circular colliders will require a critical and unique instrument—magnets that can generate a dipole field of 20 T and above. However, today’s maturing magnet technology for low-temperature superconductors (Nb-Ti and Nb 3 Sn) can lead to a maximum dipole field of around 16 T. High-temperature superconductors such as REBCO can, in principle, generate higher dipole fields but significant challenges exist for both conductor and magnet technology. To address these challenges, several critical research needs, including direct needs on instrumentation and measurements, are identified to push for the maximum dipole fields a REBCO accelerator magnet can generate. We discuss the research needs by reviewing the current results and outlining the perspectives for future technology development, followed by a brief update on the status of the technology development at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. We present a roadmap for the next decade to develop 20 T-class REBCO accelerator magnets as an enabling instrument for future energy-frontier accelerator complex.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nonthermal electron and ion acceleration by magnetic reconnection in large laser-driven plasmas

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental plasma process that is thought to play a key role in the production of nonthermal particles associated with explosive phenomena in space physics and astrophysics. Experiments at high-energy-density facilities are starting to probe the microphysics of reconnection at high Lundquist numbers and large system sizes. We have performed particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations to explore particle acceleration for parameters relevant to laser-driven reconnection experiments. We study particle acceleration in large system sizes that may be produced soon with the most energetic laser drivers available, such as at the National Ignition Facility. In these conditions, we show the possibility of reaching the multi-plasmoid regime, where plasmoid acceleration becomes dominant. Our results show the transition from X point to plasmoid-dominated acceleration associated with the merging and contraction of plasmoids that further extend the maximum energy of the power-law tail of the particle distribution for electrons. We also find for the first time a system-size-dependent emergence of nonthermal ion acceleration in driven reconnection, where the magnetization of ions at sufficiently large sizes allows them to be contained by the magnetic field and energized by direct X point acceleration. For feasible experimental conditions, electrons and ions can attain energies of ϵ max , e / k B T e > 100 and ϵ max , i / k B T i > 1000 . Using PIC simulations with binary Monte Carlo Coulomb collisions, we study the impact of collisionality on plasmoid formation and particle acceleration. The implications of these results for understanding the role reconnection plays in accelerating particles in space physics and astrophysics are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

WHAT GOVERNS THE BULK VELOCITY OF THE JET COMPONENTS IN ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI?

We use a sample of radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with measured black hole masses to explore the jet formation mechanisms in these sources. Based on Koenigl's inhomogeneous jet model, the jet parameters, such as the bulk motion Lorentz factor, magnetic field strength, and electron density in the jet, can be estimated with the very long baseline interferometry and X-ray data.. We find a significant correlation between black hole mass and the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet components for this sample, while no significant correlation is present between the bulk Lorentz factor and the Eddington ratio. The massive black holes will be spun up through accretion, as the black holes acquire mass and angular momentum simultaneously through accretion. Recent investigation indeed suggested that most supermassive black holes in elliptical galaxies have on average higher spins than the black holes in spiral galaxies, where random, small accretion episodes (e.g., tidally disrupted stars, accretion of molecular clouds) might have played a more important role. If this is true, then the correlation between black hole mass and the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet components found in this work implies that the motion velocity of the jet components is probably governed by the black hole spin. No correlation is found between the magnetic field strength at 10R {sub S} (R {sub S} = 2GM/c {sup 2} is the Schwarzschild radius) in the jets and the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet components for this sample. This is consistent with the black hole spin scenario, i.e., the faster moving jets are magnetically accelerated by the magnetic fields threading the horizon of more rapidly rotating black holes. The results imply that the Blandford-Znajek mechanism may dominate over the Blandford-Payne mechanism for the jet acceleration, at least in these radio-loud AGNs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of a Small-Aperture Cos-theta Dipole Insert Coil Based on Bi2212 Rutherford Cable and Stress Management Structure

The U.S. Magnet Development Program (US-MDP) is developing high-field accelerator magnets with magnetic fields beyond the limits of Nb3Sn technology based on high temperature superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8-x (Bi2212). However, Bi2212 wires and cables are sensitive to transverse stresses and strains, which are substantial in high-field accelerator magnets. To prevent large degradation of the Bi2212 coils and achieve the required field quality, an innovative design which provides turn positioning during coil fabrication and operation and manage azimuthal and radial strains/stresses in the coil has been proposed at FNAL. This paper describes the development of a small-aperture two-layer Bi2212 dipole coil with stress management. The main parameters of the Bi2212 wire and Rutherford cable, the design of coil stress management structure and its plastic model, the coil mechanical analysis in the dipole mirror configuration are presented and discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elliptic multipoles and the modeling of narrow-gap bend magnets in accelerators

We highlight the virtues of 2D elliptic-multipole field expansions in modeling the magnetic fields of narrow-aperture, straight-axis bending magnets with parallel faces, addressing the limitations of the conventional circular multipole series when the beam-orbit sagitta exceeds the magnet's vertical half-gap. The elliptic multipoles provide a convenient way to represent the field in all aspects of the magnet development (design, particle-tracking simulations, measurements). We propose a numerically robust method of data analysis to determine the elliptic (or circular) multipoles from stretched-wire measurements with the wire moving on an arbitrary path.

Venturini, Marco↗
DOE OSTI2023

Particle Acceleration during Magnetic Reconnection in Solar Flares and Its Parameter Dependence [Slide]

We performed 3D hybrid simulations (particle ions and fluid electrons) of magnetic reconnection and we have achieved, for the first time, nonthermal acceleration of all ion species (up to Iron) into power-law energy spectra. The spectra have a scaling of maximum energy per nucleon as a function of species consistent with satellite observations by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fermi-type particle acceleration from magnetic reconnection at the termination shock of a relativistic striped wind

An oblique-rotating pulsar generates a relativistic striped wind in a pulsar wind nebula (PWN). The termination shock of the PWN compresses the Poynting-flux-dominated flow and drives magnetic reconnection. By carrying out particle-in-cell simulations of the termination shock of the PWN, we study the shock structure as well as the energy conversion processes and particle acceleration mechanisms. With the recent advances in the numerical methods, we extend the simulations to the ultrarelativistic regime with a bulk Lorentz factor of up to γ 0 = 10 6 . Magnetic reconnection at the termination shock is highly efficient at converting magnetic energy to particle kinetic energy and accelerating particles to high energies. Similar to earlier studies, we find that the resulting energy spectra crucially depend on λ/d e (λ is the wavelength of the striped wind and de is the relativistic plasma skin depth). When λ/d e is large (λ ≳ 40d e ), the downstream particle spectra form a power-law distribution in the magnetically dominated relativistic wind regime. By analyzing particle trajectories and statistical quantities relevant to particle energization, we find that Fermi-type mechanism dominates the particle acceleration and power-law formation. We find that the results for particle acceleration are scalable as γ 0 and σ 0 increase to large values. The maximum energy for electrons and positrons can reach hundreds of TeV if the wind has a bulk Lorentz factor of γ0 ≈ 106 and a magnetization parameter of σ 0 = 10, which can explain the recent observations of high-energy gamma rays from PWNe

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Preliminary analysis of space mission applications for electromagnetic launchers

The technical and economic feasibility of using electromagnetically launched EML payloads propelled from the Earth's surface to LEO, GEO, lunar orbit, or to interplanetary space was assessed. Analyses of the designs of rail accelerators and coaxial magnetic accelerators show that each is capable of launching to space payloads of 800 KG or more. A hybrid launcher in which EML is used for the first 2 KM/sec followed by chemical rocket stages was also tested. A cost estimates study shows that one to two EML launches per day are needed to break even, compared to a four-stage rocket. Development models are discussed for: (1) Earth orbital missions; (2) lunar base supply mission; (3) solar system escape mission; (4) Earth escape missions; (5) suborbital missions; (6) electromagnetic boost missions; and (7) space-based missions. Safety factors, environmental impacts, and EML systems analysis are discussed. Alternate systems examined include electrothermal thrustors, an EML rocket gun; an EML theta gun, and Soviet electromagnetic accelerators.

Miller, L. A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spectral Single and Double Power-law Formation by Sequential Particle Acceleration in Flare Magnetic Islands

Spectral single and double power laws are common in high-energy phenomena, such as solar flares and solar energetic particles, including ground level enhancement events. It is not clear what determines the energy breaks and spectral indexes of these power laws. Here, we will describe a first-principles model of pitch-angle and energy distribution function evolution, which produces power laws and provides physical interpretation for such spectral features (Guidoni et al. 2022, ApJ). In this model, a prescribed fraction of particles sequentially “hops” between shrinking magnetic islands (accelerators) formed by flare reconnection. Each accelerator increases particles’ energies by a modest amount, but particles must visit only a few accelerators to increase their energies by orders of magnitude. Data from global magnetohydrodynamic simulations of an eruptive flare/coronal mass ejection provide ambient conditions for the evolving particle distributions. We will also describe the fully analytic method for forming and interpreting power laws, which requires only a few constrained physical parameters of the acceleration region and is independent of the acceleration model, as well as preliminary results extending the analytical model to the formation of double power laws.

S E Guidoni↗
DOE OSTI2011

A charged particle in a homogeneous magnetic field accelerated by a time-periodic Aharonov-Bohm flux

We consider a nonrelativistic quantum charged particle moving on a plane under the influence of a uniform magnetic field and driven by a periodically time-dependent Aharonov-Bohm flux. We observe an acceleration effect in the case when the Aharonov-Bohm flux depends on time as a sinusoidal function whose frequency is in resonance with the cyclotron frequency. In particular, the energy of the particle increases linearly for large times. An explicit formula for the acceleration rate is derived with the aid of the quantum averaging method, and then it is checked against a numerical solution and a very good agreement is found. - Highlights: > A nonrelativistic quantum charged particle on a plane. > A homogeneous magnetic field and a periodically time-dependent Aharonov-Bohm flux. > The quantum averaging method applied to a time-dependent system. > A resonance of the AB flux with the cyclotron frequency. > An acceleration with linearly increasing energy; a formula for the acceleration rate.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Re-Assembly and Test of a COMB Dipole Magnet With STAR Wires

Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) coated conductors are an attractive option for application in high field accelerator magnets due to their high critical field and the convenience of fabrication without heat treatment compared to some other superconductors. A small REBCO accelerator magnet was previously fabricated and tested in liquid nitrogen, demonstrating over 90% critical current retention in the coils. This paper describes the magnet re-assembly with a different support structure and its test in liquid helium at 1.8–4.5 K. The magnet quench history along with the instrumentation data is presented and discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF COSMIC-RAY ACCELERATION BY MAGNETIC TURBULENCE AT THE GALACTIC CENTER

The presence of relativistic particles at the center of our Galaxy is evidenced by the diffuse TeV emission detected from the inner {approx}2 Degree-Sign of the Galaxy. Although it is not yet entirely clear whether the origin of the TeV photons is due to hadronic or leptonic interactions, the tight correlation of the intensity distribution with the distribution of molecular gas along the Galactic ridge strongly points to a pionic-decay process involving relativistic protons. In previous work, we concluded that point-source candidates, such as the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (identified with the High-Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) source J1745-290) or the pulsar wind nebulae dispersed along the Galactic plane, could not account for the observed diffuse TeV emission from this region. Motivated by this result, we consider here the feasibility that the cosmic rays populating the Galactic center region are accelerated in situ by magnetic turbulence. Our results indicate that even in a highly conductive environment, this mechanism is efficient enough to energize protons within the intercloud medium to the {approx}>TeV energies required to produce the HESS emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Acceleration during magnetic reconnection

The presentation begins with colorful depictions of solar x-ray flares and references to pulsar phenomena. Plasma reconnection is complex, could be x-point dominated or turbulent, field lines could break due to either resistivity or non-ideal effects, such as electron pressure anisotropy. Electron acceleration is sometimes observed, and sometimes not. One way to study this complex problem is to have many examples of the process (reconnection) and compare them; the other way is to simplify and come to something robust. Ideal MHD (E=0) turbulence driven by magnetic energy is assumed, and the first-order acceleration is sought. It is found that dissipation in big (length >100 ion skin depths) current sheets is universal and independent on microscopic resistivity and the mean imposed field; particles are regularly accelerated while experiencing curvature drift in flows driven by magnetic tension. One example of such flow is spontaneous reconnection. This explains hot electrons with a power-law tail in solar flares, as well as ultrashort time variability in some astrophysical sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗